5 Best Hikes in 'Eua - Tonga Pocket Guide

Hikes and Walks on ‘Eua Island

‘Eua is a hiker’s paradise. As the oldest island in Tonga, some 40 million years old, the landscapes here are incredible with volcanic lava flows, archways carved by the ocean, white picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and not to mention the dense verdant forest with incredible banyan trees! Walks are often accompanied by the sound of the koki, or the red shining parrot, only found on this island, as well as flying foxes and other tropical wildlife. Discover it all by taking the walks and hikes in ‘Eua listed below!

Note that access to the walking trails on ‘Eua is organised through the accommodation providers. Some are well-formed enough to walk independently, where accommodation providers offer transfers to and from the walk, along with a map/information. Other trails absolutely need a local guide, which is also organised through accommodation providers. Guided walks are usually around TOP$80-$100 per person.

For more about ‘Eua, see The Guide to ‘Eua on a Budget, as well as 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in ‘Eua.

1. Rock Garden Hike

See unusual rock formations, wild horses, red shining parrots, the Li’angahuo ‘a Maui Natural Archway, the dramatic Laku Fa’anga Cliffs and more on this amazing hike in the south of ‘Eua. The walk can be tackled independently, with many accommodations offering transfers to and from the trail, or as a guided walk.

The first 15 minutes of the walk takes hikers to the Rock Gardens and Laku Fa’anga Cliffs where wild horses are also often seen roaming between the rock formations. Watch seabirds such as frigates, terns and white-tailed birds, swooping around the cliff faces. From the Rock Garden, it’s a further short walk to Liangahu’o ‘a Maui, a huge natural landbridge to admire from a viewing platform.

Extend your hike an extra 1h30min one-way down to Ha’aluma Beach. Along the way, listen out for Pacific pigeons and the red shining parrot known as a “Koki” – learn more about the wildlife in Tonga here. The beach at the bottom is suitable for swimming and snorkelling within the large rock pools full of tropical fish!

Location: Southern coast of ‘Eua. Pick up maps and information from your accommodation. Accommodations provide transport to and from the walk.

2. Fangatave Beach and Caves Hike

While some attempt this hike independently, it’s easy to get lost so a guide is recommended for the Fangatave Beach and Caves Hike on the northeast of the island.

The hike mostly consists of scrambling down rocks until you eventually reach the beach. First, you’ll reach a view of Kahana Spring, before scrambling down to around 11 caves, which can be explored along the way.

At the bottom of the hike is Fangatave Beach which provides some more excellent walking, cooling off in the water and awesome views of the cliffs you just climbed down. Yes, you have to climb the very same way to get back up again.

Location: Northeast coast of ‘Eua. Guided walks are available with most accommodation providers, except for on Sundays.

3. Forest Plantation Hike

This hike on the eastern side of the island is another that can be done independently or with a guide. The Forest Plantation Hike takes you deep into a planted forest with a huge variety of trees, from pines to cedars, gum trees to sandalwood. There are also pockets of original forest to admire too.

Accommodation providers drop you off at the island attractions of Hafu Pool and the huge banyan tree, ‘Ovava Tree, which makes an awesome photo opportunity. The tree’s roots also delve down into a sinkhole, which you can climb down partway before the cave gets too narrow.

From the ‘Ovava Tree, you can continue on old logging roads to more attractions of the area, including Lokupo Lookout, Laua Lookout and Rats Cave. Return the same way.

Location: Eastern side of ‘Eua. Down the road east of Taina’s Place.

4. Lokupo Beach and ‘Eua National Park Hike

A full-day hike and something a bit more challenging than the other walks we’ve mentioned so far, the walks in the ‘Eua National Park are simply stunning. A guide is a must to follow the rough trails through the forest. It incorporates the Forest Plantation Hike (see above), then descends steeply through tropical forest down to Lokupo Beach.

Along with the viewpoints and the beach, you’ll get views of the second-deepest ocean trench in the world and what’s thought to be the main reason for the humpback whales’ migration to Tonga. With that, between July and October, the track is a good place to look out for whales!

You’ll join onto the Veifefe Track, following old lava flows and giant boulders until you finally reach the beach. The beach is ideal for swimming and snorkelling in the rock pools. Return the way you came.

Location: Eastern side of ‘Eua. Down the road east of Taina’s Place.

5. The Coastline Between ‘Ohonua and Tufuvai

Finally, if you’re staying at The Hideaway, Ovava Tree Lodge or Blue Water Retreat, then you have a gorgeous coastline to explore right on your doorstep. The shore between ‘Ohonua and Tufuvai has the picturesque Tufuvai Beach, ideal for a gentle stroll, as well as a number of tidal pools full of tropical marine life. While this is not an official walk, the area is a good place to don your reef shoes and enjoy an easy walk along the coast. Learn more about the accommodation along this coastline in the 6 Best Accommodation in ‘Eua.

Location: West coast of ‘Eua between Tufuvai and ‘Ohonua.

More About ‘Eua and Hikes in ‘Eua

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page