Vava’u

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 (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 fewer tourist visit. But if you are not too interested in sailing or whale watching, this can be the best time to visit with no crowds.

Neiafu Town is the center of all activity in Vava’u. Sitting on the southern prominence of the main island, the town has an attractive harbor setting alongside the Port of Refuge. This is the administration center of the group with banks, schools, tour companies and lots of good restaurants, cafes and bars by the waterfront. Neiafu town doesn’t have a beach and there are only a couple of nice beaches on the main island with most of the coast being limestone cliffs. However, the town makes an affordable base from which to explore the islands on a day tour and there are several good places to stay.

The largest hotel in town is the Paradise International on the hills overlooking Neiafu Harbour about 10-minutes walk into town. Right in the center of town is the modern Puatakanave right on the waters edge offering great views over the harbor towards Mt. Talau. Budget travellers congregate at Adventure Backpackers right beside the town’s market. For those looking for a more personal travel experience there are several lovely guesthouses including Winnies Guesthouse about 5-minutes walk up the hill from town.

There are some great walks around Neiafu with attractive coastal scenery, notably the hike to Mt. Talau (131m) with its excellent views over the Port of Refuge. Another good hike from Neiafu 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.