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Hakula
Lodge
Vava'u - Kingdom of Tonga |
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Fish Tonga, fish
Vava'u
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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 |
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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 ! |
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The Lodge
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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. |
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Hakula Lodge features two
exclusive self contained modern units overlooking the beautiful
harbour. Each unit
boasts :
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Air conditioning
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Private deck area
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Solat hot water
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Super kingsize beds
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Large tiled ensuite
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Kitchen facilities
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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. |
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mahi mahi |

yellowfin tuna |
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dog tooth tuna |

wahoo |

yellowfin tuna |

yellowfin tuna |
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blue marlin |

tag & release,
a
specialty |

New Tongan record
178 kg blue marlin |

last blue marlin of
1999 (31.12) |
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pacific sailfish |
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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
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Accommodation Features
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Absolute waterfront
only 30 minutes to the fishing grounds
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5 min by taxi 10 min
bike ride or 20 min walk to Nieafu the capital of Vava'u
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Self contained
well-appointed modern units, each equipped with:
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One x king size
bed which converts to two x king size singles plus
convertible lounge
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Large tiled
en-suite with shower, vanity, toilet etc
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Solar hot and
cold rain water (town water as back up) no water shortage
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Air conditioning
and ceiling fans
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Kitchen area includes
four burners stove, grill, jug, toaster, sandwich maker, usual
kitchen utensils
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Large fully stocked
bar fridge
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Units open onto deck
with full harbour views
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BBQ area and seating
for eight, ideal for those brilliant sunsets!
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Private weigh
station, wharf, jetty and pontoon almost at your doorstep
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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
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View from Hakula Lodge |
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Hakula
visits Swallows cave |
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MV Hakula
waiting for you |
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MV Hakula |
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Fully
loaded and ready to go fishing |
"MV Hakula"
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Launched in
September 1999
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Has now
traveled over 70,000 nautical miles around Tongan waters
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A 34' purpose
built game fishing boat
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Powered by
twin diesel 105hp Nissan motors
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Fish finder
GPS
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New
for 2007 Navman 6500 chart plotter Depth
Sounder to fly bridge
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Full offshore
safety equipment
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VHF radios
and all usual electrical equipment
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Four berth,
fully equipped galley, stove, fridge etc
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Large
cockpit, with large sun canopy, toilet and shower
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Large iced
fish storage hold
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Transom door
landing platform
Sport Fishing
Equipment
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Kilwell long
reach outriggers and stinger
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Cannon down
rigger
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Tailored
marine S/S game chair and harness 130lb rated
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Eight rod
holders and eight rocket launchers
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New
for 2007 2 x TI130A Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on
Kilwell 130lb bent butt chair rods
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New
for 2007 2 x TI80A Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on
Kilwell 80lb bent butt chair rods
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New
for 2007 4 x 50WA Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on
Kilwell stand up rods, 2 straight butts, 2 bent buts
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New
for 2007 2 x 80WA Shimano Tiagra 2 speed on
Kilwell stand up bent buts
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2 x Shimano
TLD 30 2 speed on Kilwell stand up rods
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2 x 20/30lb
Shimano 6:1 fast retrieve on Shimano Tcurve jig 200 rods
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New
for 2007 1 Shimano Torsa 30 5.8 :1 fast
retrieve on Shimano Tcurve Jig 400 Great Jigging out fit
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New
for 2007 1 Shimano Trinidad 30 6.2:1 fast
retrieve on Shimano Tcurve 200 Great jigging out fit
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New
for 2007 1 Shimano Spheros SP14000FA 4.6:1
Casting out fit
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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. |
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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) |
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Come join me swim with
the whales |
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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
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Please consider the
whales - remember we are in their back yard
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When entering the
water don't jump in, just slide in quietly
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Don't make sudden
advances towards the whales
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Don't dive down to
them, instead remain calm and on the surface
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If the Whales decide
to move away don't attempt to follow them, instead return to the
boat
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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:
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Your trip - including
scenery, people, and most importantly whales!
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This is edited to
around 10 minutes of the best footage, with music and whale
songs
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A 20 min best of
feature of whales and Vava'u
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A photo slide show of
images that can also be printed
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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.
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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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! |
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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. |
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03-2008

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