Fins 'n' Flukes - Diving and Whale Watching in Ha'apai, Tonga
   
 
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Ha'apai
Activities on Lifuka

 
   
 

Background Info

Ha'apai´s history
Tonga has a rich and interesting maritime history and the waters of Ha’apai have seen some of the greatest of such tales unfold.

In 1774 Captain James Cook named Tonga “The Friendly Islands” due to the kind welcome he received on arrival in Lifuka. However, and as later revealed by the historian William Mariner, Captain Cook, his crew and the HMS Resolution narrowly escaped their death and destruction only because the village chiefs of the time could not come to agreement on a suitable plan of attack.

William Mariner arrived at Lifuka Island aboard the English private ship of war, The Port au Prince, in November 1806. This was to prove her final anchorage as she came under attack from the islanders who killed most of the crew and the ship was eventually burnt. Mariner survived the massacre, was subsequently adopted by the warrior king Finau ‘Ulukalala II and spent the next four years in Tonga before escaping to England and penning his famous account of the Tongan Islands.

In 1789 the giant volcanic Island of Tofua provided the backdrop for the Mutiny on the Bounty when the ousted Captain William Bligh and 18 loyal crewmen were set adrift in a small launch just thirty nautical miles offshore. They made land on Tofua to gather provisions where one crew member was stoned to death by the inhabitants. The spot is now known as “Murderers’ Cove”.

Over two hundred years later, the historic island of Lifuka, with its port town and capital village of Pangai, remains the main island of the Ha’apai group and the administrative centre of these islands. Thankfully, you can now expect a genuinely friendly welcome when you arrive in Ha’apai.

 
   
 
 
 
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Hulu'i Pa'ongo Lookout on Lifuka
 

Activities on Lifuka

Whenever you´re not out on the boat with us, there´s still plenty to do on Lifuka Island.
Escape to one of the many white sandy beaches like Muikuku Point or the Lost Beach. Enjoy some of the best snorkeling in all of Ha'apai at Monster Alley and the Harbor Reef. Hire a kayak to explore remote beaches and off-shore reefs or visit stunning scenic lookouts like the Hulu'i Paongo Point. Visit Poseidon´s Gate where you can gaze out upon the Tonga Trench and witness the awesome power of the Pacific. The East Coast also provides excellent kitesurfing conditions (own gear required) and its secluded beaches are the perfect place for private stargazing each night.

The culturally interested can explore Lifuka´s historic sites, like the old European Cemetery, Velata Fortress and several ancient tombs. Take a stroll through Pangai and visit the Royal Palace, the Miraculous Cross or check out the display at the world´s smallest museum, Afi Historical Museum. The Fanga ‘i-he-si Market is particularly interesting on Saturday mornings, when local brass bands play and ministers preach. Visitors are welcome to attend any of the numerous churches around the island, which are notable for their beautiful choir singing.

Looking for souvenirs? Visit the WID Handicraft Centre, where you can even make your own, or browse through Hasata Handicraft, which sells handmade jewellery and Tongan carvings in the market.

If you would also like to experience the flavour of Tonga, we suggest you try Talahiva Restaurant, delicious Lobster dinner at Langilangi Guesthouse or join a traditional kava circle. We can make arrangements for you.

A map with directions to all the interesting spots is available at the Fins 'n' Flukes divebase.

 

 

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