Tongatapu is the main island in Tonga. It's a large yet flat coral island, over 250 sq. km in size and uplifted on its southern side with almost 20 metre high coastal cliffs. Tongatapu has several nice beaches, wild coastal scenery and some of the most extensive archaeological sites in Polynesia. The capital, Nukualofa Town, sits on the north coast of the island whilst the international airport lies 20 minutes drive away on the south coast.
Whist the main island of Tongatapu has some lovely scenic attractions and historical sites, the most appealing tourist attraction is the wonderful collection of 20 coral islands within the main lagoon directly offshore from Nukualofa. These islands are picture postcard images and can be reached within 30 minutes by small boat from Nuku'alofa Harbour. These islands are very similar to the popular Mamanuca Group in Fiji but are far less commercial with few tourists making it feel like a undiscovered haven.
The majority of islands remain entirely uninhabited and only a couple have accommodation including the gorgeous Fafa Island Resort being Tonga's nicest resort. Guests here have access to great snorkelling, game fishing and secluded beaches. Also worth considering is the budget Royal Sunset Resort on Atata Island. Pangaimotu Island can be visited on a day trip and has basic accommodation for backpackers. The island has good snorkelling and is entirely circled by a sandy beach taking about half an hour to walk around.
Fafa Island Resort, Tongatapu A$ 220 - 325 per couple
Fafa Island Resort is the perfect retreat for those seeking a romantic holiday, empty beaches, good snorkelling, island hopping cruises and a first class service. With it's thatched bungalows, modern cuisine and tropical cocktail bar, this is a true south sea hideaway on an uninhabited island.
Royal Sunset Resort, Tongatapu A$ 135 - 188 per couple
Royal Sunset is a full service mid range resort located in Tongatapu Lagoon 7km from the main island of Tongatapu Nukualofa Town. The resort is located on the southern tip of the island and features 16 beachfront fales, swimming pool, tennis court island style and a polynesian style restaurant and bar.
Boat trips to the uninhabited coral islands and to the stunning Nuku Island (location of the original UK Shipwrecked television series), can be arranged from Nuku'alofa or from Fafa Island Resort and cost about T$ 150 for the boat for four hours. Don't miss the exquisite sand bank which makes a picturesque picnic location in the middle of the lagoon. These islands are not to be missed and its fine white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons are the archetypical dream vision of the South Pacific where the only footprints will be yours, the birds and the crabs.
Around Tongatapu Island
Tongatapu is a flat coral island about 30km in length with raised limestone cliffs along its southern coast. A confusing network of roads meander around the entire island with small villages and plantations strung out along the roadside but in few places are there coastal views. The eastern half of Tongatapu is less developed with miles of deserted white sandy beaches, limestone coves and deep caves along its coast. The ancient settlement of Lapaha is scattered in relics - large royal tombs (langi) shaped like a elongated pyramid line the road. On the northern tip of the island is the impressive trilithon of Ha'amonga 'a Maui believed to have been erected in the 13th century.
At the western tip of the island at the village of Kolovai, large Casurina trees line the road for almost a kilometre. At dusk, these trees are alive with flying foxes. Beyond Kolovai, are two lovely beaches, Masi'ata and Ha'atafa. Both are of slightly coarse white sand and stretch for more than a kilometre and there a several small budget beach resorts. Snorkelling is good off Ha'atafu and there's also good surfing offshore.
White Sands is a small beach resort located at the historical ' Utukehe Beach on the western tip of Tongatapu Island. The resort offers a truly Tongan experience with local hosts and private accommodation on the picturesque beach front. With only six rooms, the beach is often yours to enjoy in privacy.
Likualofa Resort, Tongatapu A$ 126 per couple - includes breakfast
Likualofa Resort is located on the waterfront on the popular western beaches of the main island of Tongatapu. With 17 comfortable bungalows set in 14-acres of tropical gardens, this mid range resort is just 20-minutes from Nuku’alofa and is ideally placed for sightseeing.
Otuhaka Beach Resort, Tongatapu A$ 48 - 81 per couple
Otuhaka Beach Resort is a popular backpacker resort located on a picturesque white sandy beach about 20-minutes drive from Nuku'alofa Town. The resort faces west and the open ocean, with beach access to Tonga's best surfing break and good snorkelling in the lagoon.
The southern coastline is more wild. At Hufangalupe there's a lovely coastal walk along high sea cliffs with an impressive natural coral bridge you can walk over. Another attractive coastal walk is from the Tongan Wildlife Centre (small bird park and botanical garden), half way along the south coast. The coastline here is uplifted with sharp jagged rocks and are lots of small white sand cove beaches between. Still further west, at the village of Houma, are the hugely impressive blowholes. Come at high tide on a windy day and walk along the coastal path to see a long succession of blowholes. There are almost 100 in all, the largest plumes reaching up to 30 metres high.
