Where to Find the Best Beaches in ‘Eua, Tonga
You didn’t come all the way to the tropics to not spend time at the beach! Admittedly, ‘Eua is more renowned for its dramatic cliffs than its beaches, but there are some real hidden gems to discover. The beauty of the island’s beaches is that they are almost always quiet for just you and your tribe to enjoy. Characteristics of ‘Eua’s beaches are that they are made up of white sand leading down to pockets of tidal pools in the water, often full of tropical fish! For some beaches, it’s less about the beach itself and more about the journey to get there, especially as some are only accessible through day hikes. So check out some of our top recommended beaches in ‘Eua in the list below!
While you’re here, you might also want to plan your trip with The Complete Travel Guide to ‘Eua and find more things to do in the 20 Best Things to Do in ‘Eua.
1. Ha’aluma Beach
Situated in the south of ‘Eua on the way to the famous Rock Gardens and Lakufa’anga Cliffs, Ha’aluma Beach is a reasonably accessible beach if you can get a lift from your accommodation or hire a car (whatever you do, don’t drive down the access road; it’s best to park your vehicle at the top). The reward is a long white sandy beach backed with verdant vegetation. The beach is excellent for snorkelling, especially in some of the larger tidal pools where there are lots of tropical fish to admire. Swimming is generally safe here but just be careful of the outgoing tide and look out for strong currents. Other features of the beach include ancient Tongan stone cuts and stunning sunsets.
Needless to say, while you’re in the area, we recommend visiting the Lakufa’anga Cliffs, the Rock Gardens, Lianga Huo a Maui archway and more as described in the 10 Amazing Natural Attractions in ‘Eua.
Location: Ha’aluma Beach access road is at the intersection just before the main road continues along the southwest stretch of the island toward the Lakufa’anga Cliffs and Rock Gardens. The beach is down a very steep sandy-coloured access road. The road is approximately 645 m (700 yards), so is doable and safer on foot.
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2. ‘Ufilei Beach
While there are many amazing beaches across ‘Eua, ‘Ufilei Beach presents another easily accessible beach just north of Ohonua. The beach can be accessed along a hard-packed sand track that closely follows the coast from the road leading north from Nafanua Wharf. If you’re iffy about driving on the beach, however, you can always park at the southern end and enjoy a pleasant walk on the sand with the pekapeka (swiftlets) darting overhead. ‘Ufilei Beach is one of ‘Eua’s better swimming beaches, especially at the northern end of the beach, making it a popular spot with the locals.
Location: Approximately 600 m (656 yards) north of Nafanua Wharf, ‘Ohonua on the west side of ‘Eua.
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3. Tufuvai Beach
A beach that many travellers become familiar with if staying near ‘Ohonua or Tufuvai and its waterfront accommodations, such as Blue Water Retreat or Seta Homestay, Tufuvai Beach is an easily accessible beach and well worth checking out. Although it suffered some tsunami damage in recent history, the sand is still splendid to feel between your toes and there are many tidal pools to explore. Just outside of Blue Water Retreat is also the eerie historical tidal pool of Tokopuha Folokotoa, whose story you can learn more about in the 5 Historical Sites on ‘Eua.
Location: Tufuvai, central west coast of ‘Eua.
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4. Fangatave Beach
A mission to get to, Fangatave Beach and its waters are your refreshing reward after a cliffs and caves hike. Located on the east side of the island, Fangatave Beach is only accessible on foot on a guided hike (get the details in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua). The remote beach is enclosed by high limestone cliffs and offers a good place to cool off in the water close to shore. What’s more, the limestone cliffs have established rock climbing routes for those with their own rock climbing equipment.
Location: Signposted along the dirt road heading east at the northern end of Houma village, northeast coast of ‘Eua. A guide is highly recommended.
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5. Lokupo Beach
This is another secluded beach only accessible via hiking. The beach is the jewel of the ‘Eua National Park, admired from the many lookouts on your way through the park. The Lokupo Beach Hike is best done with a local guide. Again, get details on this hike in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua. After a long hike to get there, the beach itself provides more walking opportunities along its long stretch of sand and rock pools. The beach boasts interesting rock formations, many formed by volcanic activity, as well as amazing views of the cliffs and rainforest where you have been hiking.
Location: ‘Eua National Park, central east coast of ‘Eua. A guide is highly recommended.
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More About Beaches on ‘Eua
That’s it for our guide to the best beaches on ‘Eua Island. There’s much more to do than beachcombing, however, so plan the rest of your trip using the following guides:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to ‘Eua.
