Are you longing for a vacay with clear, warm, tropical waters, tantalising cocktails and swimming with Humpback whales in the deep Pacific Ocean? Malo (welcome!)! Tonga, lovingly referred to a “the Friendly Islands”, is where you want to be.
Tonga is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, an area of some 747 square kms spread across 700,000 vast oceanic kms. This vast oceanic state is full of wonderful people, and marvelous animals, lifetime memory type experiences. Obviously the catch is getting around, finding out where you want to be to make the most of this experience and not spending all of your time getting around.
This is why you’re going to get into this treaty guide to Tonga with me because I KNOW. I’ve done the leg work, worked out all the angles of this tropical paradise and all you need to do is take my advice. Something about it being a concrete jungle
Deciding Where to stay in Tonga is simple. Whether you have an idea of what you want to do here, whether you’re just here to experience the local culture and abundant nature, I’ve got you.
So let’s dive into Tonga!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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‘Utu Vava’u
A short hour-long plane ride from the capital of Tonga, Tongatapu, is the white sand beaches and tropical paradise you’re probably envisioning when you think of Tonga. If you want to catch the ferry, be my guest and bring your snacks! This sweet ride will take you 16-24 hours, so come prepared.
Tongatapu
Tongatapu is the island international travellers will first land on when arriving in Tonga. It’s pretty cheap to stay (not hostel cheap, but still cheap), and you can get into the local culture by staying in a guesthouse. There’s heaps to do on Tongatapu, the main island in Tonga, too, from trying local food and visiting the markets, to snorkeling the surrounding reef.
Ha’apai
The best place to stay in Tonga if you’re travelling with your family is Ha’apai, without a doubt. This group of islands is super lowkey, away from the concrete jungle of Nuku’alofa, immersed in nature. Ha’apai is surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, has magical snorkelling and diving, and of course, humpback whales!
Tonga’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Even though the islands are small, they each have a very different feel. Let’s take a closer look:
1. ‘Utu Vava’u – Best Place to Stay in Tonga for Your First Time
A short hour-long plane ride from the capital of Tonga, Tongatapu, is the white sand beaches and tropical paradise you’re probably envisioning when you think of Tonga. If you want to catch the ferry, be my guest and bring your snacks! This sweet ride will take you 16-24 hours, so come prepared.
If you’re travelling here by plane, lots of accommodation options will offer to pick you up from the airport. There are rooms in guesthouses, entire holiday homes for rent, and a few hotels around. Because of the layout of this group of islands, most of them have ocean views. Divine!
Image: Audy Scala
The waters are turquoise and stacked with underwater caves and other wonders to discover. If you’re here for some serious aqua time and to get your mermaid on, make sure you pack your freediving fins, or at the very least a snorkel and mask. I will say, accommodation here books out FAST, and far in advance since it’s such a hot spot for Tonga’s tourism, and the whale watching/swimming mecca.
The Harbourview | The Best Hotel on ‘Utu Vava’u
With a variety of room types to choose from, The Harbourview is an epic option for staying in ‘Utu Vava’u. There are garden views, the staff are ridiculously friendly, and the food is good, too. This is important as on Sundays, your accommodation is your only option for getting food in Tonga, unless you plan ahead and get snacks.
Fifita’s Homestay | The Best Homestay on ‘Utu Vava’u
Fifita’s Homestay is the perfect place to stay if you’re tight on cash and big on connection. Live like you’re part of the family at Fifita’s place in Tonga, staying with her and her family of four. You’re a 15-20 minute drive from Neiafu village, where you can stock up on supplies if you want to self-cater, or otherwise, eat with the family.
Fifita will help you out with anything you want (for a damn good deal, too!). This is a great place to stay if you’re travelling solo. Whether you need a load of laundry done or a ride to town for something, you’ll be well looked after. You can even go to church with Fifita and her family on Sunday if that’s your bag.
Blue Highways Studio | The Best Airbnb on ‘Utu Vava’u
This is the perfect place to stay if you’re travelling with your lover, a friend, or are cashed up. This studio is sweet, simple, clean, and pristine. With a private jetty to swim from or tie your boat to and an outdoor kitchen to self-cater if you’re into that. This neighbourhood is home to a lot of expats, so you can chat ot peaople about life in Tonga if you’re feeling social.
