Cruising Guide to the Kingdom of Tonga in the Vavau Island Group
CHART 112 & 113
or "C-•• )
- HUNGA is the most westward island and it is a beautiful island
with abandoned citrus orchards on the S.E. end of Fofoa Island and
a fine village in the lagoon. The one nnvigable entrance to the
lagoon is on the W. side of the island between high cliffs and is
5imilar i.n appearance to a false entrance about one-half roi le
further N. The correct entrance is about 150 feet across ~nd is
bordered by cliffs with a very high cliff on the S. side. In the
entrance is a rock about 6 feet in diameter and 10 feet high and
it is about 50 feet from the N. side and 150 feet from the S.
side. Leave this rock to port on entering. Once between the rock
and the S. shore the channel becomes narrow and shallow, bear 115°
magnetic which will lead to the beach on the far shore.
Even though we have used dynamite to improve this entrance to
Hunga, it remains tricky and hazardous. Tt should be made at high
tide without current and with good sunlight. Never try it with a
large running sea. at low water, with a strong current or wi.thout
adequate sunlight. You may enter only between one hour before and
up to one hour after the actual high tide. Once inside the lagoon
there is a magnificent lake-like anchorage. In fact. there are
several good beaches and anchorages in generally deep water. The
area around the two small islands midway up the E. shore is too
shallow for anchoring. The village is in the N.E. corner and at
the southern end you may dinghy through a shallow pass to Foeata
- with good snorkeling off that island. however. check the tidal
times and height to make sure you will be able to return.
