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Hakula Lodge
Vava'u - Kingdom of Tonga

Fish Tonga, fish Vava'u

Do you want to get away from the mainstream, the hustle and bustle, the traffic, the deadlines ? Then Vava'u is just the place for you ! They call them the Friendly Islands.
The place where time begins... Tonga time

We can offer you your taste of Paradise. The unspoilt Pacific we all dream of.
Come to Tonga, to Vava'u, to Hakula Lodge where MV Hakula waits for you !

The Lodge

Opened in September 1999, it's one of the newest Tourist facilities in the Kingdom of Tonga. It is owned and operated by your hosts - Jeff and Janine LeStrange who offer you the best in customer service.

Hakula Lodge features two exclusive self contained modern units overlooking the beautiful harbour. Each unit boasts :

  • Air conditioning

  • Private deck area

  • Solat hot water

  • Super kingsize beds

  • Large tiled ensuite

  • Kitchen facilities

Game Fishing

Dream of catching that big one ? Fish for marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi and tuna.
Wheter you're into big game fishing, sportfishing, casting poppers or jigging - we'll be happy to accommodate you.
Never fished before ? Not a problem - friendly skipper Jeff and crew will help you.


mahi mahi


yellowfin tuna


dog tooth tuna


wahoo


yellowfin tuna


yellowfin tuna

 


blue marlin

tag & release, a
specialty

New Tongan record
178 kg blue marlin

last blue marlin of
1999 (31.12)

 

 


pacific sailfish

 

 

Hakula Lodge’s Whales-in-the-Wild

See ‘Whales in the Wild’ aboard MV Maris King.
* Qualified skipper and quide
* In full survey, carries 12 passengers & 2 crew
* Trips leave daily
* Special rates for family bookings

Accommodation Features

  • Absolute waterfront only 30 minutes to the fishing grounds

  • 5 min by taxi 10 min bike ride or 20 min walk to Nieafu the capital of Vava'u

  • Self contained well-appointed modern units, each equipped with:

    • One x king size bed which converts to two x king size singles plus convertible lounge

    • Large tiled en-suite with shower, vanity, toilet etc

    • Solar hot and cold rain water (town water as back up) no water shortage

    • Air conditioning and ceiling fans

  • Kitchen area includes four burners stove, grill, jug, toaster, sandwich maker, usual kitchen utensils

  • Large fully stocked bar fridge

  • Units open onto deck with full harbour views

  • BBQ area and seating for eight, ideal for those brilliant sunsets!

  • Private weigh station, wharf, jetty and pontoon almost at your doorstep

  • Without a doubt the best accommodation in Vava'u

    "This is a really fine place to stay"
     - Lonely Planet Tonga 4th Edition Places to Stay in Vava'u Top End

 


View from Hakula Lodge

Hakula visits Swallows cave

 

MV Hakula waiting for you

 

MV Hakula

 

Fully loaded and ready to go fishing

"MV Hakula"

  • Launched in September 1999

  • Has now traveled over 70,000 nautical miles around Tongan waters

  • A 34' purpose built game fishing boat

  • Powered by twin diesel 105hp Nissan motors

  • Fish finder GPS

  • New for 2007 Navman 6500 chart plotter Depth Sounder to fly bridge

  • Full offshore safety equipment

  • VHF radios and all usual electrical equipment

  • Four berth, fully equipped galley, stove, fridge etc

  • Large cockpit, with large sun canopy, toilet and shower

  • Large iced fish storage hold

  • Transom door landing platform

Sport Fishing Equipment

  • Kilwell long reach outriggers and stinger

  • Cannon down rigger

  • Tailored marine S/S game chair and harness 130lb rated

  • Eight rod holders and eight rocket launchers

  • New for 2007 2 x TI130A Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on Kilwell 130lb bent butt chair rods

  • New for 2007 2 x TI80A Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on Kilwell 80lb bent butt chair rods

  • New for 2007 4 x 50WA Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on Kilwell stand up rods, 2 straight butts, 2 bent buts

  • New for 2007 2 x 80WA Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on Kilwell stand up bent buts

  • 2 x Shimano TLD 30 2 speed on Kilwell stand up rods

  • 2 x 20/30lb Shimano 6:1 fast retrieve on Shimano Tcurve jig 200 rods

  • New for 2007 1 Shimano Torsa 30 5.8 :1 fast retrieve on Shimano Tcurve Jig 400 Great Jigging out fit

  • New for 2007 1 Shimano Trinidad 30 6.2:1 fast retrieve on Shimano Tcurve 200 Great jigging out fit

  • New for 2007 1 Shimano Spheros SP14000FA 4.6:1 Casting out fit

  • New for 2007 All jigging and casting out fits are spooled with Platypus Super braid

Lures

We have a extensive selection of Marlin lures including Tantrum, McGoo, Pakula,Youzori and many more.

Bring Your Own Gear

Even though Hakula is well equipped we encourage anglers to bring their own gear, especially if they have been able to sneak it past their spouse.

We welcome anglers who would like to bring their own rods, reels and lures. Heavens knows you spent a lot of $$$ on them why not use them.

We do however reserved the right for decki Ki'i to check all knots, crimps and leader lengths.

  

Whale Watching

In the months of July to October, Pods of Humpback whales, Sperm whales, Pilot whales and dolphins come through Tongan waters. We will not have to go out of our way on an average days fishing to see these magnificent creatures up close.

The beauty of a magnificent creature (images by Wildfocus)


 


Come join me swim with
the whales


 

Yes that's right you can swim with the Whales!

In Vava'u, Tonga we not only have the privilege of Watching whales in the wild above the water, but we have the unique opportunity to observe the whales in the water!!

