Tonga Travel Guide: 17 BEST things to do in Tongatapu and Tonga
- Barbara
- May 22
- 9 min read
Tonga isn’t flashy or overrun with tourists, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s for those who want a slice of authentic island life and unspoiled nature. Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the Kingdom of Tonga is made up of over 170 islands. We travelled here from Fiji, landing in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga in the island of Tongatapu. To give us the freedom to explore, we rented a car and stayed in a lovely Airbnb called ‘Seaside Stay’ on the West Coast. We could see the ocean right from our window and had a small beach at our doorstep! So what are the best things to do in Tonga and Tongatapu?
Table of Contents:
Swim with whales:
So what is there to do in Tonga? The main reason for us to book a trip to Tonga was to swim with whales. In fact, between July and October, humpback whales migrate through Tonga’s warm waters to give birth and Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can legally swim with them. Book in advance as spaces do run out. We did this activity with Deep Blue Diving and went with them for 2 days. You can read more about swimming with whales on Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga. Although swimming with whales or whale watching is the main attraction, if you are looking for something else to do while there, I have you covered here. We rented a car and we managed to see most things in a day. Driving in Tonga is easy and most roads are paved (there are only a few that have pot holes, especially when going out of the main roads, but doable in a normal car).
Top things to do in Tonga:
Snorkel in the coral reef:
Tonga’s reefs are full of life. Vibrant corals, sea turtles, and colourful fish. The best spots are the islands northern of Tongatapu (like Vava’u with swallows caves and coral gardens), but if you are staying on the main island of Tongatapu you can try:
- Ha'atafu Beach: Here you can find a white sandy beach and it is a good snorkeling spot thanks to the shallow water and the reef which hosts hundreds of fish.
- Guided tour: Another option is to book a snorkeling tour, for example both Deep Blue Diving and Thai Tonga, organises snorkeling trips to the outer reef and to an inhabited island. (45 islands in Tonga are inhabited). You can check their website for prices and more information. They both also organise whale swimming tours, so may be busy between July and October.
Visit an inhabited island:
- Fafa Island (closed now): As I was looking for a great snorkeling spot I came across Fafa Island. Fafa island and the lagoon has been recognised as a special protected zone by the government. From Nuku’alofa go to the nearby wharf at Faua, and from there, it’s a half-an-hour sail to the island of Fafa. However right now you CANNOT travel to Fafa island anymore, as they are rebuilding it after it has been destroyed in the 2022 tsunami.
- Pangaimotu Island: As an alternative, you can go to Pangaimotu island, which is only a 10 minutes boat ride from Nuku’alofa. There was a resort on Pangaimotu island, which has also been destroyed in the 2022 tsunami and they are re-building it, but you can visit it as a day trip on weekends only. The ferry leaves from Faua Wharf at 10am, 11am and 12 and returns to the main island at 16. Bring your own towels, suncream, water and food as the choice will be very limited once there. It is an ok spot for snorkeling and you can also see the ship wreck just 50m off the beach and enjoy a private feel beach vibes and to support the locals to rebuild the island. There are toilets and a small restaurant (Big Mama Yacht Club) with limited choice and they do rent snorkeling equipment. Limit your expectations as it is a family-run small resort.
If you are looking behiond the main island, there are so many hidden spots and islands, for example Uoleva island, which is home to Taiana's resort. Here you can sleep in a traditional fale. It is also a small and family-run budget-friendly resort. To get here may be a bit challenging, the options are to take a ferry from Queen Solate wharf in Nukualofa on Monday nights and arrives in Pangai (the main township and port in ha'apai) early the next morning, or a flight from Nukualofa to Pangai. Because it was not in easy reach, we decided not to stay there, but the experience of sleeping in a traditional fale and in one of the most beautiful and semi-deserted islands in Tonga made it appealing.
Although whale watching, swimming and snorkelling are the main attractions in Tonga, there are also a few other things you can do in Tongatapu (the main island of Tonga) and staying dry.
Top Things to visit in Tongatapu (Tonga):
Mapu'a Vaea Blowholes:
On the southern coast of Tongatapu, you’ll find one of nature’s coolest shows: rows of ocean blowholes that spout sea spray high into the air. It is not just one blowhole, but a whole area full of them! Dramatic, and surprisingly soothing to watch.
2. Visit the Royal Palace:
Located in Nuku’alofa (Tonga's capital), it is the current residence of the king of Tonga, so you can only admire it from the outside, but it is worth looking at it if you are passing by.
3. Local market:
There is nothing better than experience the island like a local! So why not heading down to a local market? Talamahu Market is located in Nuku’alofa, and it is perfect for local crafts and tropical fruit. I bought some hand drawn postcards from a local artist and a fridge magnet.
4. Tonga National Museum:
It is located in Nuku’alofa and although it has a small collection it is a very interesting and quick visit. The ticket is 5 TOP and it is open 10:00 to 15:00 Monday to Friday.
5. Anahulu Cave:
One of Tonga’s coolest hidden gems, Anahulu Cave is a limestone cave filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Inside the cave there is also a freshwater pool (not allowed to swim in). Visiting the cave is just 20 TOP and it is open Monday to Saturday (closed on Sunday) from 10am to 18:00. Afterward, walk downhill to Anahulu Beach for some beautiful golden sand.
