tourism tonga website

EXPERIENCES

Tonga is a little-known nation but the fact is that it has 170 islands, five island groups and hundreds of attractions and activities. So where do you begin to whittle down the things that you should do in Tonga? Well, a good place to start is with this list of must-dos in Tonga listing The Kindom’s stand-out experiences. From here, you will be linked to more must-dos in the island group you’re visiting, as well as more information on the top experiences in Tonga.

THE LITTLE KNOWN PARADISE

The Kingdom of Tonga’s history stretches back over 3000 years, beginning with the migration of the Lapita people from the mainland and islands of Southeast Asia. Tongan culture and customs began with these earliest of Polynesians, and many ancient traditions have continued respectfully through to the present day. The arrival of European explorers and navigators from the 17th century saw the introduction of Christianity, now an integral part of the modern Kingdom of Tonga. Experiencing the beautiful harmonies filling Tongan churches every Sunday is an essential experience for all visitors to the Kingdom. Across the ensuing centuries, Tonga’s authentic culture has continued to be respected and maintained across the pristine islands of this Polynesian archipelago.

The culture of Tonga is typically Polynesian, and the history of the nation shows that through the ages it has been one of the most dominant countries in the region, a fact which has heavily influenced the culture. Traditional dress and dance still feature heavily in Tongan culture, although are usually reserved for special ceremonies, such as the  Tau’onlonga . However, the arrival of Europeans in the 17th and 18th centuries, and particularly the influence of Christian missionaries, saw the locals discard many of their traditional beliefs and ways of life, and adopt new ones. For example, today around 98 percent of the population is Christian.

HERITAGE SITES

Tonga has an interesting and colourful history of kings, colonisation, tribes and encounters from the other side of the world. To commemorate some of these key points in Tonga’s history, plaques and memorials can be found in historically significant places across the islands of Tongatapu and Ha’apai, while strange megaliths and ancient tombs also stand as historical places of interest. Check out some of the historical sites in Tonga that you can visit

• Experiences
• Places To Stay
• Things To Do
• Getting Here

The Ultimate Tonga Travel Guide: What’s it Like to Travel in Tonga?

Tonga is one of my favourite countries in the world.

I can’t stop talking about how incredible it is. It’s full of some of the loveliest people on the planet, has some of the best beaches I’ve ever stepped foot on, offers up dozens of islands to explore, and can even be experienced at an affordable price. It’s even one of only two places in the world where you can jump in the water and swim with humpback whales.

I’m on a mission to convince everybody to go to Tonga and that includes you, so let’s get started with a post about what it’s like to travel in this South Pacific country.

Where is Tonga?

Tonga is a small island country located in the South Pacific, roughly a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. The country itself is made up of 172 islands of which 36 are inhabited. And if you know your Pacific islands, I can tell you that Tonga is found south of Samoa, east of Fiji, and west of the Cook Islands.

For a country that doesn’t see much international tourism, getting to Tonga is surprisingly simple if you find yourself in Oceania. There are flights up for grabs from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, and you can usually score some pretty sweet deals on return tickets. I flew from Auckland to Tongatapu on a return fare of 350 USD.

If you’re coming from further afield, you can expect to spend more money to get there — of course — but it shouldn’t be all that difficult to find a flight. There are three flights a week operating from Los Angeles to Tongatapu (via a layover in Fiji). And if you’re based in Europe, Air New Zealand operates daily flights from London to both Los Angeles and Auckland — from either destination, you can then easily get over to Tonga.

Which are the Main Islands of Tonga?

One of my favourite aspects of travelling to a country that doesn’t have extensive coverage online is getting to do tons of research. However, I know not everybody enjoys this part of travel planning, and that’s why I’m writing up this enormous guide!

So I knew I wanted to visit Tonga — I love travelling to South Pacific islands , even if I know nothing about them — but I wasn’t sure where in Tonga I wanted to visit. After all, in the previous section I mentioned that this country is home to 36 inhabited islands. I had two weeks to travel in Tonga: which three or four islands would be best for me to visit?

