Latest fromPacific Islands

Hawaii: Fallen palace of the Pacific
Jim Eagles discovers the sad history behind Hawaii's overthrown monarchy.

Mass grave on Tongan seabed
An independent inquiry has been ordered into the cause of last week's sinking of the Tongan ferry Princess Ashika.

NZ-trained pilot captained doomed PNG plane
Airlines PNG chairman Simon Wild has defended the experience of the crew operating the flight.

Tongan waters now graveyard
At least 93 people who drowned in the Princess Ashika are likely to be forever buried at sea because the wreck - found yesterday - is too deep.

Tonga: Ferry located but too deep for divers to reach
Sonar images indicate a vessel which fits the general size and shape of the Princess Ashika.

Divers hope to establish if rope attached to ferry
Divers hope to know today if a rope found in the water is attached to the ferry which sank last week with the loss of up to 93 lives.

NZ looks at helping Tonga replace ferry
The Government is to help Tonga find a replacement for the ferry that sank a week ago with the loss of nearly 100 lives.

Papua New Guinea: Fears for missing tourist plane
Twin engine plane carrying people to world-famous trek site fails to arrive at destination.