Through the cooperation of an American Peace Corps volunteer and the residents of Ovaka Island, The Ovaka Experience is the first cultural homestay project in the Kingdom of Tonga. Located on the island of Ovaka, in the Vava’u Island Group, participants will experience authentic Tongan cultural activities that are not accessible through local hotels and resorts. Ovaka is a small island nearly six miles southwest of Vavau’s main town of Neiafu, roughly an hour and a half boat trip. The island contains around eighty inhabitants throughout the year.
Arriving on Friday evening, guests will sleep in a private beachfront fale (Tongan house) while participating in a variety of daily activities in and around town, including:
- Snorkeling in Vavau’s only restricted conservation area
- Drinking/serving kava (a traditional Tongan drink of water mixed with a dried plant, possessing a mild relaxing effect)
- Eating authentic Tongan meals
- Drinking/eating fresh coconuts
- Exploring one of the most remote islands in the Kingdom of Tonga
- Listening to Tongan ta mea (guitar and singing)
- Watching traditional taolunga (Tongan dance)
- Helping to prepare an umu (an underground oven generally prepared for Sunday)
- Attending a Tongan church service
- Weaving various items
Guests will depart for Neiafu after church and lunch on Sunday afternoon/evening.