It was time to start reading. Well, attempt to start reading, because let’s just say that information on the vast majority of these islands is scarce.

We’ll start with the easy one, which is the Tongatapu Group , in the southern reaches of the country. Tongatapu is the name of the main island of Tonga and home to the nation’s capital: Nukuʻalofa. It’s on this island that you’ll find the country’s largest airport, so it’s most likely that your flight will arrive here. The vast majority of tourists who do touch down in said airport, however, promptly leave. Tongatapu is seen merely as a stopover destination by many: somewhere you have to visit before you set off in search of paradise. Personally, I spent a day on the island , exploring all of its highlights, and found it interesting and worth exploring.

Within the Tongatapu Group , you have several other islands that are worth spending time on. The main one is called ‘Eua , and that was the one that I chose to visit. ‘Eua is accessible via one of the shortest flights in the world — such a cool experience! — and is home to some incredible hikes and vistas. In terms of other island options, there are a couple of specks of paradise off the coast of Tongatapu that are each home to a resort:  Pangaimotu ,  Atata , and  Fafa . If you’re in Tonga to have a typical beach vacation full of relaxation and rest, these three are the islands to check out.

North of the Tongatapu Group, you have the Ha’apai Group . This region of Tonga comprises 51 islands, of which only 17 are inhabited. Most visitors choose to visit one of three islands: the main island of Ha’apai, which is called Lifuka; Foa Island, which is home to the incredible resort of Matafonua (one of my favourite places in the world); and Uoleva Island, which offers up Serenity Beaches Resort . There are other islands with accommodation in Ha’apai, but they often can’t be booked online, so can be tricky to find and get to.

The most popular group of islands for travellers is the Vava’u Group , which is located north of Ha’apai. Unfortunately, I encountered a tropical storm while I was in Vava’u, so I didn’t get to see it at its best, but this part of the country is just as spectacular as the rest. In terms of where to visit, first of all, you have the large island of ‘Utu Vava’u. This is where the main town of Neiafu is found. I stayed on this island, in the excellently-reviewed Mystic Sands Resort . The second-largest island in the Vava’u Group is Pangaimotu, and Hunga Island is famous for being the spot where humpback whales gather.

And finally, you have the Niuas Group . And let me tell you, I want to go there so badly! However, there’s so little information about these isolated islands online that it left me hesitant to visit.

While getting there is relatively easy — the Tongan airline, Real Tonga, operates weekly flights from Vava’u — what do you do when you get there? There’s no accommodation on the islands, for starters, because why would there be when no tourists ever visit? Some people recommend bringing a tent and camping on the island; others urge you to phone the tourism bureau in the Niuas to ask them how to find somewhere to stay.

But what an incredible experience it would be, to visit a place that’s been entirely untouched by international tourism. To speak to people who are so isolated from the rest of the world, who only gained access to a high-speed internet connection three years ago. Maybe one day I’ll get there!

With your knowledge of the Tongan islands, you can now start to put together a travel itinerary. While I recommend attempting to see an island in each of the Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and Vava’u groups, you’d likely be just as impressed by the country if you choose just one island to explore in depth.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Tonga

I came to Tonga in January because that was my only option.

I spend Christmases in Oceania, where I always aspire to explore a South Pacific country while I’m in town. January, then, is when you’ll catch me on the islands. Even though — yes —  it’s cyclone season.

Despite only being able to travel in the wet season, I’ve been fortunate with the weather. When I spent three weeks in the Cook Islands , French Polynesia , and Fiji, I encountered just one day of rain. Over my two weeks in Tonga, I experienced only three wet days. So while there’s an inherent risk in travelling when cyclones are lurking, I anecdotally have had close to entirely blue sky on my trips.

