Vakaloa is the name of a newly opened beach resort located on the white sandy beach of Kanokupolu on the western side of Tongatapu, opened on Friday, September 26 by HRH Princess Latufuipeka Tuku'aho.

Targeting the higher end of the tourist market, especially honeymooners and retirees, the resort offers three fully furnished cottages. A restaurant and bar overlooks the sea and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Located that the end of Ikalahi Road the resort was developed on the site of the former 'Nawai-ali'i'.

 

The reception area and restaurant has been rebuilt and reburbished with wooden furniture imported especially from Malaysia. It also provides a business centre with internet and faxing services.

Seafood night

At the opening ceremony, the owners John Tukuafu (27) the heir to the seafront property and his wife Marian (23) said they were delighted to begin a new chapter in their life in Tonga.

The couple returned from Australia with two young daughters six months ago were determined to utilise and redevelop the prime piece of property.

Marian said the work was a challenge but they were determined to create something new in the tourism industry. "Because we see Tonga as a unique tourist destination that has not been discovered.

"This is a dream come true for us and our family and let this be the beginning," she said happily.

She added there would be more developments in the future since they have a total of 11 acres of land to utilise.

The Vakaloa Resort plans to offer a seafood night on Friday nights with cultural entertainment.

John is the eldest son of Tevita and Sekola Tukuafu, and Marian is the only daughter of traders Hans and Nova Briest of Nuku'alofa.