10 Best Walks in Alofi

Where to Walk in Alofi

Feel like stretching your legs? If you have already wandered through Niue’s capital to check out the shops and cafes, where to next? Alofi has several sea tracks well worth exploring, which will take you longer to walk between than to walk the sea track itself with no sea track taking more than five minutes. However, we also recommend part of one of the bike/bush trails for a fuller walking experience. Check out our suggestions in this list of the best walks in Alofi.

For more things to do in Alofi, see the 10 Best Things to Do in Alofi.

1. Vaila Cave Sea Track

Best tide for swimming: low tide
Location: Opposite Tusekolo Bush Road, 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Alofi town centre, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

Admittedly, one of the shortest walks on the list but with the northernmost starting point, the Vaila Cave Sea Track is a two-minute one-way sea track down to a cave cut into the cliff. There is an interpretation sign telling of the historical significance of the cave, while the reef leading out from the cave is fun to explore at low tide to see the marine life protected in the marine reserve of the area. The walk is more of a photo opportunity than a place to stretch your legs, but it’s worth a visit all the same.

2. Opaahi Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Opposite Kaiika and the Latter-Day Saints Church, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

A five-minute sea track takes you down to a historical site, the landing place of Captain James Cook. Read the interesting tale behind the landing on the interpretation sign here (or in the 10 Fascinating Historical Sites in Niue). Down the sea track are a few vaka (canoes) to admire, as well as a rocky coastline with excellent coastal views. Swimming is only possible here for strong ocean swimmers.

3. Alofi Bike Trail (Bike Tracks 2/3)

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Start on Alofi-Liku Road (opposite the Crazy Uga Cafe), Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

If you’re looking for a longer walk in Alofi, then your best option is to, in fact, follow the bike trail from Alofi. Maps can be picked up at the Visitor Information Centre, which will show you the roads to take, most of which are bush roads through forests and plantations for a real tropical experience.

One route we recommend is starting from the Alofi-Liku Road (opposite Crazy Uga Cafe). Walk east past the high school and onward to Keleola Bush Road. Here, you’ll get to experience one of Niue’s bush roads mainly reserved for bikers and hikers. The road leads onto the Makefu Bush Road, eventually taking you to Makefu where you’ll be able to check out coastal attractions like the Avaiki Cave. You’ll be on the main coastal road of Niue now, where you just need to walk south to get back to where you started in Alofi. Check out Peniamina’s Grave, the Vaila Cave and Togalupo Sea Track along the way. The entire loop takes three to four hours.

You can reduce the walk by 30 minutes by taking Namoui Bush Road instead of continuing on Makefu Bush Road in order to get onto the main coastal road back to Alofi.

See more bike trails that can be turned into long bush walks in The 5 Best Bike Trails in Niue.

4. Amanau Sea Track

Best tide for swimming: low to mid tide
Location: Signposted in Alofi South, approximately 100 m (110 yards) west of Pacific Way Bar, west coast of Niue.

Back to the short walks, the Amanau Sea Track is located in Alofi South opposite the fish factory. The two-minute sea track takes you down a ladder to a reef below with a cave cut into the cliff with a pool ideal for snorkelling in. The pool is best accessed for swimming at low to mid tide, where you’ll possibly see lots of blue fish in the pool. Learn more about the importance of tide times in What You Need to Know About Tide Times in Niue.

5. Togalahi Sea Track

Best tide: high tide for swimming, low tide for reef walking
Location: Just north past the Parliament buildings and opposite the Commercial Centre, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

A short sea track accessible from Alofi town centre, the Togalahi Sea Track takes you to a small rocky and sandy cove with an attractive reef to explore at low tide. Make sure to take your reef shoes!

6. Omahi Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Signposted on the coastal side of the road near Niue Rentals, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

One that’s easy to miss in Alofi North, the Omahi Sea Track is yet another sea track in Niue that won’t take too much time out of your day for walking (we’re talking only two to five minutes). The rocky trail takes you down to an opening on the coast with sweeping views – a great place to watch the sunset!

7. Utuko Reef Sea Track

Best tide for swimming: low-to-mid incoming tide
Location: Sea track next to Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

Easy to find in the town centre, the Utuko Reef Sea Track is a well-maintained sea track taking you about a minute to reach the small sandy cove. The reef is popular for reef walks at low to mid incoming tide, but be sure to check out what the swell is doing before you head out. There is a pool that’s good for snorkelling toward the left of the cove. Check out other great places to reef walk in the 6 Best Reef Walks in Niue.

8. Kalaone Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Opposite the Latter-Day Saints Church and Halamahaga Road, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.

An easy one for all fitness levels (you can even drive down with road access), the Kalaone Sea Track is primarily a launch point for local fisherfolk and their vaka. There is some pleasant coastal scenery here and this is also a stellar place to watch the sunset. Note that you shouldn’t touch the vaka stored here, as per Niuean custom. See Niuean Etiquette: Niue Customs & Traditions for more details.

9. Houme Sea Track

Best tide: Low tide for swimming and reef walking.
Location: Signposted near the Catholic Church, Houme, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

Easy to miss along the main road of Alofi North, this short bush walk leads to a concrete set of steps leading straight into the water of a sheltered bay. Go at low tide to enjoy a spot of reef walking at the bottom of the Houme Sea Track, as well as shallow pools for snorkelling.

10. Togalupo Sea Track

Not suitable for swimming.
Location: Opposite Yolos Accommodation, approximately 1.5 km (1 mi) north of Alofi town centre, Alofi North, central west coast of Niue.

Last but certainly not least, the Togalupo Sea Track is a pleasant short walk through the bush to what we like to think of as Niue’s smallest beach! Check out the tiny cove for a fun photo opportunity.

More About Walks in Alofi

That’s it for our list of amazing walks in Alofi. For more walks around the island, check these out:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Walks 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.

Contact Laura via our contact page