Understanding the Niue Villages

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Alofi

Alofi is the only town in Niue. It is the nation’s capital and has the largest population on the island.

The town spreads along the coast and is divided into two areas, Alofi North and Alofi South. All of the island’s major shops and services are in the town or at least a short drive away, as is the case with Hanan Airport, the Swanson Shopping Complex and the Niue Foou Hospital, for example.

Most of the island’s accommodation for tourists is in Alofi, as well as many tours offering pick-ups here or departing from here.

See The Complete Guide to Alofi for more information.

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Hakupu

Hakupu is the second largest village in Niue and is located on the southwest coast of the island.

Highlights of the area include the Anapala Chasm and Anapala Sea Track behind the village. There are also Ebony Rainforest Tours and an ebony shop to browse. The church is one of the best to go to for a Sunday church service as a visitor.

The village also has the Lalopine Rockhouse as tourist accommodation.

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Avatele

Avatele is on the southwest coast of Niue. It’s a popular destination for visitors due to the activities, attractions and accommodation available.

Activities in Avatele include the Taue Uga Tours. Avatele Beach is a popular natural attraction for swimming and snorkelling, as well as for the Washaway Cafe, which is an honesty bar open only on Sundays. Find out more in the 10 Things to Do in Avatele.

Accommodation in the area includes Lau’s Getaway, Aleki’s Guesthouse, Damiana’s Motel, Breeze and Yolos Accommodation.

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Tamakautoga

Tamakautoga is located between Avatele and Alofi on the southwest coast of the island. The village is home to the island’s only resort, as well as a beach and scuba diving operator.

The Scenic Matavai Resort has a swimming pool, pool bar and a restaurant open to casual diners. Other accommodations in the village include NIC’s Bungalows and Lanutahi Fales.

For activities, Niue Blue is based here offering scuba diving trips and courses, as well as whale and dolphin swimming. There is also the picturesque Tamakautoga Beach to check out.

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Mutalau

On the northeastern tip of Niue is the village of Mutalau, famous for its historical significance being the first village in Niue to accept Christianity.

You can visit Tauei Fupiu fort where the village chiefs protected the man who brought Christianity to the island, Peniamina. There is also the Uluvehi Sea Track with caves to check out. Mutalau is also the base of A5 Plantation and Rainforest Tours.

Nearby is the highest point on the island at 69m (226ft).

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Tuapa

Located on the northwestern coast of Niue, Tuapa is close to some of Niue’s popular attractions.

Nearby the village is Hio Beach, ideal for swimming around low tide, as well as the Hio Cafe & Bar which hosts Niuean umu nights on Thursdays. The Palaha Cave is on the village boundary with Makefu.

Tuapa is nearby villages such as Namukulu and Makefu, which have accommodations to choose from.

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Lakepa

Lakepa is located on the northeastern shores of Niue, offering a couple of accommodations for visitors, as well as sea tracks to explore.

Walk down sea tracks like the Puluhiki Sea Track and the Motu Sea Track, both narrow gravel roads that need to be driven with care (don’t attempt after heavy rain). There is also Ulupaka Cave, but you must see this cave with a guide, which may be able to be arranged through the Niue Visitor Information Centre in Alofi.

For accommodation, the village offers the Lialagi Units in an old school building and the Taoke Fales.

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Makefu

This village on the northwest coast of Niue sits just below Tuapa. Makefu is home to a couple of popular natural attractions, including the Avaiki Cave and the Palaha Cave.

The Makefu Sea Track is also worth checking out to see vaka (canoes) and watch whales and dolphins from the shore.

Accommodation in the area includes Turtle Lodge, the Anaiki Motel and Lolani’s Retreat.

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Liku

Located right in the middle of the east coast, Liku is a sprawling village on the northern edge of the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area.

Highlights of the village for visitors include a bike trail looping into the Huvalu Forest. The Tautu Reef makes a good place to watch the sunrise. Nearby is also the open-air Hikulagi Sculpture Park.

There are no accommodations available in Liku.

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Hikutavake

A smaller village on the northwestern tip of Niue, Hikutavake is home to a few famous Niue sights.

A large grassy parking area in the village gives access to the Matapa Chasm Sea Track, the Talava Arches Sea Track, as well as the sea track to the Hikutavake Pools – all of which are described in the 10 Best Sea Tracks on the West Coast of Niue.

There is one accommodation in the area, the Matapa Guest House.

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Vaiea

Vaiea is one of the smallest villages in Niue, located on the south coast of Niue.

One attraction here is the Noni Farm, a farm of more than 18,000 noni trees. Tours are available to book at the Visitor Information Centre in Alofi.

There is a road leading to the coast from the village. However, it is not suitable for rental cars.

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Toi

A tiny village on the north coast of the island, Toi most consists of agricultural land.

There is a dirt road leading to the Toi Sea Track. However, it is not suitable for rental cars. A bike trail on the Falepipi Bush Road is also accessible from Toi.

Toi is also close to the highest point on the island at 69m (226ft).

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Namukulu

Namukulu, on the northwest coast of the island, might have the smallest population, but it is a hotspot for tourists.

Namukulu is home to the popular swimming hole, the Limu Pools. It’s also a short distance from neighbouring villages of Hikutavake and Tuapa, each with its own sea tracks and attractions, from Matapa Chasm to Hio Beach. Learn more about these highlights in the 10 Best Sea Tracks in Niue.

There are a few accommodations in the village, including the Namukulu Cottages, Kaliki Lodge and the Clifftop Fale.