Eretoka and Lelapa Islands

Eretoka, known locally as Hat Island, together with Leap Island and a portion of the mainland, is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Vanuatu. Eretoka and Lelapa are adjacent islands off the coast of the main island of Vanuatu.
The historic significance of the islands now known as Vanuatu relates to a famous chief, Roi Mata, who is thought to have lived around the turn of the 17th century. It is his domain that makes up the world heritage site.
At that time, there was more or less constant war among the tribes of the islands. Roi Mata is credited with ending the conflict and bringing peace to the islands. However, one tribe on Lelapa Island was unhappy with this. So they lured Roi Mata to a feast where he was killed.
The villagers buried him in what is known today as Fels Cave (see the 1st picture) which the village used as a safe refuge.
However, people feared his spirit. So he was reburied on Eretoka. The burial site is the 2nd picture. The legend had it that he was buried with his 20 wives who were said to have been buried alive. Excavation of the grave site confirmed that the legend was true. The chief's remains are now in the national museum, but all the wives remain in the grave.
The next 3 pictures all look at Eretoka. The 3rd picture is taken through the rain and shows the whole uninhabited island. You can see why it's called Hat Island. Pictures 4&5 show more of the island.
There is excellent snorkeling here. The coral at Hat Island is in excellent shape, at least in part because the island is uninhibited (ie, no pollution). I don't have an underwater camera. So no photos. However, in the last picture (as well as the picture of Fels Cave) were provided by the local guide. Highly endangered giant clams are found near the coast of Lelapa Island. Those are in the last picture.Read more