Situated approximately halfway between Vava'u and Tongatapu, the Ha'apai Islands are everything you might imagine of a tropical island paradise: friendly people; an uncanny sense of timelessness; remote, uninhabited atolls; lush, tropical bush; expansive, white sand beaches; balmy breezes; warm waters teeming with tropical fish. All the ingredients of a memorable escape! In Ha'apai you will find not only exceptional natural beauty, but also the friendliest folk in the Kingdom. Because papalangis or foreigners are rare in Ha'apai they are welcomed with open arms by the locals.
The 45 kilometre-long Lifuka archipelago comprises low lying coral islands, expansive white sand beaches, towering volcanoes and colourful lagoons. We paddle along the lee side of the archipelago, occasionally venturing offshore into more exposed waters to access remote islands. We strive for a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure, generally paddling in the mornings, leaving the afternoons free for snorkelling amidst colourful coral; exploring lush tropical bush; and observing the traditional village lifestyle.
2009 Departures: 10-21 Aug, 31 Aug – 11 Sep, 14-25 Sep, 28 Sep – 09 Oct, 12-23 Oct.
2010 Departures (13 day trip): 09-21 Aug, 30 Aug – 11 Sep, 13-25 Sep, 27 Sep – 09 Oct, 11-23 Oct
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
A driver will be waiting at Salote Pilolevu Airport in Ha'apai to escort you to your accommodation. Please ensure that you send us your full flight itinerary so we may arrange transport at the appropriate time. Your guides will visit the resort this afternoon to welcome you and discuss the schedule of events for the next few days.
Day 2 - Acclimatization
Today is an opportunity to acclimatize and, for those travellers arriving from far-away places, to recover from jet lag. Your guides present a 45-minute orientation talk commencing 9:30 a.m. at your accommodation. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk. Following the briefing there is an optional guided walking tour of Pangai township and environs. This is your last opportunity to visit the bank and purchase items for the trip.
Day 3 – Kayaking. Destination: Uoleva Island
Transport will depart early this morning (exact time is tide-dependent) from The Resort at Billy's Place to our launching site approximately five kilometres north of Pangai. Here, the guides will give a safety briefing before departing for the first of nine days of kayaking. Today we paddle along the leeward shores of Lifuka and Uoleva Islands skirting pristine reefs and beaches. Tonight and tomorrow night's camp will be on the southern end of Uoleva Island, rated by Outside Magazine as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Here too is a magnificent coral ledge smothered in soft corals - a snorkeller's dream. Includes: (L), (D);
Day 4 – Kayaking. Destination: Luangahu Island (Base Camp)
Weather permitting, we paddle out across deeper waters, where we are most likely to sight whales, to Luangahu Island, a tiny uninhabited island visited only by local fishermen. Here, we can spend the remainder of the day snorkelling and beach combing for fragments of ancient whale bone from Tonga's far gone whaling days. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5 – Kayaking. Destination: Luangahu Island (Base Camp)
Base camping two nights on Luangahu allows us to fully enjoy the remoteness of this perfect South Pacific Island. For the energetic, the guides can arrange an optional afternoon paddle to a nearby island with a lighthouse. The many offshore reefs are wonderful spots for snorkelling while towing the kayaks. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 6 – Kayaking. Destination: Uiha Island
Today's destination is eastward across a wide body of deep water to Felemea Village on Uiha Island for a re-supply of fresh water. While paddling in Ha'apai we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales, the latter of which migrate annually (June through October) to Tonga's warm sheltered waters to breed and calve. The view from our campsite on the southern end of the island gives a preview of the remote southern islands that we will visit tomorrow. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 7 – Kayaking. Destination: Uanukuhahaki Island (Base Camp)
Our paddle plan today is south along the inside of a fringing reef across shallow aqua waters to Uanukuhahaki Island for two days of snorkelling, beach combing, and more paddling. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 8 – Kayaking. Destination: Uanukuhahaki Island (Base Camp)
We have snorkelled for hours on end in the south of the archipelago and witnessed green sea turtles nesting on Uanuku, one of our favourite islands in the Lifuka Group. This remote uninhabited island is definitely not in the guidebooks! An optional paddle in empty kayaks to a nearby island with nothing on it but sand and shells enhances one's sense of the remoteness of this very special area. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 9 – Kayaking. Destination: Uiha Island
Retracing our paddle strokes, we return today to Uiha Island and stroll through the quaint outer island fishing village of Felemea to work up appetites for tonight's authentic Tongan feast. Local fare typically consists of roast suckling pork complemented by fresh root vegetables, octopus, reef fish, vegetarian dishes, and tropical fruits such as papaya in coconut milk, all steamed in an underground oven or 'umu. This gastronomic delight is followed by a traditional Tongan song and dance performance. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 10 – Kayaking. Destination: Uoleva Island
This morning we commence our return journey, paddling northward up the archipelago. Following a rest stop on the charming uninhabited island of Tatafa, we cross Ava Vaha'a Fonua channel to the lee shore of Uoleva Island, where we are welcomed at picturesque Diana's Resort. The expansive area of green grass here is a welcome change after days of camping on sandy beaches, making a comfortable base camp for the night. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 11 – Kayaking. Destination: Accommodation
On this final day of paddling, we paddle north along Uoleva and Lifuka Islands back to Holopeka Village where we started our journey nine days ago. From here, we transfer back to your accommodation, fresh water showers and a sumptuous farewell meal! Includes: (B), (L) (D)
Day 12 – Departure. The trip concludes today with transfers to Salote Pilolevu Airport and a warm farewell from your guides.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package components:
- Return airport transfers between Salote Pilolevu Airport (Ha'apai) and the property;
- 3 nights' accommodation (based on double occupancy): 2 nights before and 1 night after the kayak tour;
- A 45-minute orientation talk (Day 2);
- Use of quality double and single fibreglass kayaks and accessories;
- A 9-day kayak tour of the outer islands with professional guides (guide: guest ratio = 1:6);
- Snacks and 3 meals a day on the kayaking portion of the tour;
- Camping and snorkelling equipment;
- A traditional Polynesian 'umu feast and kava circle;
- A farewell dinner at a local restaurant;
- A Friendly Islands Kayak Company T-shirt to take home.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Tonga
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Ecotourism
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