Vava’u is a group of more than 50 islands in Tonga, about 250 km (150 miles) north of Tongatapu. They are either raised coral limestone or coral atolls. The beautiful harbour opposite the main town of Neiafu (known as the Port of Refuge Harbour) is a common destination for yachties sailing the South Pacific. The waters of the islands are known for their clarity, it being said that you can see the bottom at 40 metres. The area attracts many humpback whales between June and November and there are lots of companies organising tours to see them.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Findings of Lapita pottery suggest that early Polynesians were on these islands close to 3000 years ago. These days there are around 20,000 people living in the Group. Neiafu and surrounding villages are home to about a third of the Group’s overall population of around 20,000, with the majority of the population living in small villages on the other islands. Neiafu is the official port of entry for yachts coming to Vava'u, which attracts over 500 yachts every winter sailing season between June and October. A string of islands and reefs along the eastern edge of the Group shelters the area from strong winds and ocean swells, and humpback whales come to these protected waters to give birth.
Bicycles, mountain bikes, motorbikes and boats can be rented from several hotels and agencies. Taxis are available. Neiafu is small enough where you can easily get around on foot. Boat trips are organised by several companies.
Vanilla. Vava'u is a major production area for high quality vanilla and wandering around the countryside on the main island will give you a chance to see how the vanilla bean grows. The plant, a member of the orchid family, has a small cream or yellow flower which must be hand pollinated. The bean then takes nine months to grow, after which it is dried and cured, which develops the flavour and turns the pod dark brown or black. It is said to be the most labour-intensive agricultural product in the world.
Walks. There are several good walks from Neiafu including the climb up 131 m high Mt Talau (see above) which has excellent views over the harbour. Toafa Church on the west point of Vava'u has good views of the cliffs of Hunga island and other islands. Past Holonga in the North, you can walk up to the 'Utula'ania Point/Lookout or hike down to "Secret Beach". Boat tours. Day trips around the islands are available from several companies for about $50 per person. These tours visit Mariners Cave (which is accessible through an underwater tunnel), Swallows Cave (excellent for snorkelling) and one or two of the many secluded beaches around the Group.
Most restaurants have ship-to-shore VHF radio so passing yachties can order food or book a table. Café Tropicana (next to Adventure Backpackers in the centre of Neiafu). espresso coffee, tropical fruit smoothies, all day breakfasts, and light meals. Alcohol licence. Famous for its Vava'u Brownies and Vanilla Coffee. Internet café and Wi-Fi. Book Swap, postcards, arts and crafts. Mala Island (At Mala Island Resort (see below).). 20.00-late. Pig roast on the beach on Sundays. Mango Cafe (in front of Moorings Yacht Charters; has a mango coloured roof), ☏ +676 70 664. A modern waterfront restaurant with a large deck over the water. Claims the best selection of wine in Vava’u.
Cafe Tropicana, Fatafehi Rd (next to Adventure Backpackers in the centre of Neiafu). 07:30 till late. Espresso coffee, tropical fruit smoothies, all day breakfasts, and light meals. Alcohol licence. Famous for its Vava'u Brownies and Vanilla Coffee. Internet café and Wi-Fi. Book Swap, postcards, arts and crafts. (updated Jul 2017) Mango Cafe, next to Aquarium, has a good happy hour 16:00-17:00 $4 beer & 5-6pm $5 beer. Basque Tavern, has happy hour from 16:00-18:00 with $5 cans of Carlsberg and $8 sangria (which is the best).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Vava'u typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
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