Unlike other places I’ve visited in the South Pacific, in Tonga, low season means low, low, low  season. I was the only person staying at my hostel in Tongatapu, one of two people in my guesthouse in ‘Eua, and spent most of my time in Vava’u alone. Ha’apai was the only spot that had several other people staying in the guesthouse, but it was far from full.

There are pros and cons to visiting at this time of year. The advantages are lower prices, never struggling to get into your dream accommodation (when I visited in 2018, some guesthouses were already fully-booked for high-season 2020), and the islands are peaceful and calm. The odds of sunny days are probably higher than you’d expect, too.

The cons outweigh the pros for me, unfortunately. Most people come to Tonga to swim with humpback whales as the coastline is swarming with these gigantic mammals between July and October. You’re practically guaranteed to get up close and personal with newborn whale babies if you take a trip out on the water. If you stay on dry land, you’ll likely end up watching whales swimming past your guesthouses from all over the country. Not being able to see the whales on this trip made me feel as though I was missing out on one of the main highlights of Tonga.

On top of that, I found the lack of other guests a little frustrating at times, and the fact that many of my guesthouses weren’t running tours in the low season meant I missed out on a couple of activities I had originally hoped to do.

If you can visit Tonga at any time of year, choose the high season unless you’re tight on cash or love the idea of being alone in paradise.

Connectivity Isn’t Great

Tonga is a developing country in the middle of a vast ocean, and with that comes a whole bunch of connectivity problems.

My guesthouses in Tongatapu and ‘Eua both advertised Wi-Fi online, but when I turned up, both owners informed me they didn’t actually have it. Fortunately, I’d had the foresight to pick up a local SIM card from the airport in Tongatapu, along with 3GB of data, in case I needed to tether my laptop at some point during the trip. I did, often.

Despite this, I was barely online. The highest download speed I found was a mere 0.5 mbps in Tongatapu, and it was worse on every other island. I opted for a SIM card from U-Call, which has the best coverage but slowest speeds across the islands, and while I usually had an Edge signal, it was close to unusable for much of the time.

This is a destination in which to disconnect and to relish the opportunity to do so.

Pigs Are Everywhere

In love with piglets? Come to Tonga. I’ve never seen so many pigs.

Introduced by Captain Cook in the 1770s, you’ll now find them roaming the streets, sunbathing on the beaches, fishing in the ocean, lazing in gardens, attempting to get into stores, and generally running around your feet whenever you leave the house. I must have seen hundreds of pigs while I was exploring the islands, never going more than a few minutes without hearing a telltale grunt.

You Can Take One of the Shortest Flights in the World

The flight from Tongatapu to Eua is just six minutes long and let me tell you, it was the longest six minutes of my life.

The plane was more like a canoe than an aircraft, thanks to the lack of aisle, and there were only four seats. Our calm pilot rested his arm out of the window! It was a tiny vessel and a bumpy ride, but a terrifying  cool journey nonetheless.

I highly recommend splurging $70 on the flight to experience what it’s like to soar in such a tiny object, but if money is tight or nerves are high, you can get the ferry for much less.

This Is a Deeply Religious Country

Tonga is a very, very Christian country, although the locals will never try to convert you or judge you for not adhering to the same beliefs. There are, however, some rules you should abide by while you’re in the country in order to show respect.

It’s illegal in Tonga for men or women to go topless, and women should aim to keep their knees and shoulders covered unless staying at a resort. In practice, though, it’s fine for men to be topless at the beach, and I spotted plenty of local women wearing vests and strap tops. Wearing black in Tonga means that you are in mourning, so it’s wise to avoid wearing this colour if you’re not grieving.

The greatest impact the religion will have on your trip is keeping you inside on Sundays. On Sunday, it’s against the law to exercise in Tonga, and no business transactions can take place either. That means no swimming, so running, no snorkelling, no kayaking, no doing laundry, no working… this is a day to go to church, to feast, and to spend time with family. Plan for this in advance so that you don’t slip up and discover you don’t have anything to eat while there are no stores open.