Imagine sharing the same space with a Humpback whale as she gracefully moves through the water, seemingly oblivious of your presence - it is one of the most phenomenal and most incredible experiences you will ever have. To watch as a calf comes up for a breath and look directly at you leaves you speechless.

To have the privilege of observing whales in the wild above and below the water is absolutely mind blowing!!

For you to get the most out of your experience in the water with Humpback whales, the skipper on board Maris King will have to take into account the behavior of the whales, your confidence in using a snorkel and mask and also on the conditions of the water, before you enter the water. All these precautions are taken to allow for you to have both a safe and memorable experience with whales in the wild.

Your Guide will accompany you in the water to swim with the whales.

Things to observe when in the water with Whales

  1. Please consider the whales - remember we are in their back yard

  2. When entering the water don't jump in, just slide in quietly

  3. Don't make sudden advances towards the whales

  4. Don't dive down to them, instead remain calm and on the surface

  5. If the Whales decide to move away don't attempt to follow them, instead return to the boat

  6. For your safety and the consideration of the Whales obey the instructions of your guide at all times

Wild Focus is an independent film company that has been filming the whales in Vava'u for the past six years. A cameraman from Wild Focus will be on board to make a souvenir of your trip, by capturing shots of you enjoying the day and by filming whales from the boat and in the water with special underwater equipment.

Your DVD will include:

  • Your trip - including scenery, people, and most importantly whales!

  • This is edited to around 10 minutes of the best footage, with music and whale songs

  • A 20 min best of feature of whales and Vava'u

  • A photo slide show of images that can also be printed


 


 


 

Diving

The Vava’u Islands provide a Mecca for scuba diving that includes caves, hard coral reefs, soft coral outcrops and an abundance of tropical fish. The visibility and clarity of the water is incredible and can exceed 40 metres!!

There are three very reputable diving operators here in Vava’u Dolphin Dive, Beluga Dive and Dive Vava'u and if you would like to spend your day exploring the under water world, we are more than happy to arrange for you to spend the day in their professional hands.


Beluga Diving


Dive Vavau

Day Tours of the Land

For those who stay on land there are several ways for you to get out and about to see the sights. On foot you can stroll around the main town of Neiafu. The market is always a great place to start, with an array of fresh produce available. The locals are reknowned for their craftsmanship and handicrafts and you will understand why as you stroll around the market and see for yourself some of Vava’us best work on display.

If you are feeling energetic you can continue your walk up to the top of Mount Talau. Do not let anyone talk you out of it, because the walk to get to the top is well worth it. The view from the top of Mount Talau, which stands at 131 metres high, is stunning. You have several look out points where you can look beyond the main island and out onto the ocean from one side and from another, if you time it right, you can watch the sunset. The colours that cover the sky are like an oil-painting. It truly is beautiful.

For those who are less energetic, there are operators who do land tours around Vava’u in mini buses. They can take you to several lookouts around the island, to gorgeous sandy beaches and also share some of their secret destinations with you, which many locals aren’t even aware exist! And yes, you too can share in the spectacular views of Mount Talau, as the road does run almost all the way to the top!!

You can also choose to hire a bike and there are well signed tracks that you can follow in and around town. The most popular track seems to be the one that leads you to the Tongan Beach Resort, which is a good hour ride, however you can always catch the a boat taxi back into town!!

At Hakula Lodge we have a 7 seater mini bus for free airport transfers. It is also available for daily rental.


Mountain Biking

At Hakula Lodge we have two top quality mountain bikes for our guests only. Free!

Why not spend a day exploring the outer villages, get of the beaten track and see the real Tonga?

You can also hire bikes at Adventure backpackers.


Kayaking

A double kayak with reef viewers awaits you at the wharf at Hakula Lodge a perfect way to spend your spare day paddling the fringes of Port of Refuge.

Take a packed lunch and you’ll soon lose all track of time!

Hakula Lodge guests only. Free!

If you're more enthusiastic you can hire a sea kayak from our neighbours, Friendly Island Kayaks.


 


Sailing

If you love being out on the open water and enjoy sailing or even if you have never sailed before, Vava’u has idyllic conditions to do so. You can cruise around the islands taking in the picturesque beauty of the blue lagoons, fine white sand beaches and beautiful untouched islands.

On your leisure day we can arrange for you to take a day trip out with one of the yacht companies based here in Vava’u. Even if you have little or no experience, don’t hesitate, an experienced skipper on board will ensure that you have an incredible time!


Kart Safaris

If You Do Only One Tour, This Is It!!!

Don't miss out on Vava'u Adventures' new Land Tour: Kart Safaris - the most exciting way to see the beautiful south pacific tropical island of Vava'u!


Traditional Attractions

Tongans love their food. So it is only natural that we enjoy feasts. At least twice a week a traditional feast is prepared, with an abundance of Tongan food such as ‘Puaka’, which is pork cooked on a spit, ‘Umu’, food cooked in an underground oven and ‘Ota Eika’, raw fish are just some of the local Tongan dishes.

Tongan dancing is usually accompanied with the feast, so you also have the opportunity to see some beautiful and colourful costumes.

 

03-2008

   

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Voyager Travel now has a Tonga Specialists.  We are in the islands at least once a year.
Call and ask the Tonga Specialist for assistance in planning your Tonga Vacation.

We have two Cook Island Specialists: Click here for our Cook Island Website

We have four Matai Specialists and have stayed at over 50 properties and have sited inspected more than 25 additional ones.  Click here for our Fiji Website

Our Mission

Voyager Travel is a specialized travel agency dedicated to providing personal service, along with value for your dollar.

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Contact Information

Voyager Travel
Telephone    Salem area 503-606-4111
Other areas 800-813-5009
Electronic mail General Information: CompanyEmail

 Be sure to visit our Hawaiian web site for information on planning your next Hawaiian Vacation.      http://vthi.com