Niue’s Best Beaches
On “The Rock of the Pacific” you might be surprised to learn that Niue actually does have some beaches. Ok, so they might not be your soft golden sand beaches of the other South Pacific Islands, as Niue’s beaches are coral beaches made up of shells and coral remnants rather than sand. Nevertheless, the beaches are quaint, picturesque and almost always secluded giving them plenty of reason for a visit. In this list of the best beaches in Niue, we go through our favourite Niue beaches and where to find them. They can all be found down sea tracks where signs will say “Hala Tahi [Beach Name]”.
For more water fun in Niue, see the 10 Best Water Activities in Niue.
1. Hio Beach
A long sweeping beach, Hio Beach is worth a photo at any tide but is best visited at low tide, allowing one hour before low tide and one hour after, for swimming. Walk along the coral beach to the right side of the bay where you’ll find a pool to drop into for a warm soak and a snorkel. Afterwards, you can pop into the Hio Cafe & Bar for a cocktail. See The 10 Best Restaurants in Niue for more information.
Location: Hio Sea Track, Tuapa (next to the Hio Cafe & Bar)
2. Avatele Beach
Avatele Bay’s beach and reef are a prime spot for snorkelling. Head there at mid to low tide for snorkelling among hard and soft coral and the tropical fish that call them home. However, be careful of coral growing close to the surface at low tide. Avoid swimming close to the boat ramp which has strong currents and an outpour of freshwater that can distort vision for snorkelling. Learn more about the tide times in What You Need to Know About the Tide Times in Niue.
Location: Avatele Sea Track, Avatele
3. Tamakautoga Beach
This small picturesque beach is too cute to ignore. After a super short walk down the Togulu Sea Track, you’ll find a tiny cove. Tamakautoga Beach is ideal for reef walking and snorkelling in the reef pools at low tide. Find more amazing snorkelling spots in the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Niue.
Location: Togulu Sea Track, Tamakautoga
4. Utuko Reef
Right in the heart of Alofi, the Utuko Reef is hidden from the main road of the town opposite the Police Station. Head down a short sea track to one of the very few beaches in Niue with actual sand! The reef is fun for reef walks at low tide with some easily accessible pools for snorkelling just to the left of the cove. Be mindful of what the swell is doing though. See more cool swimming spots in the 5 Most Beautiful Swimming Holes in Niue.
Location: Utuko Reef Sea Track, Alofi (opposite the Police Station)
5. Pofitu Beach
After a quick walk through the bush and down some concrete steps, you’ll come across a beach a little larger than Tamakautoga Beach full of coral and shells. Enjoy a bit of reef walking at low tide and probably this entire beach to yourself, as it’s easy to miss.
Location: Pofitu Sea Track – signposted off the road between Tamakautoga and Avatele near Pofitu
More About Beaches in Niue
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Niue 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 Niue. She knows the island inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Niue’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.