The Mapu a Vaea, also known as Mapu'a Vaea, are a chain of natural blowholes on the island of Tongatapu, located near the village of Houma in the Kingdom of Tonga. It is one of the highlights of the tours around the island of Tongatapu.
Etymology
Mapu a Vaea translates to "Whistle of the Noble" or "Chief's Whistles". The name is also based on the sound of the blowholes, said to resemble the whistling of a high-ranking Tongan chief. The etymology has also been claimed to be inspired by an ancient Tongan chief who mediated by the blowholes.
Characteristics
Mapu a Vaea is 5 kilometers long and consists of hundreds of blowholes, When the water is in the channels, it becomes compressed, which causes it to shoot into the air with force. The limestone and coral rock has been carved out due to pressure from the sea.