Places of Historical Significance in Niue
Travelling to a new country is about discovering a different way of life, new landscapes and, of course, its history. Niue might be a small island but there’s a lot to unpack in its history which you can learn for yourself by exploring the island and visiting the historical sites. Almost all of Niue’s historical sites have interpretation panels to explain their significance making the island like a 260km² (100sq mi) museum! Check out the historical sites in Niue and where to find them in the list below.
For more about Niue’s history, see A Brief History of Niue. Plus, see more amazing experiences in the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List.
1. Tomb Point
Let’s start with a historical site you can check out right in the heart of the island’s capital, Alofi. Tomb Point not only holds the grave of two Niuean kings within its grounds but there is also a World War One memorial. You can read more about the historical significance of this area on the interpretation panels on display here. In addition, there is a picnic area on the clifftops with an excellent lookout for watching whales and dolphins. Check out more attractions in Alofi in the 10 Must-Dos in Alofi.
Location: Alofi, on the coast side of the road opposite the Commercial Centre.
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Opaahi
Another one you can visit in Alofi, Opaahi is the site where British explorer, James Cook, attempted to land on Niue three times in 1774. However, his men were met by a band of toa (warriors) who challenged the visitors with hostility and essentially scared his men off the island. It was this encounter that Cook named Niue “Savage Island” and no further explorers visited the island for another 80 years. There is an interpretation panel telling the story of the site at the Opaahi Sea Track. Today, the sea track is storage for vaka (canoes) and provides some good views of Niue’s rugged coastline.
Location: Alofi South, on the coast side of the road opposite Kaiika Restaurant.
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Laufoli Umu Pit
On the east coast of Niue, the Laufoli Umu Pit is nestled in the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area alongside the island’s circular road. Laufoli was a legendary toa (warrior) who, upon hearing of his brother’s death, made an umu pit (a traditional ground oven) to leap into and take his own life so that his enemies could not kill him themselves. Visitors to the site can see a distinct dip in the ground in a cordoned-off area. See more sights worth visiting on the east coast in the 7 Best Sea Tracks on the East Coast of Niue.
Location: Tuafutu, Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, east coast.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Peniamina’s Grave Memorial
Nukai Peniamina was the man who introduced Christianity to Niue. The Niuean was taken to Samoa on a missionary ship where he accepted Christianity. He returned to Niue in 1846, where he was met with hostility mainly because people who had come from overseas were bringing disease to the island at the time. He was protected in Mutalau where he converted the village to Christianity and eventually the entire island save for eight locals. Peniamina’s Grave Memorial can be visited on the southern end of Makefu on the west coast. An interpretation panel tells more of his story.
Location: Makefu, off the side of the main road on the west coast.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Taue i Fupiu Fort
This historical site relates to the above where you can see the remains of a traditional fort where around sixty warriors were said to have protected Peniamina while he was carrying out his Christian mission. The site is in the village of Mutalau in the north of the island but it is hard to find as signage has been taken down for the site. You can find a faint bush track next to the pastor’s house where there is a plaque at the site of the fort.
Location: Mutalau, north coast. The site is in the bush next to the pastor’s house
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Vaila Cave
While Vaila Cave is not typically visited as a historical site, the cave on the coast of Alofi North does have some historical significance. The cave was traditionally used by local women for weaving during dry weather, as well as to clean and harvest arrowroot which was used for traditional cooking. The back of the cave collects freshwater, which was used for cleaning and medicinal purposes. Today, the cave is used to access a reef within the Alofi North Marine Protected Area to check out the marine life and small snorkelling pools at low tide. See more sea tracks in the area in the 6 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi.
Location: Alofi North, opposite the Tusekolo Bush Road.
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Anaana Burial Cave
Located on the west coast beside Anaana Point, the Anaana Burial Cave is an example of caves that early settlers used to use. While some caves were used as protection, separate caves like the Anaana Burial Cave were used to lay the dead to rest until only the bones remained. The burial cave has a sign just off the side of the road explaining its significance. There is a short track to the cave where you can see bone remains on the floor of the cave. Needless to say, disturbing the bones is strictly forbidden.
Location: Just south of Anaana Point between Tamakautoga and Alofi on the west coast.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Matapa Chasm
What today is a popular snorkelling spot used to be an exclusive bathing pool for Niuean royalty. This swimming hole can be enjoyed at all tides and is accessible down a 7-minute one-way sea track. See more amazing sea tracks on this coast in the 10 Best Sea Tracks on the West Coast of Niue.
Location: Hikutavake, northwest coast.
(c) Jonathan Irish - Niue Tourism9. Avaiki Cave
Similarly to Matapa Chasm, Avaiki Cave is where only those of the highest rank could enjoy bathing, making it another worthy mention for its historical significance but that’s not all. The word “Avaiki” derives from “Havaiki” or “Hawaiki”, the ancestral home of the Polynesians where history tells of the canoe landing of the first Polynesians at this site. Avaiki Cave is only accessible at low tide.
Location: Makefu, off the side of the west coast road.
(c) niuepocketguide.com10. Tāoga Niue Museum
While not a historical site itself, the Tāoga Niue Museum is a must for history buffs. The island’s original national museum was destroyed during Cyclone Heta in 2004 but the new museum holds the remaining salvaged artefacts from the cyclone, as well as newly acquired relics from around the island. See treasures from World War One, as well as other items of cultural and historical significance such as woven wares.
Location: Halamahaga Road, Alofi, open Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore About Historical Sites in Niue
That’s it for our list of the best historical sites in Niue. For more about Niue’s history and culture, and how to experience these while visiting Niue, check out the following guides:
- 7 Best Culture Tours in Niue
- 5 Best Churches in Niue to Experience as a Visitor
- 10 Best Ways to Experience the Niue Culture
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Niue.
