Hiw

Hiw is an island in the Torres Islands group of Torba Province in northern Vanuatu and is the northernmost inhabited island in the country. The island is small, inhabited and retains traditional village-based lifestyles and customs.

Visitors to Hiw will find a low-density settlement pattern with coastal villages, local agriculture and nearshore fishing as primary livelihoods; there are also traditional structures and customary practices maintained by local communities. Boat access from neighbouring islands is the typical way to reach Hiw, with limited visitor infrastructure.

Hiw sits at the northern extremity of Vanuatu’s island chain in the South Pacific, part of Torba Province, and lies north of the larger Banks and Torres group islands, isolated relative to the main town centres of Vanuatu.

• Northernmost Torres island: It is the northernmost inhabited island of Vanuatu’s Torres Islands group and has traditionally organised village communities with local subsistence activities.

Hiw is reached by inter-island boat or small charter flights from larger Vanuatu hubs; travelers should coordinate with operators in Torba Province and check schedules carefully, as services can be infrequent.

• Inter-island boats and charter flights are the usual ways to reach Hiw; arrange transport through a local village authority or charter operator.
• Bring cash and basic supplies; these remote islands often have limited stores and services.