Anahulu Cave - The Underground Swimming Pool
Anahulu Cave - The Underground Swimming Pool
Anahulu Cave - The Underground Swimming Pool
4.5
About
These are limestone caves with fresh water to swim in. Situated in the village of Haveluliku on the Eastern Side of Tonga and only about a 30 minute drive from Nuku'alofa it's a must see.A tour of the cave ( including a swim) plus drop off and pick up can be organized by email or contact Teta Office in Nuku'alofa, TongaAnahulu Beach is just infront of the entrance of the cave and is great for snorkeling and swimming.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Anahulu Cave - The Underground Swimming Pool
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
276 reviews
Excellent
143
Very good
95
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
9
Handysmith
Ryde, Australia307 contributions
Jan 2020
We are a mature couple in 60's and my wife planned to change into her swimming costume at the location but they did not have a place to change expecting her to undress inside the cave in front of other younger people already in the cave. Later after we exited we found a Ladies toilet which we should have been told about on arrival as my wife never got to use the swimming pool.
The mens toilet had no door and was very dirty.
I still went in changing in the cave but feeling uncomfortable. Then on entering the swim area it was busy with lots of local teenagers so only stayed near the pool entry as the teenagers were diving off the stalagmites into the pool. I would have like to swim around but felt intimidated by the teenager activity and unwelcome for invading their local space so left disappointed.
This could have been an excellent memorable positive experience for us if the staff had been attentive and settled the local teenagers down (who probably use this for free).
I informed our driver and guide of the situation to help them improve for future visitors but doubt anything will change.
The mens toilet had no door and was very dirty.
I still went in changing in the cave but feeling uncomfortable. Then on entering the swim area it was busy with lots of local teenagers so only stayed near the pool entry as the teenagers were diving off the stalagmites into the pool. I would have like to swim around but felt intimidated by the teenager activity and unwelcome for invading their local space so left disappointed.
This could have been an excellent memorable positive experience for us if the staff had been attentive and settled the local teenagers down (who probably use this for free).
I informed our driver and guide of the situation to help them improve for future visitors but doubt anything will change.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
God Is Good
Thank you for choosing Tonga as your destination we are grateful you visited us
We have no excuses we have looked after these issues u pointed hopefully we wont get anymore complaints about our facilities
God Be With Yous Everyday
Written 30 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JennaP17
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
My family and in laws (6 people total) took a trip out to the cave to visit for the 1st time. Excited to have this experience, turned into the worst day and we will never go back there again. It is dark and difficult to navigate - the 'safety' ropes will not help if you slip or fall and I was cut on the hand from grabbing the rusty pole where the ropes connected. Sensible shoes is a must!! It's incredibly slippery. All of this was easily forgettable once we made it to the water - really clear, really cold water! We had taken a couple of bags with us and left them close to us on the rocks. One of us went to get a phone to take photos and then realised his wallet had been STOLEN!!! Two of the local boys had come into the cave with us to turn the lights on etc and one of them was jumping from all the crazy spots inside the cave while the other was sitting close to our bags on the stairs. Realising AFTER the fact that the jumping show was just a distraction for his mate to STEAL THE WALLET!!! We then had to quickly get out of the water and up out of the cave so fast. The thief denied stealing the wallet at first but after a little while he confessed he stole it and had hidden it under the car. This act is extremely BAD FOR YOUR BUSINESS and tourism of the area. We were looking forward to hitting the nice beach after the cave but we will never go back there due to the thieving criminals who want to STEAL things that do not belong to them. And after all of this, we were not refunded even $1 of our money spent to go into the cave. Avoid this place completely!!!!!!! I have a photo of the thief which I'll attach as soon as I can.
Written 21 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What we will say wont change what happened before but we to get to the bottom of this and we are sorry that this had happened.
We are still in investigation who was the culprit , was it our staff or boys who happened to be from local villages surrounding the cave . Pls attach the foto of the culprit of the person that stole the wallet I want to take them to the authorities myself personally for what they did.
I apologies for what happened I hope tourists , friends and family will still come to this unique tourist site in Tongatapu .
We have put in procedures to stop this very bad behavior so it wont happen again
Written 25 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jokertrekker
Carate Brianza, Italy84 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Something quite unique in Tongatapu. A freshwater pool in a cave. The local boys did some stunning dives from the rocks into the pool. The water feels cool at first but is not cold. Most enjoyable. The walk to the pool is 50m or so and quite easy. The cave is quite well lit and worth the trouble to have a look at.
Written 4 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malo Aupito Champ thanks again for the positive review we still have a lot of things to keep improving we can't rest on our laurels so to speak and we have to keep up the maintenance and tp keep the vicinity clean ...Just a reminder our Canteen Kitaa's Kitchen sells bottles of water ..Malo Aupito !!!
Written 4 January 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marty H
1 contribution
These caves were amazing, when we drove in we were met by a local guide who offered to take us on a special tour for 15 top, 5 more then the usual 10 top entry fee.
We were pretty wary but thought why not? So glad we did! He gave us torches and guided us through the caves till we were 60 metres under the ocean floor, the air was hot and not the easiest to breath but the crystal clear pools were breathtaking and awesome to swim in. I do not suggest doing this unless you are a good swimmer and can handle a bit of climbing and tight spaces as he took us probably a kilometre into the cave, but it was so much better then the first 'swimming pool' which most tourists are usually taken too.
This is a must thing to see and do in tonga if you are up for it, utterly spectacular!
We were pretty wary but thought why not? So glad we did! He gave us torches and guided us through the caves till we were 60 metres under the ocean floor, the air was hot and not the easiest to breath but the crystal clear pools were breathtaking and awesome to swim in. I do not suggest doing this unless you are a good swimmer and can handle a bit of climbing and tight spaces as he took us probably a kilometre into the cave, but it was so much better then the first 'swimming pool' which most tourists are usually taken too.
This is a must thing to see and do in tonga if you are up for it, utterly spectacular!
Written 6 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeff p
Dartmouth, UK2 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
Not a well kept site with litter. The lighting inside the cave was not working.Over priced at $10 each
Written 26 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lord MacDuff
Scotland, UK658 contributions
Feb 2020
We were staying at the Tanoa Dateline Hotel and through their in-house tour company Hibiscuss Tours, we took a $120 top per person, 5 hour guided tour around the island. The tour included Captain Cook landing, Terraced Tombs, , Village fishing pigs, Ha’amonga (Stonehenge), Natural Land bridge, Abel Tasman Landing, Flying Fox colony, Tsunami Rock, Blow holes, Three headed coconut palm tree but we didn’t go to the Anahulu Cave (didn’t want to!) which was also included. Sake was a good guide though some more history would have been welcome. Lunch was BBQ chicken bought at someone’s house and eaten on a roadside table later on. Tropical refreshments was a bottle of water. Sake did offer answers to all our questions on Island life and his commentary and thoughts were much appreciated. The van we went around in was a tad tired and dirty as were most of the sites that we visited – not his fault obviously, merely a reflection on Tongan standards
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't want to take the credit for Hibiscus Tours they are a up n coming good tour operator ..all we can say is think for the review n thank you for choosing Tonga to be your holiday destination. God Bless +++
Written 3 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lolasewa2913
Auckland, New Zealand31 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
I do not know why people are saying this is expensive. $15 per person, This is an attraction and your paying for an experience so its well worth it! And remember your in Tonga dont go expecting something lavish. It is a cave so yes it is dark, wet, slippery and you do have to navigate around. If you are unable to move unassisted i do not recommend going in. The water is clear and very cold perfect on a hot day.
The only downsides are the local kids constantly jumping into the water. BUT I must say it is incredible how high and close to the rocks these boys jump/dive.
On a lucky day you will get the cave all to yourselves.
The only downsides are the local kids constantly jumping into the water. BUT I must say it is incredible how high and close to the rocks these boys jump/dive.
On a lucky day you will get the cave all to yourselves.
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malo e lelei n thank you for choosing Tonga as an holiday destination
We are thankful that u chose Anahulu Cave to visit and pay for your entry fee to help pay for our staff
we still have a lot of work to do hopefully by the end of the year we can do improvement to railings inside
Pls not peoples it is slippery n dark in some areas pls take care when entering
We take the good n not so good reviews we try to improve our services every day here @ Anahulu Cave
God Bless Everyone !!!
Written 13 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iryna
Tauranga, New Zealand333 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We first went into the local Catholic Church up on the main road. The resident priest encouraged us to go down to the caves and rattled up a gratis guide for us. So off we went equipped with torches. The entry point has a very low ceiling so keep your head down. But where you can look up to view the hundreds of nesting bats. Some paths are a tad slippery so don’t wear jandals, only sneakers, and hang onto the ropes.
The fresh water grotto at the end is spectacular. Great for a swim. If the tide is right the ocean lagoon is also excellent for a dip.
The fresh water grotto at the end is spectacular. Great for a swim. If the tide is right the ocean lagoon is also excellent for a dip.
Written 8 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very glad yous had a great time God Bless !!!
Written 10 November 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pajoChristchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand30 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Awesome underground cave with a beautiful clear fresh water pool at the end. Get guided for 50 meters or so and into a massive cavern. Plus if you are lucky see some bats. Thumbs up!
Written 30 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your visit to Anahulu Cave we are glad you enjoyed your trip hope we see you again ..God Bless !!!
Written 2 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kirsten L
Auckland, New Zealand9 contributions
Jul 2018
The walk through the cave is short and the water hole is beautiful. The experience is great but at $60.00 panga for a family of 4, its a bit of a con just to have a swim....
Written 21 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I guess if its a bit pricey then dont go to Anahulu Cave because thats only about $8.00 AUD pp we have to pay petrol for the generator , repairs , clean up , and so many more expenses behind the scenes that we don't make money.
Coming from overseas you know that nothing is for free so Im very surprised of your comment pls remember you are employing more people when you visit Anahulu Cave here in Tonga .
We thank you for your comments ...pls next time make your comments positive so we can improve our services...
Written 22 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The cave sounds fabulous and a great experience. Can I take a 2 year old and 4 year old in? They love the water and can swim a bit - still learning. Parents can swim very well and are used to supervising them in the water. How long do people usually spend there?
Written 9 April 2019
If each parent takes responsibility for one child then just be careful as the path in is a bit uneven in spots. Lighting was ok all the way in. Getting in and out of the pool might need a little bit of working together. My wife and I spent about 15mins in the pool, it was experience that we went in for. One tip maybe put floaties on the kids for some extra safety. The water is fresh water and beautiful temperature.
Written 9 April 2019
maybe its not ok with the entrance u have to bend down sorry I dont want to coz any problems with your pregancy ...if u are travelling with other people u can take a look first but to be on the safe side u might just go to Anahulu Beach which is just 50 meters while your friends go in for a dip ..Come back when your child is 8 years or so and swim in the Cave ..malo
Written 5 March 2017
Can you walk in on bare feet or do you need to wear shoes? Is it clear where it's safe to dive in off the rocks?
Written 17 September 2016
Huluana
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Pls wear sturdy shoes coz it could be slippery .. Local people walk in barefoot but the are used to it also with jumping off the rocks if you're doing bombs that's ok ..leave the diving in head first to the locals they're used to it....
Written 18 September 2016
It was 10 Tongan pagaa a person to enter the cave, or you can book cheap tours through teta tours, contact them through Facebook for their great prices, such as 70 tp for a half day tour
Written 27 February 2016
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing