Fenua-ura
4.5
Full view
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
31 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Richard F
Louisville, KY7,567 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
One of the most enchanting islands you'll ever visit. The population is sparse, but you won't find nicer, friendlier and kinder people anywhere. They set up tables on the beach to sell their homemade wares. The prices are very reasonable and you won't find better souvenirs anywhere. You can get some great memories of your visit.
Written December 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rodjenks
Geelong, Australia119 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
Fanning Island is the poorest island (actually it is an atoll) we visited but the one we enjoyed the most during a cruise from Sydney to Vancouver on the MS Volendam in April 2012
The ship had arranged to take any clothes donated to the villagers.
We were welcomed at the jetty by a lively band and choir.
My photos do not do justice to the congenial atmosphere the small local population provided. The islanders have stalls with souvenirs that are all handmade from the few raw materials available and amazingly cheap -Not a "made in china " label anywhere.
There were 2 young girls with a sign requesting donations for their school to buy a photocopier !!
My wife caused a hilarious scene by lining up a group of schoolboys and offering a dollar to anyone who could catch a pig that was wandering around the school grounds. It gave them a merry chase but it was finally trapped in a mud pool.
The only vehicles on the island are small trucks with a tray on the back, these were being used as tour coaches by the addition of a thatched roof and some padding on the seats down the sides. Incredibly one passenger attempted to bargain with the driver to take 2 for his advertised price of $10 per person for a 40 minute tour of the seven villages on the atoll !
There is no paved roads, running water , sewerage or electricity on the island.
When asked if they had ever practiced cannibalism our guide emphatically said “not on this island” then added a story of how a guy had murdered his wife then burned her body.
They sent the tractor with forks on the front to collect her body for burial and it smelt pretty good. !!
The beach is the typical idyllic pacific islands scene with white sand and blue waters, great for swimming.
The wharf that the tenders arrive at was in need of some repairs , the ships carpenters had obviously measured it up on a previous trip as they took some timber ashore and were busy fitting it when we arrived there.
It is a shame that Holland America have taken Fanning Island off the ports on their trans- pacific repositioning cruises, passengers must have been a huge boost to the economy of this poor community.
The ship had arranged to take any clothes donated to the villagers.
We were welcomed at the jetty by a lively band and choir.
My photos do not do justice to the congenial atmosphere the small local population provided. The islanders have stalls with souvenirs that are all handmade from the few raw materials available and amazingly cheap -Not a "made in china " label anywhere.
There were 2 young girls with a sign requesting donations for their school to buy a photocopier !!
My wife caused a hilarious scene by lining up a group of schoolboys and offering a dollar to anyone who could catch a pig that was wandering around the school grounds. It gave them a merry chase but it was finally trapped in a mud pool.
The only vehicles on the island are small trucks with a tray on the back, these were being used as tour coaches by the addition of a thatched roof and some padding on the seats down the sides. Incredibly one passenger attempted to bargain with the driver to take 2 for his advertised price of $10 per person for a 40 minute tour of the seven villages on the atoll !
There is no paved roads, running water , sewerage or electricity on the island.
When asked if they had ever practiced cannibalism our guide emphatically said “not on this island” then added a story of how a guy had murdered his wife then burned her body.
They sent the tractor with forks on the front to collect her body for burial and it smelt pretty good. !!
The beach is the typical idyllic pacific islands scene with white sand and blue waters, great for swimming.
The wharf that the tenders arrive at was in need of some repairs , the ships carpenters had obviously measured it up on a previous trip as they took some timber ashore and were busy fitting it when we arrived there.
It is a shame that Holland America have taken Fanning Island off the ports on their trans- pacific repositioning cruises, passengers must have been a huge boost to the economy of this poor community.