At one particular church, I discovered that at every Sunday service, somebody will stand up and announce the sums of money each member has donated to the church that week. There’s so much pressure on the locals that they’ll often take out large loans to ensure they contribute the highest amount of money. The interest rates, unsurprisingly, are extremely high.

Real Tonga is a Pain in the Ass

If you want to get from island chain to island chain, the easiest way to do so is with Real Tonga. They’re the only airline to operate in the country, and they’re, quite frankly, atrocious.

For starters, they operate an MA60, which is otherwise known as the Death Plane. It’s one of the most dangerous planes to have ever taken to the sky and regularly crashes. When Real Tonga added the MA60 to its fleet, New Zealand suspended $10 million of aid and issued a travel warning for the country. While Tonga withdrew the MA60 shortly afterwards, they’ve since snuck it back into their lineup, and I was unfortunate enough to fly on it.

It is my belief that although the MA60 is controversial and dangerous relative to other aircraft, it is likely safer than travelling by car. Or at least that’s what I told myself when the plane started juddering mid-flight.

Aside from that, flying Real Tonga can be a real frustration. I wasn’t issued any kind of receipt or boarding pass for my flight to ‘Eua, so had no idea if I was even on the flight until I got to the airport. They cancel flights regularly and often alter departure times without informing passengers. Once, when a pilot fell ill for a week, they cancelled all flights over that time because they had nobody else to cover for him.

My biggest recommendation would be to spend the night in Tongatapu before leaving the country because flights are regularly cancelled.

I ignored this advice and booked my flight from Vava’u to Tongatapu, then had an onward flight to Auckland two hours later. My flight out of Vava’u was cancelled and there was no way off the island for several days. I had to contact a friend in a panic and get him to log onto the Air New Zealand website and change my flight for me. My internet, unsurprisingly, was too bad to do so.

Let Me Tell You About the Fakaleiti

Fakaleiti roughly translates to “like a girl”, and is one of the more interesting aspects of life in Tonga.

Traditionally in Tonga, if a woman were to give birth to only boys, she could then go on to choose one of them to be her daughter. The designated daughter, the “fakaleiti”, would then be raised as a woman, taught to cook, clean, raise siblings, and take care of her parents. She would wear dresses, if she wanted, and learn to apply makeup. In more modern times, being a fakaleiti can be a lifestyle choice, and there is little stigma attached to it, although there are occasional reports of physical abuse.

Fakaleiti don’t label themselves as gay or transgender, and reject being referred to by Western terms that can’t fully explain this type of — I guess — third gender. They generally consider themselves to be women and as such, have sex with straight men. Some, however, will marry women and go on to have children.

The Eldest Sister Ranks Highest

If you thought that was fascinating, wait until I delve into social status within the country.

Men are ranked higher than women in Tonga, but within the family, the sisters are ranked higher than the brothers. The eldest sister in every family holds the highest status within the home, and in Tongan culture, if this sister asks any of her younger brothers or sisters for anything, they must give it to her and always obey her orders.

Most surprisingly of all, if the oldest sister decides she quite likes the look of her younger sister’s newborn baby, SHE CAN TAKE IT. Yep, she can take that baby and raise it as her own, and there’s nothing the younger sister can do about it. It happened to one of the staff members at a guesthouse I stayed at — and she was devastated — so it didn’t appear to be that rare of an occurrence.

While it’s pretty bewildering to those of us who haven’t been raised in a similar culture, it’s important not to judge. Many Tongans are happy and accepting of these social rules, and indeed, many younger siblings are more than happy to give their children away to their sister; to share everything within the family unit. It’s a complex issue and you’ll hear differing opinions on it as you travel across the country.

You Can Go Budget or Full-On Luxury Travel Here

I found Tonga fairly easy to visit as a budget backpacker, as there were plenty of hostels and cheap guesthouses on the islands, inexpensive ferries if you didn’t want to take a flight, and the food was cheap.

