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The Vava'u island group, with its approximately 50 islands, is located 167 miles (270 km) north of Tongatapu. Only 13 of these raised coral islands (with an elevation of up to 984 feet/300 m) are inhabited, and their total population amounts to about 20,000.
Narrow, fjord-like passages separate these islands, which are among the most beautiful in all of Tonga. They have steep cliffs, white sand beaches, small and tranquil coves, dense tropical vegetation and turquoise lagoons. The abundance of safe natural anchorages make these islands a real sailing paradise.
The Spaniard Don Francisco Antonio Mourelle discovered the group in 1781. He named his anchorage "harbor of refuge," a name it still bears today (Puerto del Refugio). In 1787, the English Captain Edwards arrived here on the HMS Pandora on his search for the mutineers from the Bounty. Several years later, the tyrannical Finau `Ulukalala II conquered the island; after the death of his successor, George Tupou I took over the island.
The Island of Vava'u
Neiafu, (pop. 5000) is the economic and cultural center of the nearly 35square-mile (90 sq km) island of Vava'u. This town and its old wooden buildings radiate colonial charm. The inhabitants are friendly, and the relaxed atmosphere invites the visitor to stay awhile. There is one disadvantage for those who are interested in ancient Tongan culture: relics of the pre-European time, when Neiafu was an important place of worship, are no longer to be found here.
The old harbor of Neiafu Tahi has lost its importance since the arrival of the big European ships; the picturesque Port of Refuge is one of the best and safest harbors in the entire South Pacific. The Catholic Church, built on Palesi Hill (Paris Hill), dates back to the 1850s, whereas the Free Wesleyan Church (on Tui Road) with its handsome stainedglass windows was not consecrated until 1970. Several important figures of Tongan life rest in the small cemetery on the corner of Naufahu and Pou'ono Roads. These include the daughter of the 35th Tu'i Tonga, as well as two missionaries and a number of European settlers. Several lookout points offer fantastic views: 430-foot (131 m) Mt. Talau, west of Neiafu, the Sia Ko Kafoa (420 feet/128 m; easily reached from town), the Toafa Lookout in the west and the `Utula'aina Point (436 feet/133m) in the north.
South of the village of Longomapu, a path leads up the Mo'ungalafa, Vava'u's highest mountain at 610 feet (186 m). History buffs may want to visit the grave of King Finau `Ulukalala II, located between Feletoa and Mataika. Peace and quiet can be found at the picturesque bays and beaches in the southeastern and eastern parts of the island; often, these can only be reached on foot or by boat.
Other Vava'u Islands
The islands of Pangaimotu and `Utungake to the south of Vava'u Island and the small islands `Okoa and Koloa to the east of it are connected to the main island by means of bridges or piers.
Snorkeling equipment and a bit of nerve are required to see the Mariner's Cave on the island of Nuapapu (southwest of Vava'u): the approximately 49foot-high (15 m) cave can only be reached underwater.
Kapa Island lies southwest of Vava'u. But Swallows' Cave (at the cliffs at the north tip) is easier to explore than its Nuapapu counterpart. Many islands south of Vava'u have sand beaches and clear water, with good swimming and snorkeling. |
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