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Province · Highlands Region
Hela
Hela is the land of the Huli and their ceremonial wigs, in the Tari valley, surrounded by mountains and forests with birds-of-paradise.
In the photo: Tari pass
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Hela
Hela was created in 2012 from land that previously belonged to Southern Highlands. The province occupies high valleys and mountains in the western Highlands, and the capital, Tari, lies in the Tari Basin, a broad valley surrounded by mountain ranges.
The Huli, the province’s main people, are known for ceremonial wigs made from their own hair, which men grow for years in a traditional school. The wigs are decorated with birds-of-paradise feathers and flowers, and faces are painted yellow and red during performances.
Hela’s montane forests, such as those around the Tari Gap, shelter birds-of-paradise and other Highlands bird species.
Huli villages are surrounded by ditches and wooden fences, with sweet potato gardens.
The United States government advises against travel to this province, the United Kingdom advises against all but essential travel, and the Australian government recommends reconsidering travel to Hela. Before planning, check your government’s current travel advice.
When to go
Because of the altitude, days are mild and nights are cold year-round. It rains frequently, and June to September are usually a bit drier. In the montane forests, mist is common early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Getting there
Tari Airport (TIZ) receives flights from Port Moresby. By road, Tari is connected to Southern Highlands and Enga via the Highlands road network.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Hela
Who are the Huli?
They are the main people of Hela, known for ceremonial wigs made from their own hair, decorated with feathers and flowers, and for yellow and red face paint used in performances. Huli groups also perform at Highlands festivals.
How are Huli wigs made?
Boys spend time in a traditional school where they let their hair grow, following specific care and rules. Later the hair is cut and shaped into a wig for ceremonies. The tradition is maintained by the communities themselves.
Do any governments advise against travel to Hela?
Yes. The United States government advises against travel to the province, the United Kingdom advises against all but essential travel, and the Australian government recommends reconsidering travel to Hela. Check your country’s most recent advice, which may have been updated.
How do you get to Tari?
By air, via Tari Airport with flights from Port Moresby, or by road from Southern Highlands and Enga.