In Tongatapu, my hostel charged just over 8 USD for a dorm bed, and there are backpacker islands in Vava’u that charge $30 for a private room on your own little beach.

That’s not to say that this is a destination for roughing it. There are plenty of gorgeous resorts and luxury experiences to indulge in if you’re willing to splash the cash. I planned to stay at the incredible  Mounu Resort  while I was in Vava’u, at a ridiculous $300 a night, but cancelled at the last minute when it was pouring with rain. It looks like one of the most spectacular islands on the planet.

There Are No Traffic Lights in the Country

Fun fact! It really doesn’t affect your trip either way, but I found it fascinating. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a country that doesn’t have traffic lights before.

Island time is king on Tonga and most cars drive so slowly that it’s never a problem. Outside of Tongatapu, traffic is very, very rare.

There are so Many Islands to Explore

Despite Tongatapu and ‘Eua being less than a 10 minute flight away, they couldn’t have been more different.

You should go to Tongatapu to learn about the country. Its geography is flat, with a huge lagoon and a coastline lined with blowholes. There are royal tombs and palaces to take photos of, ruins to explore, and landing sites of famous explorers to check out. The island is blanketed in palm trees and looks beautiful when you come into land.

On the other hand, ‘Eua is a eco-friendly destination that’s all about hiking. It’s got rainforests and mountains, along with beautiful beaches in the west and rugged cliffs in the east. There are wild ponies to wander alongside, and myths and legends to learn about as you trek through the jungle.

Ha’apai is simply gorgeous. Every single beach photo in this post was taken in Ha’apai, and after seven years of travel, I count them as some of the best I’ve ever stepped foot on. You come here to relax, unwind, and skip along some of the most incredible beaches ever. There are around 50 islands making up the entire island chain, so you could spend months working your way around all of them.

In Vava’u, you come to swim with humpback whales, to charter a yacht, and to dive in clear waters. Vava’u has more tourists, nightlife, and accommodation options than Ha’apai, although the islands are still calm and sleepy. There are 50 islands in the Vava’u island chain.

There Are Some Seriously Isolated Parts of the Country

If you’re more adventurous than I am, you might consider checking out the Niuas. Despite finding flights that could take me there and back while I was in the country, I wasn’t quite brave enough to venture over there. There’s simply no information about them online.

Any (extremely dated) articles about the islands mention there being one guesthouse you can stay on, but then I discovered an article saying it had closed down after a tsunami in 2009 and hadn’t yet been rebuilt. On the Tongan tourism board website, they encourage you to phone the tourism bureau in the Niuas to ask them how to find somewhere to stay. Other websites advise you to turn up with a tent and camp, or arrive and hope a local invites you into their home to stay.

It sounds like such a fascinating part of the world, as there are very few places that have been influenced by close to zero tourists these days.

Obesity is a Big Problem

On my flight from Tongatapu to Auckland, I couldn’t believe how many people requested a seatbelt extender.

Tonga has the highest levels of obesity in the world, and a big part of that is due to the type of food they import from New Zealand. Mutton flaps are popular in the country and they’re full of calories — 420 per 100 grams. An incredible 40% of the population has type 2 diabetes and more than 90% of the population is overweight or obese. Life expectancy has dropped from 75 to 64 in recent years.

In Tonga, big is seen as beautiful. At feasts, Tongans will say, “ Kai ke mate ,” which means, “ eat until you die .” One of their kings — Tupou IV — holds the Guinness world record for being the heaviest monarch, weighing in at 220kg/33 stone/440 lbs.

The Locals are Lovely

In Tonga, every single local I encountered was friendly, welcoming, and helpful. I could sit and list the dozens of positive interactions I had, but I’ll narrow it down to just a few.

In Vava’u, every time I left my room, a local would pull over in their car and ask if they could drive me to where I was going.

When I told a local in ‘Eua that I was hoping to try a traditional Tongan pig while I was in the country, he rang around the island and 30 minutes later, presented me with a bag of crispy pork that his friend had brought around from his family’s feast.

