Vava’u, Tonga - 3 of 3 Veimumuni Cave, Vanilla

Veimumuni Cave is an accessible natural landmark. Another beautiful view of the coast and the entrance to the cave, which houses a refreshing freshwater pool. Not an easy entrance and stairway to the water, it is supposed to be the freshest water on the island. Local tradition holds that these waters once served as the private bathing place for the maiden goddess Vei (see sign for explanation). Supposedly, renowned for her breathtaking beauty, Vei was often seen sitting at the cave's entrance, gazing out at the sea while brushing her long hair. Her presence was so captivating that a legendary handsome chief named Lepuha reportedly established a residence at a nearby lookout specifically to catch glimpses of her and other beautiful women. Today, the cave remains a site of natural wonder and cultural heritage.

Finally we visited Vanilla Plantation in Utungake. We learned about the tedious process of making vanilla with hand-pollination required during the short window of the plant’s flowering. This area produces one of the world's most prized vanilla. Vanilla’s origins began in 2002 as an aid project founded by New Zealander, John Ross, and his family. The Kingdom of Tonga had been ravaged by Cyclone Waka, leaving the Islands and its people shattered in the wake of an exceptionally vicious natural disaster. Partnering with a local family in the village of Utungake, together they established a small vanilla plantation that robustly grew into the world renowned humanitarian vanilla brand, Heilala Vanilla. (see 2 videos of the cave and beach)Read more