It is possible to walk to Uoleva Island from Lifuka, but only right at low tide and in really calm conditions. The currents can be very strong and it is recommended to go by boat. You can walk around the whole island in 3 hours, at low tide.
Visiting Uoleva is like taking a step back in time. Life is simple and laid-back, with no roads or shops. We use rainwater for drinking and pump water from a well for cool showers. We have no electricity, apart from one solar-powered light in our own kitchen.
There is great snorkelling just off the beach, inside a safe sheltered reef. From July - November you can see humpback whales just off the beach, or you can go out whale watching and even swim with the whales. Tonga is one of the only places in the world where you're allowed to swim with whales.
Getting to Uoleva Island
From Tongatapu (the main island in Tonga, where the international airport is) there are two main ways to get to Ha'apai:
Passenger ferry
The ferry departs from the Queen Solate wharf in Nukualofa on Monday nights and arrives in Pangai (the main township and port in ha'apai) early the next morning.
Friendly Islands Shipping Agency. You can find out shipping schedules and more information by visiting their website.
Flight
It costs around $167 Tongan for a flight from Nukualofa to Pangai. Flights can be booked on their website.
Chatams Pacific Airways.
