Nanumea
Tuvalu · 3 m
Description
Nanumea is the northernmost island of Tuvalu and the farthest from anywhere, a full day and a half by ship from Funafuti across open ocean. American forces cut an airstrip and a channel through the reef here in 1943 and the evidence is still lying about, including a landing craft rusting on the beach where it was abandoned. The island is known within Tuvalu for its church, the largest building in the country, and for a dialect and a set of songs that differ from the rest. Very few outsiders come, and those who do usually arrive with the ship and leave with it.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 6 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Nanumea church
- Wartime landing craft wreck
- Nanumea lagoon & the blasted reef channel
- American airstrip remains
- Lakena islet
- Te Ava Tuulua channel
- Nanumea songs & dance nights
- Ocean-side beach walk
- Seabird colonies on the northern motu
- Reef-edge fishing