Things to do in ‘Utu Vava’u
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Climb Mt Talau
- Visit the ‘Utakalongalu Market for some epic arts and crafts
- Go snorkelling from the beach
- Swim with Whales
2. Tongatapu – Best Place to Stay in Tonga on a Budget
Tongatapu is the island international travellers will first land on when arriving in Tonga. It’s pretty cheap to stay (not hostel cheap, but still cheap), and you can get into the local culture by staying in a guesthouse. There’s heaps to do on Tongatapu, the main island in Tonga, too, from trying local food and visiting the markets, to snorkelling the surrounding reef.
Photo: @indigogoinggone
If you’re serious about saving cash, like a true budget backpacker, commit to self-catering. Shop for locally grown produce on roadside stalls and markets. Be prepared to haggle if you think you’re getting a tourist price and support the little guys (remember it’s their livelihood and your travel money). Supermarkets are generally expensive, and the produce is often imported from New Zealand, which means they’ve been cool-stored (not fresh), and you’re not supporting local.
Obviously, staying for at least a week on the outer islands, swimming with Humpback whales every day, is the dream, but not necessarily attainable. Swimming off the main island with a snorkel and mask and seeing the underwater world is still magnificent. AND, you’re in the tropics, baby, it’s all good, just pack reef shoes to save your sweet feet!
Seaview Lodge and Restaurant | Best Hotel on Tongatapu
Seaview Lodge and Restaurant is an epic place to stay, with comfortable rooms, private balconies, and of course, lovely staff. Overlook the sea at this hotel on the main island in Tonga, in the capital, Nuku’alofa. Each room has a private balcony, free wifi, air conditioning, and sea views.
Kapeta Cabin | The Best Homestay on Tongatapu
Stay at Sifa’s Kapeta Cabin; you’re in an incredible, central location within walking distance to town, and you have lovely, friendly hosts. Sometimes you will even coincide with other guests staying on the property.
There are bikes you can borrow if you want to explore further afield on the island, too. Fair warning, this is a very homely homestay; expect a humble, lived-in feel.
Lulu’s BeacHouse | The Best Airbnb in Tongatapu
Whether you’re a solo traveller visiting Tonga to swim with whales or travelling as a couple, Lulu’s is a great option. This beachfront location is epic, and it’s a gentle 15-minute stroll into town to stock up on groceries or enjoy a meal at Seaview Lodge. Have a taste of local living in this secure, gated property opposite the beach.
Things to do in Tongatapu
- Visit some famous places in Tonga, like Ha’amonga ‘a Maui, a Megalithic structure (believed to be from the 13th century)
- Explore the East Coast and see Anahulu Beach, which has an underground swimming pool!
- Head over to ‘Eau for a day and explore the National Park, hiking and wandering the coastline, or visiting Hafu Pool
- See the Royal Palace
- See Flying Foxes in Kolovai and Fishing Pigs in Navutoka
3. Ha’apai – Best Neighbourhood in Tonga for Families to Stay In
The best place to stay in Tonga if you’re travelling with your family is Ha’apai, without a doubt. This group of islands is super lowkey, away from the concrete jungle of Nuku’alofa, immersed in nature. Ha’apai is surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, has magical snorkelling and diving, and of course, humpback whales!
Lifuka is the main island here, and Pangai is the largest settlement and the main point of entry. There isn’t any public transport here, so do be aware of that, but you can rent bicycles, or cars, or bring your car over from Tongatapu on the car ferry. Also, accommodation is pretty limited, again, so book in advance.
Thanks to global warming and the eruption of submarine volcanoes, Ha’apai has new islands forming, which is pretty unique. The stays here are a bit more expensive, with more resorts around, which is sometimes an easier option if you’re travelling with kids. The snorkelling here is still immaculate, with lots of shallow inlets and waterways to explore.
Serenity Beaches Resort | Best Resort in Ha’apai
Surrounded by white sand beaches, this is what I imagine when I imagine a tropical vacay. There’s an airport shuttle service, so you don’t have to worry about how to get to this secluded island in Tonga. There’s free wifi in case you need to contact the outside world, and there’s plenty to keep kids entertained, too.
Vaikona Lodge | Best Hotel in Ha’apai
This hotel in Ha’apai is close to the main village of Pangai, has beach access, and all the simple amenities you could ever need. There’s free wifi, coffee makers in each room, and family rooms, too, for that matter. The environment is peaceful, with family vibes, and a great place to stay with the whole family.
