Tourism in Tonga

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Oceania / Oceania

Tourist attractions

Ha'amonga 'a Maui

Region: Eastern Tongatapu

Historic site / Cultural heritage

Giant trilithon dating to the 13th century. Also called the Stonehenge of Polynesia.

Anahulu Coast

Region: South coast of Tongatapu

Nature

Spectacular coastal erosion landform where waves create giant blowholes against limestone cliffs.

Heta Coast Rock Formations

Region: Northwest Tongatapu

Nature

Famous spot for eroded rock formations and sunsets.

Vava'u Islands Whale Swimming

Region: Vava'u Islands

Nature / Marine activities

World-class tour swimming with humpback whales. Attractive crystal-clear waters.

'Eua National Park

Region: 'Eua Island

Nature

Paradise for hiking with primeval forests and limestone caves.

Swallows Cave

Region: Vava'u Island

Nature

Sea cave with beautifully glowing blue water. Enter inside by snorkeling.

Royal Palace

Region: Nuku'alofa

Modern architecture / Culture

Victorian-style white and red wooden palace. External viewing is possible.

Royal Tombs Mala'e

Region: Nuku'alofa suburbs

Cultural heritage

Sandstone burial mounds where royalty has been buried for generations.

Houma Blowhole

Region: South coast of Tongatapu

Nature

Blowhole phenomenon where seawater shoots up to 30m from reef cracks.

Ha'apai Uninhabited Island Cruise

Region: Ha'apai Islands

Cruise / Nature

Local ferry trip touring white sand beaches and crystal clear lagoons.

Suggested itineraries

Southern Main Islands 3 Nights 4 Days Highlights

Duration (days): 4

Highlights: Nuku'alofa city tour, Ha'amonga 'a Maui, Houma Blowhole, 'Eua National Park

Short model course enjoying both history and nature based in the capital. Popular to take ferry to 'Eua and stay overnight at a lodge.

Vava'u Islands Whale Swimming Week

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: 3 days of whale swimming, Swallows Cave, Harbor Market, Sunday church service experience

Fully enjoy whales, marine sports, and island culture. Season limited to July-October.

Relaxed Island Hopping Remote Islands

Duration (days): 10

Highlights: Ha'apai uninhabited island camping, Homestay, Kava ceremony experience, Reef fishing

Long-stay trip touring multiple island groups using local boats and domestic flights. Experience simple life not yet touristed.

Travel tips

  • Exchange money at city banks for better rates after airport arrival
  • Public transport is minimal on Sundays so arrange transportation the day before
  • Dry season (May-October) is the best tourism season with mild temperatures and few typhoons
  • Bring reef boots to prevent stepping on sea urchins
  • Insect repellent essential for mosquito-borne disease prevention
  • Purchase bottled drinking water, supply is unstable on remote islands
  • Prior permission required for drone photography
  • Driving after consuming kava is prohibited
  • Credit cards often not accepted outside the capital
  • Smoking prohibited in public facilities with fines
  • Use only licensed operators for whale swimming
  • Roads have many livestock crossings so drive rental cars slowly
  • Coral removal is illegal
  • Beaches are pitch dark at night so bring a headlamp

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