The next day Josh and Tanya offer us a ride to the east side of the island where we've heard of some wonderful fales on the beach. We take in the sights along the way - our first stop is the beautiful Aganoa black sand beach where we see lots of local canoes.
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| Aganoa Black Sand Beach |
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| Aganoa Black Sand Beach canoes |
We then go on a coastal walk to a lava field along the ocean cliffs in the Ole Pupu Pu'e National Park (ST$10pp).
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| Coastal Walk |
Salani Surf Resort is our next stop, where we meet Chris and Shannon, the owners. We find out that the resort has just been entirely rebuilt following the 2009 tsunami, which explains why it is pricier than expected (us$295 per night)! No surf today, but We have a great lunch and let them know we will be back! Chris gives us his phone number to keep in touch as to the upcoming swell.
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| Shannon & Chris at Salani's |
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| The new Salani accomodation |
Next stop, Sopoaga Waterfall (ST15pp). The area is amazingly green and lush. We meet the landowner and caretaker who shares a huge soursop fruit with us - it tastes like tangy custard apple and soon enough we have it all over our faces!
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| Entrance to Sapoaga Waterfall |
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| Sapoaga Waterfall |
We clean up and head to Lalomanu on the eastern tip of the island. Taufua Beach Fales (ST70-90pp incl. all meals) is a great resort owned and run by Steve and his wonderful family. Unfortunately the coral reef was badly damaged during the tsunami, which Steve tells us about. The wave, which was nearly 8 metres high, happened only a few minutes after the earthquake, so with very little warning. They have now built an escape route into the cliffs behind the resort which was also rebuilt.
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| Taufua Beach Fales |
That evening we go for a quick dip before dinner and see a ray leap into the air! Not sure what was chasing it... We meet all our fellow guests at the communal dining table - the food is yummy and the company incredibly diverse and interesting!
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