Tonga
Tonga is a wonderful country covered in tropical rainforest and full of natural wonders. It is a sensationally beautiful place to visit.
Tonga travel guide
One of the most beautiful and unspoilt cluster of Pacific Islands, Tonga in the south Pacific is an archipelago comprising 176 coral and volcanic isles, of which just 36 are inhabited. It’s home to the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy in the world and is famous for its friendly people, magnificent deserted beaches and superlative coral reefs.
Tonga is divided into 4 groups of islands. The northern Ha’apai group of islands is very popular for diving and fishing. Further north is the Vava’u group, ideal for yacht sailing, with a deep water harbor, rock islands and limestone caves to explore. Then there’s Niuas, 3 isolated volcanic islands, home to a traditional Tongan culture. Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, is home to the capital, Nuku’alofa. It’s also the island where the Royal Family lives.
These tropical paradise isles offer an authentic, unspoilt getaway where one can enjoy a variety of water sports, soak up the sun on glorious stretches of white sand and surf and snorkel endlessly.
There are plenty of unique local points of culture and art to see when in Tonga.
Best time to visit: May to October is the dry season, making it a good time to visit.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Exploring these magical islands is what a vacation here is all about. See Things to do in Tonga, below, for ideas.
Shopping in Tonga: Nuku’alofa Handicrafts to take home include tapa cloths and woven mats, which you’ll find in the markets in the capital as well as at the Langafonua Handicrafts Center on its main street. The Talamahu Market here offers everything from souvenirs to fresh fish and produce.
Food & Restaurants in Tonga: Some of the best fishing waters in the South Pacific are located around these islands, so seafood is sublime here, served in a range of eateries on the seafront as well as further afield. On the main island, Tongatapu, there’s a great selection of spots on Vuna Road, which stretches along the waterfront. The Fish Market here offers great seafood, raw or cooked. In the Vava’u Islands, the Port of Refuge in Neiafu is lined with great bars and cafes to try, but the great seafood and drinks don’t come cheap.
Nightlife: There’s lots of great fun to be had after dark in Tonga. But remember – all bars close at midnight on Saturday night and not much is open on Sundays.
Beaches: Tonga is a beach paradise, but the best of the best is found on Uoleva Island, one of the Ha’api group of islands. These beaches are perfection, and this uninhabited isle is a joy to visit. On the main island, Tongatapu, there are 2 beaches to visit, 22km from the capital – Ha’atafu and Kanokupolu are located on a skinny peninsula. They are great spots to kayak, snorkel and swim. The Ha’apai Islands offer many stretches of unspoilt white sand beaches, exquisite coral reefs and tiny villages. Stay there on the main island, Lifuka, or on Foa, home to the best beach on these islands, called Houmale’eia.
Things to do in Tonga:
- Enjoy a variety of exciting water sports, including diving, snorkelling and swimming.
- On the island of Vava’u you can dive into Mariners Cave and swim inside Swallows Cave.
- In the Ha’apai Islands, dive to explore a magical underwater world filled with marine life and colorful coral reefs.
- Explore mysterious Anahulu Cave with its freshwater swimming pool on a scuba dive or snorkelling tour.
- Discover Mapu’a ‘a Vaea (The Whistle of the Noble), a series of incredible blowholes that extend for 5km along Tongatapu’s southern shoreline.
- On Tongatapu Island, explore the Royal Palace and Royal Tombs as well as the fascinating Ha’amonga Trilithon, the Stonehenge of the South Pacific.
- On Tongatapu Island you can also discover the ancient capital of Mu’a with its fascinating Terrace Tombs.
- Hike in the volcanic island of Tofua to see its remote volcano.
- Go whale watching from June to November to see humpback whales surrounding many of the islands.
Best way to get around: By bus on the main island, Tongatapu – these operate daily from 8am to 5pm, but not on Sundays.
Best Area for Families: Tongatapu Island The main island offers a selection of resorts that are family-friendly. There are limited attractions and facilities here, but the resorts do offer kids’ pools, activities and some package deals and the island’s 2 beaches, Ha’atafu and Kanokupolu, are easy to visit from the capital.