Known as the "Stonehenge of the Pacific", it is a structure formed by two vertical slabs of coral limestones and one horizontal on top of them (similar to a door). It was built in the 13th century by Tonga’s king to honour his two sons. The name translates to “the burden of Maui”. The legend says in fact, that it was Maui, a popular demi-god in Polynesian folklore, who erected it for the king. It is free to visit and there is a small parking lot. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 17:00, and on Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00.
Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge: Nature’s architecture at its finest. Hufangalupe is a land bridge formed by the collapsing of the top of a sea cave. There is not a specific parking, but as we noticed the road getting smaller and with more pot holes we parked on the main road and walked 700m. I have to say that when we went there were a lot of grasshoppers jumping around, so we only saw the impressive coastline without finding the land bridge.
8. Tsunami Rock:
It is a huge coral rock in the middle of a field and the largest tsunami rock in the world. It is not known how it got there, but it was thought a tsunami brought inland thousand of years ago. However, a legend says that Maui threw the rock while trying to kill the rooster that woke him up from his nap.
9. 3-head coconut tree: Now, the first time I read about this I was convinced it was a joke made by locals for tourists (like the drop-bear in Australia), especially after reading the reviews. But no, it is real, it is even advertised on road signage as a tourist spot! So what is the 3-head coconut? Well, it is just a coconut tree that splits into 3 different sections, that’s why it is called 3-head coconut. Worth a visit if you are passing by. No parking space, but there is a small space to pull up on the side of the main road, on the right if you are coming from Nuku'alofa.
10. Royal tombs and Ancient Royal tombs Paepae o Tele'a:
The Royal tombs are off limits to the public (you can spot some statues through a fence, but you can’t visit them). However, you can visit Paepae o Tele'a, which is the ancient Royal tombs. They are made of coral limestone in the 16th century. Entrance is free, with a very small parking. There are some information boards and it is a short visit. But don’t get confused, the Royal tombs are in Nukuʻalofa, the ancient royal tombs are in Mu’a, half an hour drive from each other. Worth a visit if you are passing by there.
11. Captain Cook landing site:
You can visit the place where Captain Cook arrived in 1773. There is a plaque to commemorate it.
12. Abel Tasman landing site:
Similarly to Cook landing site, there is a plaque to commemorate the first European arriving in Tonga in 1643. It is located on the other side of the island from Cook’s landing point. There is not a proper parking, but a place where you can stop the car and a view point. The plaque is on the right after the fence and the viewpoint.
Ha'atafu Beach: It is a long stretch of sandy beach. It is nice to sunbath, swim and relax. Park on the side of the road and there are no restaurants or bars around, so bring your own food and drinks for a pic-nic on the beach.
Flying Fox sanctuary: When I was looking for information I thought it was an actual sanctuary, but it is NOT. It is an area where you can often spot flying foxes (but you can sometimes see them in other areas in Tonga). The best time to try to see them is at dusk. In the picture they are sleeping on one of the trees near the cemetery.
Immerse yourself in the local culture: Tonga is a kingdom with proud traditions. Don’t miss a cultural night with dance, drums, and a Tongan feast. Try their traditional dish, the Lu pulu (made of taro leaves, coconut milk and beef). Cultural shows are often organised by some hotels, or alternatively, you can join Ancient Tonga to learn to cook a traditional dish, try KAVA and a weaving demonstration. Remember to book in advance. Here more info: Ancient Tonga Cultural Tours.
Where to eat:
Marco’s Pizza: I was so surprised to find this hidden gem! They are located down a small road among the fields, and you can get the best pizza in Tonga! They do pasta and pizzas and it is authentic Italian. It is mainly a take-away restaurant, but they do have a few tables if you choose to eat there.
Friend’s Cafe: Located in the city center of Nuku’alofa, here you can have all day breakfast, fresh coconut, smoothies and other Tongan dishes.
Where to stay:
As mentioned earlier we stayed at ‘Seaside Stay’ an Airbnb where we could see the ocean from the window. We had a small flat just for us. The family lived in the house nearby with three dogs and they were super-nice. So highly recommended!
If you prefer a hotel in the Nuku'alofa city center you can consider Tanoa Hotel Dateline. It is a big international hotel, with a pool, gym and a restaurant.
If you prefer something in the city center but smaller, you can consider Seaview Lodge. Also located in Nuku'alofa and has seaview and garden view rooms.
Tonga must-know before travelling:
Sunday: Sunday is a day for resting and in Tonga is taken seriously. ALL businesses, restaurants, shops, and transports are CLOSED on Sunday (some restaurants and hotels may serve food to guests but better to check in advance). On Sunday attractions are CLOSED and it is illegal to play loud music or to do sport (even swimming).
Currency: The local currency is the Tongan Pa'anga (TOP). Cards are sometimes used but cash is often used. So carry some as it is essential.
Language: Tongan and English are official languages
When to visit: The best time is from July to October, in this period is also when you can swim and see humpback whales. The cyclone season goes from November to April.
We loved our time in Tonga, and from there we got a flight back to Fiji to then catch a connecting flight to Samoa. You can read about it in one of the next articles.
ʻOfa atu (with love),
Barbara
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