Written July 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chathamgirl
Hawkesbury, Canada25 contributions
Oct 2014
I have been to Fanning Island five times , in the beginning of 2000, when NCL was visiting there as part of their cruises,which ,included the Hawaiian Islands. I won't go on about what these Islands do not have, but rather what they do have! I cannot say how much I enjoyed visiting each time I was there. It was the children, with happy, excited little faces and, the people, how talented in their beautiful shell making and singing voices of welcome to their island.The tour of the Island by truck for $10.00, which included a wonderful and interesting and very proud tour guide to explain all that we saw was just so interesting,educational, and very worthwhile.
He showed us the area where seaweed was harvested from the ocean, the cocanut grove where the pigs were tied by a leg to the trees and raised by the side of the turquoise sea , and the little town area which included a church, consisting of a thatched roof, a gas station of two oil drums and a post office.All of these things so clean and well attended made me think of how our need at home for so many material things rule our lives.Meanwhile the children ran alongside playing and laughing and doing things that children do like making faces and running from tree to tree.We ended up along the beach area by the most tantalizing sand and seas you could ever imagine, I realized I was so privileged to share a very few hours of my life with some residents of a truly beautiful place,FANNING ISLAND.
He showed us the area where seaweed was harvested from the ocean, the cocanut grove where the pigs were tied by a leg to the trees and raised by the side of the turquoise sea , and the little town area which included a church, consisting of a thatched roof, a gas station of two oil drums and a post office.All of these things so clean and well attended made me think of how our need at home for so many material things rule our lives.Meanwhile the children ran alongside playing and laughing and doing things that children do like making faces and running from tree to tree.We ended up along the beach area by the most tantalizing sand and seas you could ever imagine, I realized I was so privileged to share a very few hours of my life with some residents of a truly beautiful place,FANNING ISLAND.
Written July 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yousskyé S
Delray Beach, FL11 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Fanning was a port-of-call on one of our cruises. When we booked the cruise, we needed Google to see where it was and what this island was all about. As many reviewers here have noted, no electricity, no water, etc. But... everywhere you look, beauty as far as the eye can see. The turquoise to navy blue gradient from inside the atoll to the open water is breathtaking: 16 million shades in one look,.
We had heard about bringing toys, pencils, crayons, school supplies, note books, because they are truly appreciated by the island's children. I shopped in Honolulu before we embarked and needed an extra suitcase to bring it all. As long as I was at it, I included 3 reams of photocopy paper, scissors, glue, small dollar store plastic kites, coloring books, etc. Deep inmy heart, I know it was all put to good use.
What to do ashore? If it doesn't involve relaxing and letting out some steam, stay on the ship because there is nothing for you there. The people are polite, respectful, and helpful. I collect seashells. I found a lady selling a triacnid clam and seashell jewelry. But I wanted to have a larger clam. I explained this to her. She spoke to a child who ran off and returned with one about 3 times as large. She told me $5 but this was worth way more to me. My conscience told me to give her $10, She looked aghast and gave me a bracelet made of little seashells, which she tied around my right wrist. She even hugged and kissed me. I can live with that.
I often think of Fanning Island and how they are mere inches above high tide. Eventually, with rising sea levels, they'll have to abandon their island as rising seawater contaminates their drinking water. These people will be among the first environmental refugees.
If you go, bring lots of dollar bills for the children. They are quite photogenic. Bring as much school supplies as you can carry. Bring your inner child and be charmed by these wonderful people. Also bring a good camera with a few extra memory cards. Don't be deterred by the fact that there is no modern conveniences there. If you collect stamps, someone from their post office sells stamps. See him early because he runs out of stamps quickly. Those were so appreciated by my philatelist friends, you have no idea. And I often delight in my triacnid clam, too.
Reading the list of possible amenities shown below, I can tell you that you won't find any of these things: there are no restaurants, no bars, no stairs, no elevators, no wheelchair access, no lockers, no storage area and no stroller parking. Bring comfortable walking shoes and water socks. Sand is everywhere, finer than powdered sugar and will get into everything you bring with you. The nice thing is... you won't mind.
