Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes
Mapuʻa ʻa Vaea
Hundreds of blowholes on a coral reef platform several kilometers long along the south coast spout water columns up to 20 meters high, which is why they are known as the 'Chief's Whistle.'
Mapuʻa ʻa Vaea means 'the Chief's Whistle.' It lies on the southern coast near the village of Houma, in the southwest of the island. Waves crash into caves beneath the reef platform and shoot up water columns more than 20 meters high from hundreds of holes, accompanied by a loud whistling sound. The blowholes stretch for about 5 km along the coast. The viewpoint is right beside the road and is free. The show is most spectacular at high tide, when the south wind is strong. It is much weaker at low tide, so check the tide table before you go. It is about 15 km from the capital, a 25-minute drive. It can be combined with the flying fox village and the Tsunami Rock on the western route.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tsunami Rock (Makamotu)
- Keleti Beach
- Kolovai Flying Fox Sanctuary
- Mala'e Kula Royal Tombs
- Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua
- Centenary Church (Free Wesleyan)
- Ha'atafu Beach
- Talamahu Market