A Self-Guided Day Trip of Vava’u: One Day Itinerary

© Google Maps

Neiafu to ‘Esi ko Salote Lookout

Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi), Drive time: 33 mins.

Neiafu and Vanilla Plantation

The main hub of Vava’u, Neiafu is a good place to start this one-day itinerary of Vava’u where you can do any of the 10 Best Things to Do in Neiafu that you haven’t done already, such as the historical site of Pouono Park where King George Tupou I famously committed the country of Tonga to God. Then, when you’re ready to hit the road, head north on Tu’i Road toward Mataika village.

Between Mataika and Feletoa villages is the huge Albert Guttenbeil Vanilla Plantation, where 30-minute tours are available if you book in advance – see 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Vava’u.

Hila ki Tapana Lookout

After Feletoa village is Leimatua, which is home to Vava’u’s only five-way crossroads! Take the third exit (from your left) and head northwest through the village until you reach a sign for the Hila ki Tapana Lookout and turn right. It’s approximately 3.3 km (2 mi) to the lookout car park. Note that the last 200 m (220 yards) of the road quickly deteriorates but can still be handled with a 2WD vehicle if handled with care (but best avoided in wet weather).

Enjoy the views across ‘Utu Vava’u and Tapana Islands from atop the platform with a spiral staircase. The site became legendary after a handsome mana’ia named Lepuha built his residence here to have constant views of Tapana Island where his love interest lived. Thus, Hila ki Tapana means “to glance towards Tapana”.

‘Utula’aina Lookout

Return the way you came back toward the five-way crossroads in Leimatua. This time, take the second exit on your left. Follow the road east until you can turn left toward Holonga village. Continue north through Holonga village and onto a well-maintained gravel road towards the coast. You’ll come across a split in the road; turn left following signs to the ‘Utula’aina Lookout. Keep an eye out for an old stone tomb along the roadside in the bushes. Finally, you’ll reach ‘Utula’aina Lookout with breathtaking views over Vava’u’s rugged cliffs, turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. The interpretation sign also explains how this site was once the residence of the 10th Tu’i Tonga.

‘Esi ko Salote Lookout

Another vantage point of the northern coast can be found at ‘Esi ko Salote by following the other road at the fork. Aside from more spectacular views of Vava’u’s dramatic coastline and the possibility of seeing whales in the whale season, this site was known to be frequented by Queen Salote Tupou III who was said to have watched her sons from this viewpoint while they swam at the beach below.

© Google Maps

‘Esi ko Salote Lookout to ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden

Distance: 9.8 km (6 mi), Drive time: 15 mins.

‘Otua Lea Beach

Once you’ve absorbed more wonderful views than most can handle, head back south to Holonga. In the village, take the second left (after the large Wesleyan Church) and head southeast toward the village of Ta’anea. Take the first left at the intersection then travel east through the village for approximately 300 m (330 yards) then slight left at the next large intersection.

Continue toward the coast for 500 m (550 yards) and park up at the shelter here. A concrete pathway leads down to ‘Otua Lea Beach, which is great for swimming if the swell isn’t too high. Legend has it that when the waves crashed onto the shore of this beach at their loudest, it was a signal to local warriors that their enemies were coming. Warriors would prepare an ambush on this beach, not allowing their enemies to make their way inland. That’s why the beach is called ‘Otua-lea meaning “the god who speaks”.

‘Ene’io Botanical Garden

If you have booked the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden Tour, head back to the Ta’anea intersection and take the next left past the white Latter-Day Saints Church, southeast toward Tu’anekivale village. At the fork at the southern end of the village, keep left. The ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden is approximately 900 m (980 yards) down this road, signposted on the left side. Enjoy an informative tour of a garden full of interesting and productive native plants – see the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Vava’u. Afterwards, relax at ‘Ene’io Beach or get back on the road for more sightseeing.

© Google Maps

‘Ene’io Botanical Garden to Veimumuni Cave

Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi), Drive time: 33 mins.

Kilikilitefua Wall

From ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden, return the way you came toward Ta’anea. When you reach the intersection to ‘Esi ko Salote, keep left past the second Latter-Day Saints Church and continue toward Mataika village. Instead of driving all the way to Mataika, however, take a left onto Laifone Road.

Continue south on Laifone Road for 2.5 km (1.6 mi), then turn left toward ‘Utui village. After around 800 m (880 yards), turn right and take the road south toward Makave village. From Makave Free Wesleyan Church, follow the road south and keep left at the fork. Continue on this road for approximately 400 m (440 yards) and you’ll see our next sight, Kilikilitefua Wall, on your left. The wall was constructed as a census for the royal family around 400 years ago. It is said that the wall used to be a lot bigger before residents at some point started taking stones for their own construction projects…

Veimumuni Cave

Next, follow the roads back to Neiafu where you can enjoy lunch at one of the 15 Best Cafes & Restaurants in Vava’u. Otherwise, The Harbourview offers delightful dining in Toula village, which is also your next stop for checking out Veimumuni Cave. The cave is well-signposted from Fatafehi Road and consists of a short walkway leading down to a viewing platform of the coast. Behind is the cave’s entrance where you’ll also find a freshwater pool. A refreshing dip is made all the more inviting by the steps leading into the pool, even if the cave does look a little spooky. According to legend, the cave was the bathing place of the maiden goddess, Vei.

© Google Maps

Veimumuni Cave to ‘Esi ko Lupepau’u

Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi), Drive time: 33 mins.

‘Esi ko Lupepau’u Lookout

You’re going to do some island-hopping now, as you continue on Fatafehi Road south over the causeway onto Paingaimotu Island. On your right is Humpback Lodge, should you need another option for lunch. Continue to Pangai village, then turn right at the crossroads. You’ll travel through the plantations and bush of Pangaimotu Island until you reach another causeway to ‘Utuangake Island.

Shortly after crossing onto ‘Utungake, you’ll see the sign and driveway to the Tongan Beach Resort on your right, which provides another lunch/dinner stop.

Approximately 200 m (220 yards) south of ‘Utungake village, after the final buildings, you’ll see a gravel road to your left. This road was in a bad condition last time we visited so you might want to park your vehicle and walk the 150 m (160 yards) to the top. What awaits is the platform and viewpoint of ‘Esi ko Lupepau’u Lookout, which provides unbeatable views of one of Vava’u’s inner harbours, Puatalefusi.

Back to Neiafu (10 km/6 mi)

That’s it for our one-day Vava’u itinerary. Returning to Neiafu town centre is approximately 10 km (6 mi) taking around 16 minutes. Back in town, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Neiafu like climbing Mt Talau!