Lata ‘a Lupe Guest House | Best Guest House in Ha’apai
This guest house is looked after by Veya, an actual angel who will help you with anything you need. The house is spacious and has six rooms, an ideal stay if your family is a bit older and more independent, or you’re travelling with a group of friends. You feel at home as soon as you set foot on the property.
Things to do in Ha’apai
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Cycle across Lifuka Island
- Go to church! It’s such a big part of Tongan culture; it’s beautiful. Dress accordingly and cover your knees and shoulders, eh!
- Visit Olovehi Tomb in Hihifo, a burial ground for Tonga’s ancient noble people
- Explore the islands by kayak (remember your snorkel and mask!
When to Visit Tonga
That depends on what you want to achieve here, my friend. We’re talking about the southern hemisphere tropics. So it’s warm, it can be rainy, it can be four seasons in a day, you need to be prepared and flexible.
The whale swimming season runs between July and October, peaking in August and September. If you want to see the whales, work around that, keeping in mind that this is winter in the southern hemisphere. The weather sits in the low-mid-twenties (degrees Celsius), and it does rain occasionally, even though it’s the dry season (May to November is dry season).
Potentially surprisingly, this is also peak season, when Tonga sees a massive influx of tourists (mostly looking for whales!). So if you’re not dying to see these guys and just want to enjoy Tonga, I’d suggest coming in June. The weather’s still warm, but not unbearable, the dry season has well and truly kicked in, and it’ll be a more relaxed experience.
Being in the Pacific Ring of Fire makes Tonga disaster-prone, and it’s important to be aware of safety procedures should an earthquake or cyclone hit. Your accommodation should give you the lowdown, and if they don’t, don’t be shy to ask. Cyclone season runs between January and March, so I’d avoid visiting Tonga during this time.
How to go Swimming with Whales in Tonga
Many travellers heading to Tonga visit to see and experience these magnificent giants. It’s important to choose the right tour operator before heading off to swim with humpback whales. Elsewheria’s Tonga Humpback Whale expedition gets The Broke Backpacker seal of approval.
All humpback whale tours to Tonga are expensive, as the boat prices are fixed across the country and cost thousands of dollars. The Elsewheria price is in the middle of the pack but represents incredible value, as you will truly be on a secret island with nobody else around and nobody else in the water.
The itinerary has been crafted to ensure maximum opportunity for whale interaction, and crucially, their passion for what they do truly shines through. Their evenings on the island are just as magical as the days at sea. Imagine sunset swims, beach bonfires, shared family-style meals, educational talks about whale behaviour, and just enjoying the quiet beauty of a remote Pacific island.
The founder of The Broke Backpacker created Elsewheria, so they know a thing or two about creating magical travel experiences 😉
FAQs About Where to Stay in Tonga
Alrighty then, folks. So many of you have a few remaining questions, no dramas if you do, because I’m a good person and I’ve put this FAQ together just for you!
What to Pack for Tonga
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Tonga
Unfortunately, travelling is unpredictable, even in such a safe and welcoming country as Tonga. This is why good travel insurance is a must before you head overseas.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tonga
Staying in Tonga is life-changing. From swimming with pigs and whales to connecting with locals, there are SO MANY magical experiences available. I guess this is true for all travel, but bear with me.
From finding things to do in Tongatapu to exploring the islands near Tonga, your stay starts with finding the best accommodation. Whether you’re looking for Tonga’s best resorts or need to understand where to stay in Tonga on a Budget, I’ve got you covered.
Tourism in Tonga is popping off, and while there are a few famous places in Tonga, most people are here for the whales, let’s be real. So your stay in Tonga might be based around the best resorts in ‘Utu Vava’u. Or maybe you’re wanting to travel off the beaten path and discover Ha’apai and the relentless nature that’s on show.
Wherever you stay, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. If you’re staying in Tongatapu, the best hotel is Seaview Lodge and Restaurant. I highly recommend staying at a guesthouse to have a more genuine local (and budget-friendly) experience. If this is your vibe, check out Fifita’s Homestay. The hospitality is beautiful and classically Pacifica.
Have you been to Tonga? Are you thinking about it? Let’s chat in the comments!
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Oceania.
- Keen to explore life beneath the waves? Here’s our Freedive Guide 101