We had heard about bringing toys, pencils, crayons, school supplies, note books, because they are truly appreciated by the island's children. I shopped in Honolulu before we embarked and needed an extra suitcase to bring it all. As long as I was at it, I included 3 reams of photocopy paper, scissors, glue, small dollar store plastic kites, coloring books, etc. Deep inmy heart, I know it was all put to good use.
What to do ashore? If it doesn't involve relaxing and letting out some steam, stay on the ship because there is nothing for you there. The people are polite, respectful, and helpful. I collect seashells. I found a lady selling a triacnid clam and seashell jewelry. But I wanted to have a larger clam. I explained this to her. She spoke to a child who ran off and returned with one about 3 times as large. She told me $5 but this was worth way more to me. My conscience told me to give her $10, She looked aghast and gave me a bracelet made of little seashells, which she tied around my right wrist. She even hugged and kissed me. I can live with that.
I often think of Fanning Island and how they are mere inches above high tide. Eventually, with rising sea levels, they'll have to abandon their island as rising seawater contaminates their drinking water. These people will be among the first environmental refugees.
If you go, bring lots of dollar bills for the children. They are quite photogenic. Bring as much school supplies as you can carry. Bring your inner child and be charmed by these wonderful people. Also bring a good camera with a few extra memory cards. Don't be deterred by the fact that there is no modern conveniences there. If you collect stamps, someone from their post office sells stamps. See him early because he runs out of stamps quickly. Those were so appreciated by my philatelist friends, you have no idea. And I often delight in my triacnid clam, too.
Reading the list of possible amenities shown below, I can tell you that you won't find any of these things: there are no restaurants, no bars, no stairs, no elevators, no wheelchair access, no lockers, no storage area and no stroller parking. Bring comfortable walking shoes and water socks. Sand is everywhere, finer than powdered sugar and will get into everything you bring with you. The nice thing is... you won't mind.
Written March 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redneckersson5
Canton, GA511 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
We stopped here on the way to French Polynesia. The island actually is an oval around a central lagoon missing a small piece that permits access from the Pacific to the lagoon–a larger Santorini without hills. It is a very scenic place. Palm trees, water of various hues of blue, blue skies with fluffy white clouds, white sand, warm water. However, unless you decide to skinny dip, or just like to walk to dead ends with another view much like the last view, most people will exhaust the allure of the island in an hour and a half. Someone said that the average for our cruise was 45 minutes.
Until Norwegian Cruise Lines needed a stop to comply with U.S. law, it was not on anyone’s itinerary. Norwegian no longer visits, but it still is an occasional stop for Holland America (and I believe Princess). As an isolated area with a small population it lacks most of the features of modern life such as electricity in homes (and thus everything powered by electricity). I believe that there are now a few generators on the island, and I saw a few solar panels, but still no internet, TV, etc.
I am of two very different minds in writing this review. Over the last 50 years I have been in very primitive places in various places around the world and watched the impact of “civilization” on them. More to the point here, if you have taken a Caribbean cruise, factor out the high end shops and focus on the street merchants and hawkers. No matter what folks say, the first cruise ship here, and subsequent visits, changed this society in important ways. When you debark on the pier, a group of students sings to you (with a bucket for donations). Exiting the pier you will find a very extensive open market hawking local crafts as well as young men dressed in various costumes soliciting money for pictures. As you walk the single road this scene continues with children in costume singing and performing, or a large turtle in a wheel barrow for a picture op. It is all VERY low key, but tourism has become an important economic opportunity. Still, one must wonder at the vagaries of the market here–what if tourism stops, as it might at any point. After all, Norwegian evidently had no qualms about abandoning this as a destination when it no longer made economic sense.
From what I understand, Holland has provided a lot of local support, and encourages those visiting to contribute to school and other funds.
