Alofi

Across its narrow strait, Futuna keeps an empty Eden: Alofi, the sister island whose population resettled generations ago, leaving plantations still worked by day-crossing families, beaches of white quiet at the crossing points, forest rising to the interior's heights, and a red-footed booby colony that, with the shy ground dove, makes the island an Important Bird Area. Boats from Futuna cross the 1.7-kilometre channel in minutes when seas allow; the day's shape is plantation walks, the beach's swim and the strait's return - the Hoorn Islands' gentlest expedition. The island lies just across a narrow strait from Futuna and is visible from most of its southern coast.

Highlights

• The crossing beaches - white quiet at the landing points.
• The worked plantations - day-farmed groves without residents.
• The booby colony - the red-footed boobies that make Alofi an Important Bird Area.
• The strait's frame - Futuna's green across the water.

When to go

May to October for the calmest strait; boats are arranged from Futuna - sea state holds the veto.

Before you go

The island is families' worked land - crossings and walks run on their courtesy; carry the day's needs entirely.

Nearby

Futuna's south coast and Leava.

Key facts