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Mapu'a 'a Vaca Blowholes

Mapu'a 'a Vaca' means 'Chief's Whistles' in Tongan and you realise why when you hear them before you see them. Stretching for three miles along the terraced southern shores of Tongatapu near the village of Houma, there are hundreds of spectacular blowholes snorting and howling along the wild coast. The phenomenon occurs when water bursts through narrow natural tunnels in the limestone rock of the sea wall, sending dense spouts of water into the air, sometimes as high as 100ft. The best time to see them is at high tide in strong winds, when the force of the water is at its strongest. One of Tonga's major attractions, get to Houma by bus from Nuku'alofa in 30 minutes.

These blowholes ('Mapu'a 'a Vaca' means 'Chief's Whistles') stretch for 5km (3mi) along the south shore of Tongatapu. They are best viewed on a windy day at high (but not too high) tide, when the maximum amount of water is forced up through natural vents in the coral limestone, forming geyser-like fountains of seawater up to 30m (98ft) high

Mapu'a 'a Vaca

Some of the most spectacular blowholes in the South Pacific can be found along the terraced coastline of south west Tongatapu. Here you'll find not one blowhole, but hundreds of them along a four mile stretch of wild windswept coastline, the largest spouts of sea water being thrown almost 30 metres into the air. Best viewed at high tide, the blowholes are accessible a km walk past the inland village of Houma. Buses to Houma from Nuku'alofa take about 30 minutes.

It is reputed that one of the ancient Chiefs of Tonga spend his hours meditating over the blowholes and listening to the whistling of the waves - hence their name - 'Mapu'a 'a Vaca' meaning 'Chief's Whistles'.

Malo e leiei! Even humpback whales choose the spectacularly beautiful Kingdom of Tonga for their annual holidays. From June to November each year, these whales cruise the calm warm waters of Vava'u providing opportunities for a close encounter with one of the world's most magnificent creatures. You too will appreciate Tonga's stunning beaches and lagoons with crystal clear waters providing excellent visibility down to 30 metres for diving and snorkelling.

Its resorts act as gateways to world-class blue water sailing and cruising. This is also the place for surfing & kayaking and all types of fishing in some of the finest waters in the Pacific.

Tonga enjoys an enormous advantage over many of its Pacific neighbours. The kingdom was never colonised, enabling it to preserve its ancient Polynesian traditions and life. One of its most intriguing monuments, the 1,000-year-old, five metre high Ha'amonga Trilathon, is preserved at the National Historic Reserve.

The 171 islands of Tonga are ruled by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. They stretch like pearls across the Pacific for nearly 1,000 kilometres. They include the island of Tongatapu, home to around two thirds of Tongans in the major centre of Nuku'alofa, the gorgeous coral islands of the Ha'apai group; and the pristine waters, jungle covered islands and stunning white sandy beaches of the Vava'u archipelago.

At Kolovai village, 18km from Nuku'alofa, thousands of sacred flying foxes that may only be hunted by members of the Royal Family, cling to Casuarina trees. Closer to town, the Royal Tombs are the burial place of Tonga's kings and queens.

Mapu'a 'a Vaca

Tongatapu, the largest island in the Kingdom is relatively flat, constitutes one third of the land mass and one third of the population of the Kingdom. Western Tongatapu features Keleti Beach which is a series of coves divided by rocky outcrops. The reef consists of a line of terraces and blowholes that shoot like Yellowstone geysers when the waves hit them at high tide. Also located on Western Tongatapu is the Tongan Wildlife Centre and Bird Park located near the south coast. This centre was established in 1990 to promote conservation awareness. You can view the red shining parrot of Eua, the Niuafo'ou megapode, the blue crowned lorikeet, the friendly ground dove as well as the banded iguana. The park is set in a tropical garden containing examples of many medicinal plants and food crops grown in Tonga. The Mapu'a'a Vaca blowholes stretch for 5km along the south shore of Tongatapu, near the village of Houma. They are best viewed on a windy day with a strong swell, when water forced up through natural vents in the limestone, can shoot 30m into the air. On a good day hundreds of them will be active at once and is a spectacular sight. The Western Beaches of Ha'atafu, Kolovai and Monotapu were strongly affected by the major cyclone last year and many of the resorts are currently re-building. The beaches in these area feature white sand, however swimming is limited due to the coral reefs. The best swimming is found on the off-shore islands (Fafa, Atata and Pangaimotu).
Kolovai is the home of the flying foxes. You can view a number of these large, noisy, fruit-eating bats roosting in the odd tree in the village. At the extreme-north west of the island is the monument marking the landing site of Abel Tasman. Ha'atafu Beach is known for its surfing and is home to Tonga Surfriders Association. All surfspots break over coral reefs, some are dangerously shallow and for this reason surfers need to possess intermediate to advanced skill levels to surf this area.

Mile Long Beach & Lomanisue Bay
Situated on the east side of the island is Mile Long Beach, which is just what the name implies. Although it may be windy in the afternoon it is a fantastic beach with great views of a Fijian sunrise. Also a good spot to snorkel. It is sometimes called Lomanisue Beach, after the Bay that is formed by the crescent-shape of the bay. If you wish to walk along the beach it is best to avoid high tide as the high water mark is quite high.

Sunset Point
A short hike south from the beach and accommodations at Wainimdovo Bay brings you to Sunset Point. A great spot to be as the sun is setting over the ocean. Spectacular views of the beach, bay, Viti Levu coastline (mainland) and other islands, as well as the fringing coral reefs.

Ancient Stone Circular Lookouts
On the high points of Nananu-i-Ra there is evidence of ancient Fijian settlements, with the remains of circular stone lookouts. From these vantage points, the people in days gone by would be able to view anyone coming near the island.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive at Fua'amotu International Airport, about 15km (9.3mi) by bus southeast of Nuku'alofa (although some flights go to Lupepapau'u International on Vava'u). It's straightforward to fly to Tonga direct from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Hawaii, but if you're coming from anywhere else you will have to fly to one of those points first. Auckland (New Zealand) and Nadi/Suva (Fiji) are the best served places. If you're planning to come in by yacht, the entry points are Nuku'alofa (Tongatapu), Neiafu (Vava'u), Pangai and Lifuka (Ha'apai), Felehau (Niuatoputapu) and Futu (Niuafo'ou). Departure tax is T$25.

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