vava`u in 2 weeks

Hi. Travelling to vava`u in 2 weeks time, 6 of us hiring a catamaran. Just curious about a couple of things...
Do the stores supply a reasonable range of food, fresh & packaged for us to do our own provisioning for 6 days on the boat. Is it easy enough to purchase what we need in 3-4 hours in town.
Should we be concerned regarding time delays and safety of real tonga airlines.
Is it possible to swim with the whales without a guide.
Answers and any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

Oh yeah..is the beer OK, we are Australians after all!

I was in Vava'u three weeks ago.....

Easy provisioning, the stores in Neiafu have everything you need.

Real Tonga is a worry... I'd plan on getting there a day early. They only have three airplanes and if the MA60 has problems it takes 5 trips a day with the remaining Islander and Beech 65 to service Vava'u. I don't recommend Fiji Airways, they stuck us in Nadi for three days.

You need a guide to swim with the whales.

Oz beer is available!