Niuatoputapu

Niuatoputapu is a high island in the island nation of Tonga, Pacific Ocean, its highest point being at 157 m. Its name means sacred island. Older European names for the island are Traitors island or Keppel island.

Niuatoputapu is located in the north of the country, 300 kilometres (190 miles) away from Vavaʻu near the border with Sāmoa. Its closest neighbours are the small island of Tafahi, only 9 km (5.6 mi) to the north-northeast, and the island of Niuafo'ou. The three islands together form the administrative division of the Niuas. There is an airport in Niuatoputapu, Mataʻaho airport, which is designated to accept international flights. The population of Niuatoputapu was 934 in 2006. The inhabitants formerly spoke the Niuatoputapu language, which has now been extinct for centuries, having been replaced with Tongan. Nevertheless, Sāmoan, ʻUvean and Futunan elements can be noticed.