The cascades start up in the hills where the rain falls heavily and soaks into the forest. The water flows downhill over smooth volcanic rock, polished by thousands of years of flow, dropping from pool to pool. Each pool is a different depth — some just ankle-high, others deep enough to jump into from the rocks above.
The jungle around the cascades is thick with ferns, vines and palm trees. The canopy overhead keeps the air cool and shaded, and you can hear birds calling from the branches even while the waterfall roars. It is a very different feeling from an open beach — more enclosed, greener and slightly mysterious.
Local guides lead visitors up through the pools, helping them find the best route over slippery rocks. At the top there is a taller waterfall with a wide pool at the base — the highlight of the whole walk. Many people stand under the falling water and feel the force of it pressing down on their shoulders.
The Mele people, who are the local community around the cascades, manage the site and share it with visitors. This is an important way that communities in Vanuatu protect their natural environment while also welcoming people from around the world to experience it.