Hakula Lodge

Jeff and Janine Le Strange

Jeff and Janine Le Strange have been living and working in the Kingdom of Tonga for almost 20 years. Jeff worked as a Manager of a local manufacturing business in Nuku'alofa with Janine by his side assisting in the office. They decided to have a lifestyle change with Jeff doing what he loves most - fishing. They built Hakula lodge and MV Hakula and moved to Vava'u in 1999.

Jeff has been fishing in Tongan waters for over 19 years. He is a founding member of Tonga International Game Fishing Association (TIGFA), also a 4-time President, tournament director of the first four TIBT( and numerous other tournaments), twice fisherman of the year, previous holder of many Tongan records, current holder of several notable catches, highest scoring angler TIGFA annual tournament 1999/2000. He is a true fisherman's fisherman, even building fiberglass boats for over 30 years.

Janine spends time in the garden growing tropical flowers, vegetables and herbs and has recently opened a handicrafts store, more as a hobby interest and to help the people from their local village of Toula to gain some income from sewing and weaving different products from those in Neiafu and Nuku'alofa. With Jeff's knowledge and the love of fishing and Janine backing him up with administration, taking care of bookings and activities with a bit of cooking thrown in they make a formidable team.

Janine has a Tee shirt screen printing and Gift Shop in Neiafu which offers local designs for tee shirts. Janine also paints her own sarongs for the shop based on the colors of Polynesia, in a gorgeous range of colors.

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
It focuses on the local community.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
Janine spends time in the garden growing tropical flowers, vegetables and herbs and has recently opened a handicrafts store, more as a hobby interest and to help the people from their local village of Toula to gain some income from sewing and weaving different products from those in Neiafu and Nuku'alofa.