Ha'apai
The Ha'apai Islands
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.
It was in Ha'apai that Captain Cook and his crew were invited ashore by the village chiefs for a feast. Unbeknownst to Cook the chiefs' intention was to take over his ship and include some of his crew in the feast menu! Fortunately the chiefs could not agree on the timing of their gruesome plan and Cook sailed out of the Ha'apai's naming them the Friendly Isles. Ha'apai is also where the Mutiny on the Bounty took place. Captain Bligh and a few of his crew were forced to set off from Tofua Island in a rowboat on what was to become an epic journey.
Due to its pristine natural environment and fascinating history the Ha'apai Group has been designated a Conservation Area. We feel privileged, therefore, to be granted a license to offer kayak tours in this beautiful archipelago, the heart of Polynesia. 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.
Vava'u vs. Ha'apai: How they Differ
Unlike the Vava'u Islands, which are hilly and relatively populated (population 20,000), the Ha'apai's are low-lying coral atolls with fewer villages (population 10,000) and even less evidence of western culture. Tongans in general are a friendly folk, and you would encounter this friendliness in both island groups. Vava'u's hilly terrain is perhaps more interesting and scenic, however if you especially appreciate expansive white sand beaches there's no shortage of these in Ha'apai.
In the Lifuka Group of Ha'apai, we paddle along the lee side of the forty kilometre-long archipelago, occasionally venturing offshore into more exposed waters to access remoter islands. In contrast, the Vava'u Group is a cluster of fifty odd islands, most of which are protected from the ocean swells by a semi-circular fringing reef on the eastern side of the group. The paddling in Ha'apai is slightly more challenging (longer legs, stronger currents), though with our stable double kayaks and experienced guides even novice paddlers manage well.
Snorkelling is superb in both island groups, but soft corals and sizeable fish are more abundant in Ha'apai waters owing to the swifter currents. On the other hand, Vava'u's relatively sheltered waters are conducive to more reliable whale sightings between July and October.
It's a difficult choice, but if a feeling of remoteness and unparalleled snorkelling are what you're seeking then Ha'apai is definitely the place for both experiences. In contrast, if you're wanting a few comforts (e.g. cafes, restaurants, a cold beer along the way,and handicraft shops) and or to participate in a variety of water sports (e.g. our Adventure Week) then Vava'u is for you.
If you're still undecided and you've got time up your sleeve, consider taking advantage of our 20% discount on back-to-back trips in both island groups.
