Hạf'liua, (Hofliua) also often referred to as "Split Island" is an islet which falls under the governing jurisdiction of the Fijian dependency of Rotuma.
Hạf'liua is located at . It is the westernmost island of Rotuma Group, and about 0.1 km² in area. It is a small, bare, rocky and cliffy islet, 58 meters high, located 5.6 kilometers southwest of Uea. It is the farthest southwest of the chain of islets, and has a remarkable, perpendicular cleft across it, which the sea passes through, a gully with vertical walls a few metres apart, although large enough for most small boats to pass through. Thus its alternate name Split Island. Caught between the two walls is a large boulder, lodged there for all recorded history. The island is an important nesting site for sea birds.
Hạf'liua also features some graves on its top surface. While the process must have been extremely difficult for the relatives attempting to move the dead up such a steep cliff for burial, the very process was undertaken for the protection of the bodies, and the effort involved was considered indicative of the love or esteem held for the deceased.
|
||||||||