South Pacific Backpacking our rankings - select destination for more info
The Best Samoa	Superb Fiji	Good Cook	Good Tonga	Average Hawaii	Poor Tahiti

Tonga backpacking is very low key and there are some truly beautiful places to kick back and explore. Tongatapu, the main island, is a convenient base to and from exploring the other islands. The best beach on the main island is at Hatafu, 30-minutes from Nukualofa on the west tip of the island where several backpacking resorts operate. This is a good spot to relax but not as practical as staying in or near Nukualofa where travel agents, internet cafes and shops are at hand. Closer to Nukualofa Town is Pangaimotu Island Resort, a lovely coral island fringed by a white sandy beach, coconut plams and with some lovely snorkelling. The 20-minute boat ride to the island departs evry hour and is a free shuttle for guests so ytou can easily use the island as a base to explore the sights of Tongatapu, and then retreat to the peaceful island. For those preferring to stay in Nukualofa, the best option is Moana Beach House which offers simple rooms in the family house a 15-minute pleasant walk along the coast from downtown, or Heilala Lodge set in a suburban village about a 20-minutes walk to downtown.

haatafu beach

lagoon

captain cook

local bus

If you are after a really laid back beach holiday and want to meet the local people in a traditional setting, then the Ha'apai Group is undoubtedly the best destination. Several small guesthouses operate on the island of Lifuka which is small enough to cycle around in a day. There are few tourists here, no organised tours, no buses, not even motorcycle hire (but plenty of push bikes), and just a couple of restaurants and local shops. Lifuka is a really gentle island with loads of friendly locals all wanting to talk and practice their English. If you stay more than a few days you'll more than likely be invited to some local function or other - the local dance, a feast or whatever else might be happening around the island. The beaches on Lifuka are nice - sandy and palm fringed but the west coast around the main village of Pangai has a shallow coral reef making swimming and snorkelling impractical. The best swimming and snorkelling beaches are on the southern point and east coast. It's possible to visit other islands nearby by finding a boat ride with the local villages who come to Pangai for their shopping or hiring a water taxi for the day to explore the islands. There is no official accommodation on the other islands in Ha'apai and camping is prohibited.

fish sale

market

handcrafts

kids in tree

If you are the more active type and like some nightlife, kayaking and hiking or whale watching and sailing tours, then the Vava'u Group is your destination. Vava'u is a limestone island with lots of causeways making it a haven for yachts and whales alike. Both visit between May and October, keeping away from the rough seas and winds that may strike in the hurricane season. The main town of Neiafu is the place to stay, with several cheap guesthouses and the efficient Adventure Backpackers who can organize tours, yacht charters and rent our bicycles. There are plenty good restaurants and lively bars around Neiafu, with live bands and dancing shows.

Tonga Backpackers Resort Listings Tonga Tour Companies

---

Recommended Websites: South Pacific Maps Cook Island Maps ; Fiji Maps ; Hawaii Maps ; Samoa Maps ; Tonga Maps ; Tahiti Maps ;