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Hanawa Blue Hole

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Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)

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The Hanawa Blue Hole (Trou Bleu d'Hanawa) is a memorable natural phenomenon on Ouvéa Island, formed by the collapse of ancient coral limestone. This circular sinkhole is famous for its intense sapphire-blue color and exceptional water clarity, standing as a bustling gem amidst the surrounding green bushland. Connected to the Pacific Ocean through a network of submerged limestone tunnels, the water level within the hole rises and falls with the tides. This brackish environment hosts a variety of marine life, including colorful fish that travel from the sea via the underground passages. Encircled by dense tropical vegetation and coconut palms, the site gives a serene and somewhat mystical atmosphere. It is for nature lovers on the Loyalty Islands, providing a unique opportunity to swim in a deep, cool natural pool that feels completely removed from the modern world.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262524232223242526
Rain mm159151218156103835954495876111

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Hanawa Blue Hole on Ouvéa is a natural deep blue pool, freely accessible. It is connected to the sea via underground tunnels and first-rate for swimming and snorkelling.
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Typical hours
As a natural water feature, the Blue Hole is accessible at any time. Best visited at high tide when the water is clearer and entry easier.
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Photography
Photography is possible from the shore and in water; a waterproof camera is convenient. The clear turquoise water gives memorable underwater shots.
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Time needed
Allow about one to two hours for swimming and snorkelling. The peaceful atmosphere invites lingering and picnicking.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with exploring Ouvéa's beaches, especially Plage de Mouli. A boat trip to the nearby motus is also worthwhile.
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Getting there
Ouvéa is accessible by plane or ferry from Nouméa. The Blue Hole is in the northwest of the island, reachable on foot or by rental car.
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Insider tip
Bring your own snorkelling gear; no rentals on site. Avoid midday hours as the sun is very intense.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.57500, 166.63330

Facts

  • Natural blue hole located on Ouvéa
  • Connected to the sea through underground passages
  • Water level changes according to the tides
  • Situated near the village of Hanawa
  • Diameter of approximately 30 meters
  • The water is saline due to marine connectivity

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ouvéa Atoll LagoonOuvéa Atoll Lagoon10 km · SWExplore →
Ouvéa BayOuvéa Bay11 km · SWExplore →
OuvéaOuvéa13 km · SWExplore →
Heo (St. Joseph)Heo (St. Joseph)14 km · NExplore →
Lékiny CliffsLékiny Cliffs15 km · SWExplore →
Our Lady of the WavesOur Lady of the Waves19 km · NExplore →
St. Joseph Mission (Ouvéa)St. Joseph Mission (Ouvéa)20 km · NExplore →
Mouli BridgeMouli Bridge27 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to reach the Trou Bleu?
Via a short path through the forest.
Can you swim in the hole?
Yes, it is a popular swimming spot.
How deep is the water?
It is very deep and has a vivid blue color.
Is the path barrier-free?
No, it is uneven terrain.
Are there dangerous currents?
No, the water is usually very still.
Hanawa Blue Hole: where is it located?
Hanawa Blue Hole is located in New Caledonia.
Hanawa Blue Hole: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Hanawa Blue Hole: why is it worth visiting?
The Hanawa Blue Hole (Trou Bleu d'Hanawa) is a memorable natural phenomenon on Ouvéa Island, formed by the collapse of ancient coral limestone.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
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Nearby cities

Dumbéa — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Dumbéa
Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.
La Conception — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
La Conception
La Conception is a mission village in Mont-Dore with a significant religious history.
Thio — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Thio
Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.
Païta Pioneer District — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Païta Pioneer District
Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.
Païta — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Païta
Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.
Kouaoua — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Kouaoua
Kouaoua is a mining town on the east coast famous for having one of the world's longest conveyor belts.
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Houaïlou
Houaïlou is a town on the east coast known for its lychee cultivation and mining tradition.
Poindimié — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Poindimié
Poindimié is the most important economic and administrative center on the northeast coast of the main island.
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Canala
Canala is a historical center of nickel mining on the east coast of New Caledonia.
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Rivière-Salée
Rivière-Salée is a large residential district in northern Nouméa, named after the local 'salty river'.
Bourail — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Bourail
Bourail is a significant town on the west coast, known for its cattle ranching and tourist attractions.
Tadine — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Tadine
Tadine is the main settlement on Maré island and the primary arrival point for vessels.
Fayaoué — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Fayaoué
Fayaoué is the administrative center of Ouvéa, located along a spectacular 25 km long beach.
La Foa — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
La Foa
La Foa is an agricultural center located in the central-western part of Grande Terre.
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Yahoué
Yahoué is a green residential district in Dumbéa, located at the foot of the mountains and known for its tranquility.

Nature

Ouvéa Atoll Lagoon — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Ouvéa Atoll Lagoon
This UNESCO-protected lagoon is a sanctuary for sharks, rays, and the rare Ouvéa parakeet found on the atoll.

More places

Lifou — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Lifou
Lifou is the largest and most populous of the Loyalty Islands and a major tourist destination.
Maré — Hanawa Blue Hole (New Caledonia)
Maré
Maré is the second largest of the Loyalty Islands, known for its wild landscapes and deep chasms.
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Ouvéa
Ouvéa is a stunning coral atoll in the Loyalty Islands featuring a 25-kilometer long sandy beach.