Avaiki Cave

Avaiki is a sea cave on Niue's western coast where, in the island's tradition, the first canoe carrying the ancestors came ashore, which makes it the founding place. Steps run down from the road into a chamber of stalactites opening onto tide pools and the sea. It was reserved for kings to bathe in. Swimming is permitted at low tide but only on certain days by village custom.

What's there

• The landing tradition - the cave where the first canoe is held to have arrived.
• The stalactite chamber - the cave interior opening onto the sea.
• The tide pools - the basins at the mouth of the cave.
• The royal bathing place - a pool reserved for kings by custom.

When to go

May to October is the dry season. Low tide is when the pools are usable. Village custom restricts swimming on certain days.

Good to know

Swimming is restricted by village custom on some days and the rules should be checked and followed. The steps down are steep. Swell makes the cave mouth dangerous at times.

Nearby

Makefu is above, and Palaha is north.