Fonualei (volcano)

Fonualei is a volcanic island close to Vavaokinau 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 Vavaokinau 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.

References

*D. Gerstle; Gentle people, into the heart of Vavaokinau 1781-1973; Tofua press 1973
*Dirk HR Spennemann, [http://csusap.csu.edu.au/~dspennem/ReportStore/JCReport196.pdf The June 1846 Eruption of Fonualei Volcano, Tonga. An Historical Analysis] . The Johnstone Centre. Report Nº 196.