Until Norwegian Cruise Lines needed a stop to comply with U.S. law, it was not on anyone’s itinerary. Norwegian no longer visits, but it still is an occasional stop for Holland America (and I believe Princess). As an isolated area with a small population it lacks most of the features of modern life such as electricity in homes (and thus everything powered by electricity). I believe that there are now a few generators on the island, and I saw a few solar panels, but still no internet, TV, etc.
I am of two very different minds in writing this review. Over the last 50 years I have been in very primitive places in various places around the world and watched the impact of “civilization” on them. More to the point here, if you have taken a Caribbean cruise, factor out the high end shops and focus on the street merchants and hawkers. No matter what folks say, the first cruise ship here, and subsequent visits, changed this society in important ways. When you debark on the pier, a group of students sings to you (with a bucket for donations). Exiting the pier you will find a very extensive open market hawking local crafts as well as young men dressed in various costumes soliciting money for pictures. As you walk the single road this scene continues with children in costume singing and performing, or a large turtle in a wheel barrow for a picture op. It is all VERY low key, but tourism has become an important economic opportunity. Still, one must wonder at the vagaries of the market here–what if tourism stops, as it might at any point. After all, Norwegian evidently had no qualms about abandoning this as a destination when it no longer made economic sense.
From what I understand, Holland has provided a lot of local support, and encourages those visiting to contribute to school and other funds.
Written February 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard F
Louisville, KY7,567 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
This was our first visit to this enchanting island in the middle of nowhere. The beauty here and the friendly people are hard to describe in words. You must experience it for yourself. We heard stories before we went there about how primitive it was but, when we saw it in person we understood. We were met at the dock by schoolchildren signing songs. There were lots of tables set up near the beach with the hand made wares of the native people. Necklaces, knives, shells, etc. priced most around $2 to $3. We loaded up. There were families and children all around singing and smiling. We walked down the road through the village. There was a group of schoolchildren on the side singing songs and they were just wonderful. A small group of young boys wanted to take us to see their school in the rear of the village. it was a small building, originally built when the NCL cruise line used to come there on a regular basis. We brought some school supplies with us to donate so we gave them to the teacher who was also present. She was so grateful. We spent about 4 hours walking around the island and meeting the people, children and just absorbing the friendship they exhibited. It is hard to describe the feelings we left with at the end of the day. We will long remember our time there and the people we met.
If you ever have a chance to visit this island and the step back in time, I urge you to do so. You will not regret it.
If you ever have a chance to visit this island and the step back in time, I urge you to do so. You will not regret it.
Written December 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea S
Meridian, Idaho, United States118 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
This place was amazing! We stopped here while on a cruise and explored the entire island (which isn't very large). One of the most beautiful places we have been too! The natives are very friendly. You will find them throughout the island selling hand made jewelry, bowls, fruit, etc. While we rode bikes along the path, young children would stop you and sing to you for $1.00. The water was crystal clear, warm and inviting. We rented a paddle boat for an hour during our stay as well. I would love to come back to this little island for another visit again! Truly amazing and untouched by commercialism.
Written July 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doctorgary
Port Saint Lucie, FL200 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
I was there about 11 years ago on a day stop during a Nowegian cruise out of Honolulu. At that time an out of country stop was required so we went to Fanning island. It's an atoll with not much atoll there. Beautiful palms trees and other plant life. Primitive living at best. No electricity. Fresh water comes from......I have no idea. The local natives, including surrounding islanders came for the day to sell Polynesian chachka's, including baskets and shell bracelets etc. The school house is a hut with no walls or floor. They set up a tiny convenience store/post office for the tourists which I am sure was only open that one day each week. I heard that the locals survive by collecting and selling seaweed. The Norwegian crew gave them a generator. They supplied a TV and VCR with tapes. They watched Superman and thought other people could fly.
Luckily they had no hilltops. The kids (maybe the parents) ended up making grass skirts except instead of grass they used VCR tape pieces. A very interesting and beautiful place.
