Vava'u is one of the most idyllic destinations in the South Pacific for adventurers. The islands attract not just sailors and kayakers to its shores in the winter sailing season between June and October, but also humpback whales come to the protected waters to give birth to their calves. This high season for tourism is in stark contrast to the summer months between December and April when few visitors visit and many tour companies and restaurants close down for the season. But if you are not too interested in sailing or whale watching, this can be the best time to visit with no crowds and heavily discounted prices.
Neiafu Harbour, Vavau
Neiafu Town is the centre of all activity in Vava'u. Sitting on the southern prominence of the main island, the ramshackle town has an attractive harbour setting alongside the Port of Refuge. This is the admin. centre with banks, tour companies and lots of good restaurants, cafes, bars and inexpensive guest houses. There are few beaches on the main island, most of the coast being limestone cliffs, and the villages here are not particularly attractive having been flattened in December 2001 by Hurricane Val.
However, there are some great walks with attractive coastal scenery, especially the hike to Mt. Talau (131m) with its excellent views over the Port of Refuge. Another notable hike is to Toafa Church on Vava'u's west point with its splendid views of the Hunga Cliffs and offshore islands. For the most spectacular views on Vava'u, visit Utu'alina Point on north Vava'u. For those with an archaeological interest, the ancient burial mound of Sia Ko Kafoa near the large Vaipua inlet in the heart of the island is a good place to visit.
The second largest island in Vava'u is Pangaimotu, seen across the water from Neiafu Harbour and connected by land bridge at Vavau's southern point. The beaches on Pangaimotu are much nicer - the white sands of Hinakauea and Lisa Beaches on the southern coast are the sites of weekly Tongan Feasts held for tourists. The best way of exploring the Pangaimotu Coast is by water taxi or sea kayak and you'll find plenty of secluded cove beaches and protected turquoise bays with good snorkelling.
The surrounding islands (over 50 in all), are a mix of limestone uplifts with sheer cliffs and flat coral atolls. The many channels and bays make this the ideal place for sailing and there are hundreds of protected anchorages. If you are not on a yacht, the best way to see the islands is either by sea-kayak or by joining a sailing or small boat tour. Small boat tours cost from just T$50 for a day of cruising, lunch, snorkel gear and towels included, while a sailing tour can cost from T$100 per person depending on the number of passengers. Sailing and boat tour information is posted at most guest houses and by the Tongan Visitor Information Centre in Neiafu. Highlights of these tours include a visit to Mariners Cave (accessible through an underwater tunnel), Swallows Cave (excellent for snorkelling) and to one of the many secluded beaches around the group. From June to October you may even encounter whales - specific whale watching tours are offered from Neiafu and operators must comply with official standards.
It is possible to stay at a handful of these offshore islands from basic guest houses to the up market beach bungalows of Mounu Island Resort on a tiny coral island. Camping is prohibited by law unless part of an official tour.
The islands in the south of Vava'u are much flatter and here you'll find several gorgeous uninhabited coral atolls surrounded by reefs, many of which are home to thousands of nesting sea birds including frigates, and boobies.
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