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In popular myths the Ha'amonga is believed to have been made by the demigod Maui, as the stones would be too huge for mortals to handle. However they got here they've been here since the 13th century and they are huge . The limestone slabs, are about 5m high, 2m wide, 6m long. They reminded me of Stonehenge.
This is a wonderful evening out . There are everal of them around the island on various nights. We went to the one at the National Cultural Center. Ther is traditional dance and singing and the dances are explained. Then there is a big buffet. A warning though the Tongans eat big , so take what you want the first round ....might not be any for seconds.
Tongatapu is a tiny island and it is a short trip to go anywhere on the island . You can rent a car but we travelled in a van on a private tour with Joe's Island Tour. The blowholes were beautiful . You stand on the edge of the coast on the black volcanic rocks and as far as you can see are huge spouts of gushing sky blue water .There are hundreds of them along a four mile stretch of wild windswept coastline .It's hard to get a picture because as soon as they rise they are gone . The groaning sounds they make are surreal.
Tonga is an extremely religious country, and much of the country shuts down on Sundays. If you happen to be “stuck” in Nuku’alofa on a Sunday, there are two basic getaway options: a daytrip to either Pangaimotu or Fafa. Pangaimotu is the closer and cheaper of the two options and is a pleasant enough place to waste away a day, with a decent beach and reasonably priced food and drinks. Boats run day-trippers between the islands on the hour from 10 to 6.
With a succession of sheltered lagoons and secluded beaches, the Vava’u Group is one of the world’s top sea kayaking destinations. Weeklong tours are popular with more serious kayakers, but it is easy to rent a kayak in Neiafu for a day of kayaking and snorkeling. An excellent day trip will take you from the harbor to Swallow’s Cave and back, with stops along the way for snorkeling, beach-combing, and perhaps lunch at Mala Island.
Tonga’s pristine waters are home to prolific marine life, making for outstanding snorkeling and diving. The relative lack of tourists in comparison to other popular diving and snorkeling destinations also creates an air of exclusivity that cannot be experienced in overexploited areas. Prices are very reasonable, and you have a very good chance of hearing Humpback Whales “singing” while you are diving, which truly is a surreal experience.
If you spend any amount of time on Tongatapu, a trip to the Mapu’a’a Vaca Blowholes on the deserted southwestern side of the island is a must. The blowholes, which stretch for 5 kilometers, put on an amazing display, particularly at high tide on a windy day when water can be shot up as high as 30 meters.
Tonga is one of only a couple places in the world where you can legally swim with Humpback Whales. I spent two days “swimming” with the whales in the Vava’u Group, and while it wasn’t the religious experience that others have described it certainly was time well spent. Seeing a mother and calf swimming in close proximity from an underwater perspective is truly amazing. But whale swimming definitely isn’t for everyone. Basically, this is what happens. You locate a mother and calf. You then follow them around for an hour or so from a distance, hoping that they will settle down and allow a closer approach. If they do settle, you get closer and quietly slide into the water. Once in the water, you swim as fast as you can in the direction the whales are swimming and get a few seconds with the whales before they slowly swim off into the great blue of the ocean. Because you are in open channels,...
Head over to the Coconet Cafe in Neiafu and rent a small boat with an outboard engine for the day. Vava'u consist of many small, uninhabited islands with some amazing beaches, so the only way to see them is to spend the day boating from island to island. The cost is about $40-$50US [depending on how much fuel you use] for the whole day (from 8:00AM-5:00PM).
When I was there, it was very common that at any kind of gathering, some young women would come out and do the Tau'olunga dance. They get slicked up with coconut oil and wearing a traditional ta'ovala dance for the crowd. These are usually fund raising efforts, and you can come up to the tahine and slap bills on her arms, legs (thighs if you have the nerve) and back/chest. If you ask around, you'll find out that she's trying to earn money for college, going on a trip, or something like that. Donate to the cause.
The Tongan Beach Resort Neiafu
63 Opinions
Fafa Island Resort Fafa Island
110 Opinions
Treasure Island Resort Neiafu
17 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Tonga attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Tonga sightseeing.
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Q: Hi all, After a week in Ha'apai, we have a 1-day layover in Nuku'alofa before catching an early morning flight to New Zealand....
A: I thought I might have something to add, but the above has it pretty well covered. Toni's place as basic but adequate, and the good thing is, they will wake you and get...
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