Nu'utele Island

Nu'utele is the largest of the four Aleipata islands off Upolu's eastern end, uninhabited, forested and rising to over a hundred and eighty metres, and it was used as a leprosy settlement in the early twentieth century, the remains of which are still traceable in the scrub. Rats were removed in a conservation programme and seabirds and the Samoan flying fox have benefited. Landing requires permission and calm conditions. Three smaller islands lie alongside it in the same group, and together they are managed as a marine and terrestrial protected area.

What you actually see

• The forested island - uninhabited ground rising to over a hundred and eighty metres.
• The settlement remains - traces of the early twentieth-century leprosy station.
• The seabird colonies - the birds recovering after rat eradication.
• The Aleipata setting - the island group off Upolu's eastern tip.

When to go

May to October is calmest for landing. Swell frequently prevents access. Permission must be arranged in advance.

Honest expectations

Landing is often impossible in swell and permission is required. There are no facilities, water or shelter on the island. The interior is dense scrub with no trails.

Nearby

Namua is west, and Lalomanu is on the Upolu coast.