Foa Island and Matafonua Point
A Ha'apai island joined to Lifuka by causeway, ending in a point with reef off it.
Updated 3 September 2026
Foa is joined to Lifuka by a causeway, a low island of villages, plantations and beaches with Matafonua at its northern tip, where the sand runs out to a point with reef immediately offshore and the channel beyond. A lodge sits at the point. Snorkelling is straight off the beach and humpbacks pass through the channel in season, sometimes close enough to hear from the shore.
What you'll find
- Matafonua point - the northern tip where the sand runs out to reef.
- The causeway - the road link joining Foa to Lifuka.
- The shore snorkelling - reef reachable directly from the beach.
- The whale channel - the passage humpbacks use in season.
When to go
May to October is the drier season; whales pass roughly July to October. Cyclone season runs November to April. The lodge closes for part of the year.
Good to know
Facilities are the one lodge and the villages; there is little else. Currents in the channel off the point are strong. Ha'apai is reached by a small flight or the ferry, both unreliable.
Nearby
Lifuka is south, and Uoleva is beyond it.
What to pack for Foa Island and Matafonua Point
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Your own mask + snorkel - A well-fitting mask is the single biggest comfort upgrade underwater. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
