| Fonualei | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 180 m (591 ft) [1] |
| Listing | List of volcanoes in Tonga |
| Location | |
| Location | Tonga Islands |
| Geology | |
| Type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | 1846 |
Fonualei is a volcanic island close to Vavaʻu in the kingdom of Tonga. It was seen by Don Francisco Antonio Mourelle on the La Princesa in February 1781. He reported the island to be barren from eruptions, and called it for that reason Bitterness island.
A major eruption in 1846, starting 11 June, destroyed much of the vegetation of Vavaʻu and spread ash around for at least a year. Some sources claim that three other neighbouring volcanoes, Late, Tokū and another, erupted at the same time. This is probably a mistake by passing ships who misidentified the erupting island.
The closest island to Fonualei is Toku 19.7 km to the southeast.