Luckily they had no hilltops. The kids (maybe the parents) ended up making grass skirts except instead of grass they used VCR tape pieces. A very interesting and beautiful place.
Written September 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chris69kidderminster
Kidderminster, UK340 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Waht a Fantastic island a must see place. They have no electricity or plumbing so there is nowhere to eat or drink so bear this in mind! Also no toilets. However if you get the chance you must visit the island the people are VERY friendly. The children are fab and my only regret is that i didnt take anything for the kids they are grateful for anything sweets, balloons, anything so if you go please take something to give them. The island is beautiful clear blue water lovely white sand just such a fasinating place, and great to see how these wonderful people live. They sell jewelry that they have made and it is so cheap you have to buy some even if you sont want it! However they do not "force" you to buy anything and when i bought a necklace she gave me a bracelet to go with it! You can just wander around the island meeting and talking to the people just fantastic highly recommend a visit to Fanning Island
Written January 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gerleg12
Vancouver, Canada1,130 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Fanning island is the one place to see the south pacific more as it was. The water in the lagoon is a beautiful color surrounded with palm trees.
Our ship stopped for the day and you tender ashore. The first couple of tenders took plywood and carpenters to fix the wharf and also took lots of things that the passengers and Holland America donated to the island (especially school supplies).
There are no restrooms, running water, sewer system or electricity except for a few private generators.
It is a beautiful place to visit for a few hours. The locals had many things for sale, mainly made from shells all at very reasonable tourist prices.
Our ship stopped for the day and you tender ashore. The first couple of tenders took plywood and carpenters to fix the wharf and also took lots of things that the passengers and Holland America donated to the island (especially school supplies).
There are no restrooms, running water, sewer system or electricity except for a few private generators.
It is a beautiful place to visit for a few hours. The locals had many things for sale, mainly made from shells all at very reasonable tourist prices.
Written November 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eve R
Lisbon, Portugal21 contributions
How do I get to tabuaeran? I saw the air Kiribati website, but online tickets are not available.
YoungSirSolo
Fort Lauderdale, FL92 contributions
Where/how do they get fuel for the truck?
dmolesen
Copenhagen, Denmark
They get it from the famuos fueltrees that grow there. Locally known as: "mosanka-betonik-beefeter", which translated means something like "oily-nice-tree. Hope this helps.
helen8809
Olmsted Falls, OH1 contribution
I forgot to tell you there is no electricity but they do cook on an open fire. I am not sure who to contact but please do a search for Kwai Cargo Ship
AnthonyIllustrator
Melbourne, Australia
Hi I want to go to Fanning Island for a month of surfing on my 60th birthday, does it have electricity?
I would like to bring over some educational materials to support the kids, (I'm a teacher) who should I contact?
Thanks!
helen8809
Olmsted Falls, OH1 contribution
I was there in 2002 and I paid the man in his truck 10 dollars to take me all around the island. They said they mostly eat fish that they catch daily but when I saw the pigs and live chickens I thought maybe they eat eggs for breakfast from the hens and then kill them later for dinner. On special occasions, it looks like they might roast one of those pigs. One man said he built his home out of coral stone that he found all over. There is only one foreigner living on the island and he is now married to a native girl. I understand a cargo ship called the Kwai delivers food and things requested every four months. I noticed one of the things delivered was Budweiser Beer in cases. I noticed they also buy laundry detergent and used clothing. If I were you, I would go to the 99 cents store and buy everything that is educational. That any they won't have to buy it from the cargo ship Kwai. You can fly to Christmas Island, Kiribati and then take Kwai to Fanning Island. It says on their website they charge 360 dollars for 1 meter of supplies from Honolulu. If you fly to Christmas Island, the trip will take you only 2 days. There is no airport on Fanning Island. Buy anything they have at the 99 cents store. I also noticed they buy vegetable oil from the cargo ship and it up breadfruit into French fries and then fry them until they are brown. Thank you for listening . Helen.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing