Not to miss

Hakupu

Hakupu village puts on a regular fiafia (dance) night, usually on Wednesday. There's a delicious selection of Niuean dishes cooked umu-style (in an underground oven) and a traditional welcome by the village women, music and dances accompany the delicious food.

The drivable sea track takes you to within a few minutes' walk of the Anapala Chasm. A long flight of steps descends between the narrow ravine walls to a long freshwater rock pool, traditionally used as a water source in times of drought.

Alofi

Niue's capital is little more than just one long street stretching for several kilometres along the rocky coastline. The waterline is marked by a number of traditional canoe-landing spots, including Opaahi Landing, the place where Captain Cook made an unsuccessful attempt to come ashore in 1744.

There are a couple of handkerchief-sized beaches, notably at Utuko and Omahi. The biggest attractions for divers lie directly offshore - the Chimney, Opaahi and Faka Laina (aka the Toilet Bowl). A drop down into the crystal-clear depths is rewarded by a twisting series of gullies, ravines, chasms, caves and reef ridges. If bad weather hits, head indoors to learn the story of the island's history and culture at the Huanaki Cultural Centre, or visit the Ekalesia Church on Tomb Point. The two headstones outside the church mark the graves of two island kings, Tuitoga (ruled 1876-87) and Fataaiki (1888-96).

Vaikona Chasm

Hike through the forest and a maze of coral pinnacles (1km, 0.6mi) to reach Vaikona Chasm. Descend into the darkness through a sloping cave to the chasm floor. At the near end is a small freshwater pool and further in is a larger pool. Green ferns fringe the pools and an oval of sky peeks through above.

It's a magical swim under a wall to the end of the long pool, surfacing in a large dark cave. The brave can continue on through more caves. A local guide, underwater light, mask and snorkel, are essential for exploring Vaikona Chasm.

Hio Beach

Hio Beach, reached by a wooden stairway down the cliffside, is the finest (and longest) stretch of sand on the island. At low tide you can walk across the reef about 100m (328ft) north to an idyllic snorkelling pool. The winding chasm is full of tropical fish and is fringed with coral; it features small overhangs, caves and two swim-throughs.

Peniamina's Grave

The grave of Nukai Peniamina, the Niuean credited with introducing Christianity to his homeland in 1846, is 4.5km (2.5mi) north along the coast from Alofi. Peniamina was converted to Christianity by the London Missionary Society while in Samoa and, with the assistance of a Samoan missionary named Paulo, he managed to convert the majority of Niue's population in just a decade. You'll see many gravestones scattered around Niue, as the islanders are usually buried on their family land.

Two dive sites (Namoui and Anono) are just offshore from the grave site, along with a marine reserve for a turtle encounter or two. A little further north, 7km (4mi) from the capital, a signpost leads to the Avaiki Cave, an impressive coastal cavern sheltering a beautiful rockpool - according to local legend, it was the landing point of Niue's first settlers. Further still there's the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled Palaha Cave. The best beach on the island is nearby Hio, reached by a wooden stairway down the cliffside. Offshore there's a chasm full of tropical fish and fringed with coral, offering the perfect opportunity for snorkelling.