When I got sick in ‘Eua, the airport staff told me they’d hold the plane for me[!] while my guesthouse owner took time out of her day to take me to the hospital, where the doctor left her home on her lunch break to prescribe me some medication.

Is Tonga Safe? Absolutely!

I’ve visited a hundred countries over my past decade of travel and I can tell you that, in terms of the safest countries in the world, Tonga would rank in my top 10. Crime levels are close to non-existent in this country and scams are rare. I listed all of the ways that I felt welcomed in this country in the previous section, and I at no times felt as though I was in any kind of danger while I was island-hopping around.

I felt safe on Tonga as a solo woman and didn’t feel as though I attracted any unwanted attention while I was on the islands — and I met other solo travellers exploring the country, too.

As with everywhere in the world, you’ll want to take basic safety precautions, as you would similarly do at home. So, not drawing attention to expensive drones and cameras, dressing conservatively, taking care not to drink too much alcohol, keeping a close eye on your possessions in public places, and all of that common sense-type stuff.

But if you’re worried about visiting Tonga due to safety reasons, let me reassure you: this is a wonderful country that will welcome you with open arms.

There Still Isn’t Much Information About the Country Online

It isn’t too difficult to gain a general idea of where you should go in Tonga. You have the main island of Tongatapu and tiny ‘Eua, which is just off the coast of Tongatapu. North of these are the island chains of Ha’apai and Vava’u, and then even further north you have the remote Niuas.

When it comes to deciding which islands to visit in Ha’apai and Vava’u, though, I struggled. There isn’t much accommodation listed online and many of the guesthouses require you to call to book, listing their phone number on a website that hasn’t been updated in a decade. Because some islands don’t have power, it’s tough to get in contact with anybody.

I didn’t bother grabbing a Lonely Planet Tonga for this trip because I’m travelling for six months and didn’t want to lug it around the world with me, but I think it would have helped a lot to have a breakdown on which islands are best for which type of person. I did a lot of guesswork; most of it paid off.

I learned that Tongatapu is worth visiting for one or two days, ‘Eua is underrated and worth spending three or four days in, Ha’apai is paradise and you should spend as long as you can in Matafonua Lodge, and Vava’u should take up as much space in your itinerary as Ha’apai.

And that’s Tonga! I absolutely fell in love with this gorgeous country and can’t wait to start writing about it in more depth. Have I convinced you to visit yet?

Related Articles on Tonga 💰 The Cost of Travel in Tonga: A Detailed Budget Breakdown 🤫 Lying to Locals in Tongatapu 🐴 Exploring ‘Eua: Tonga’s Forgotten Island 🏖 Ha’apai: My South Pacific Island Paradise 🏥 Hospitalised in Tonga

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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55 comments.

Interesting information about the oldest sister. If she likes the husband of the younger sister, can she forcibly get him too? :)

Nice read, btw. I will check more of this country.

I don’t think so — I’ve only heard of it happening to the younger sister’s child.

Well FYI is wrong. 1. You only heard the story. 2. Whoever you had this conversation with i am pretty sure you did come across languages barrier.

I ‘m a older sister who only have 2 kids, i gave my second child to my younger sister and her husband to raised because they can’t have children.

In our culture and CUSTOMS we strongly stick together as a family. Our late King George V raised his younger’s brother only Daughter. The King passed away and younger brother become King and now she is the only princess in our little Nation.

Hope this helps you understand of our culture. Just get your facts right and next time you visit come mingle with us locals COCOCOCOCONUUUTTTSSS ?.

Sad you didn’t tried HORSE MEAT whaaatt??

I’m not sure what facts I got wrong? I simply shared a story of an older sister raising her younger sister’s child as her own — that wasn’t incorrect. Although it’s not something I can fully understand, I try to keep an open mind about cultures that are different to my own. I found Tonga to be fascinating and can’t wait to return to learn more! And, I guess, to eat horse meat! :-)

Exactly it wasn’t incorrect but the way you phrase it “Beware older sister” . We don’t demand, as family we discussed and listen with empathy to our sisters and brothers in need. I respect you from another Culture trying to understand mine and if you really that open mind you could had asked more input from different locals to expand your horizon and understanding. Not from just one story. What enrich us Tonga to the world? Our Culture,Customs and Values, Families,Religions and ofcourse ? hehe. Well Glad you enjoyed our lil nation. Ofa atu

I actually did speak to more one person in the country about it, but regardless, I understand how it could be interpreted as problematic or offensive. The heading was my attempt at humour :-) Thank you for your comments!

Hello, that’s really nice to know more about your culture, i definitely want to visit and learn about your island, families and culture. If you have any recommendation for a solo girl travelling in Tonga let us know :)

Thank you !

There’s no way to subscribe to comment notifications on my site, so unless Teimumu randomly decides to head back to this blog post six months later, I doubt you’ll get a response.

For what it’s worth, Tonga is incredibly safe for a solo female traveller, so there’s no real precautions you’ll need to take. As long as you cover up to show respect, you’ll have a wonderful time.

If i visit Tonga for 2 weeks, and i wanna stay at the low rate hotels, then how much will cost me?

Around $70 a day, I’d esitmate

Well, I’m convinced!!

Great article; I really feel like I know what makes Tonga tick! The culture sounds absolutely fascinating (I never knew about the fakaleiti or the oldest sister rights), and the people sound wonderful. I don’t think I’m brave enough yet for the MA60 though! That must’ve been nerve-wracking to say the least!

The Tongans are so lovely! And the country wonderful. The fact that the culture is so different to ours just made travelling there all the more interesting.

Love Tonga! Great photos and write-up, Lauren. I visited Tonga in 2015 and it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had – the people are lovely and the whales are amazing. You have to go back to swim with the humpbacks! If you already love Tonga without seeing them, you’re going to fall even more in love when you get to see the whales.

I know! I’m definitely planning on returning later this year, but probably not during whale season *again*. It’s so tough when you need to book so far in advance and I never know where I’ll be in 2020! It’s definitely something I know I have to experience in the future, though.

As beautiful as it is, I’m not convinced I want to visit. Crazy, I know, since I looooooove a good beach. Some of those practices, like being able to take the child of the younger sister are more than bewildering to me, it’s downright awful. I understand that I don’t understand the culture, however, as a mom, I am incredibly sad/heartbroken for the younger sisters who lose their children.

And then I think about seeing the whales… that is a dream! As always, excellent post!

Yeah, it’s tough. Many of the sisters are happy to do it, some of them are upset about it. It’s so hard to know the ins and outs when it’s someone else’s culture. It’s so definitely different to the way we live our lives.

Wow, amazing! I had a friend who did her Peace Corps stay in Tonga and adored it. I am horrified about the premise of the plane though! Yikes!

Ha! Don’t Google it — all you see are terrifying reports of how unsafe it is! As I said, I like to think it’s safer than being in a car, but it was definitely nerve-wracking flying in one.

Oh goodness, you’ve DEFINITELY convinced me to add Tonga to my bucket list!

Sadly, I’ll have to save it for some time in the future, as I’m currently not able to pay a flight all the way across the world – but I’ll definitely get there. And I’ll send you an email when I do ;-)

Yeah, there’s definitely a reason why I only go to the South Pacific when I’m having a New Zealand Christmas! Such a shame it’s so expensive, because I know so many of my European/North American readers would adore Tonga.

Another stellar post! I really want to go and swim with the whales, having swum with whale sharks off of Holbox Island in Mexico.

Thank you! The humpback whales look incredible in Tonga — there’s a lot of babies around at that time of year, too, that you can swim with.

Incredible photos, especially of that crystal clear blue water. I’ve been to many places but never to Tonga. Maybe it’s time to change that.

Yes! You won’t regret it :-)

Was very interested to read about Tonga, especially as I am very keen on finding beautiful beaches with clear water and few people! I have been more than 10 times to the Cook Islands and love it there. Aitutaka is the most spectacular lagoon and motu islands. Tonga is certainly on my ”bucket list”. Off to Solomons , to sail around the best snorkelling and diving spots out from Gizo in June. Should be beautiful. Have you been to the Solomons? Samoa is also on the “list”.

Both the Solomon Islands and Samoa are on my wish list! I hope to make it to both soon. Hope you have an incredible time on your upcoming trip, although I’m sure you will :-) And yes, I highly recommend Tonga for some of the best beaches ever! They were just as beautiful as the ones I saw in Aitutaki.

I am staying in NZ for a year on WHV so looking to do some Pacific Islands. My interest in Tonga was already piqued when I happened to attend Rugby League World Cup semi final here in Auckland between them and England the atmosphere, flags and everything was crazy. This article helps me out a lot.

If you could only visit say Tongatapu and ‘Eua would it still be worth visiting. Also did you book inter country flights while there or beforehand?

You’d miss out on the best parts of the country, but it’d still be worth going. I’d recommend ‘Eua and Ha’apai if at all possible. I booked in advance.

Great post there. I hadn’t heard about Tonga before reading this. Sure looks like you had a ball there and from the images I can tell its awesome. Be more interesting to read more about their traditions. Fascinating!

This is the most useful resource for Tonga I’ve found on the internet! Thank you for writing it. My question: if you were to return to Tonga, where would you go on your second visit?

Fun question! I’d definitely return to Matafonua, and I’d want to check out some different islands that are part of Vava’u, as I definitely didn’t get to see it at its best on this adventure. I’d also try to visit during high season to get to experience the whales :-)

I was born in Tonga, but left as a child. I would really like to return and see the island. Thank you for the information :).

Thanks for reading! I hope you make it back to Tonga :-)

Hi Lauren! Wow, this has been so helpful! My partner and I are trying to decide whether to spend our six day vacation in Fiji or Tonga. From what it looks like, you didn’t spend much time exploring Fiji?? If so, can you offer any insight into which you would recommend?

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your experience! It has really helped us. :)

Awesome post, I’m heading to Tonga next week and trying to do a little research but as you said, there’s not much available on the internet! The charming little hut you stayed at in Ha’apai looked awesome – can you give me the name of the guest house? If you don’t want to overshare it online I get that, but I’d appreciate an e-mail if that’s the case :)

Yep, it’s in the post! Matafonua Lodge: https://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Matafonua_Lodge.htm?a_aid=173252

wow, thank you for writing such an incredibly detailed post on Tonga! it’s really interesting that you included plenty of facts that don’t depict only the good parts of Tonga, such as the obesity trend. I really want to go to Tonga in 2019, I’ve heard that diving spots such as Swallows Cave are incredible, and your article makes me want to visit Tonga even more!!!

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for all of these informations. I think about going to Tonga for New year eve and I don’t really know where to go, if i have to book all my trip at the same place, or if i’m just going there and try to find an accomodation with the locals.. Where to go first, and what to do.. Do you know if there is a website to book the ferry or flight or if it’s better to do it there. Thank you :)

You can book the flights from the Real Tonga website, and I’d recommend doing that in advance: https://realtonga.to/ and I think you buy tickets for the ferries on board, so you can do that when you get there. New Years is low season in Tonga, so you shouldn’t have any problem with availability.

Don’t be sad about the oldest sister thing! It’s not a big deal to give your children to other family members. My dad is Tongan and my mother is white. I am a twin and when we were born one of my aunties had trouble having children so she asked if my mom could give one of us to her (“you have two!”) my mom was appalled but it’s just a normal part of their customs. Family is family and we all love each other.

Thank you so much for sharing, Shy.

Thank you so much for this Lauren, so informative. Given you were there in January do you know would it be as quiet over Christmas. Think this might be out spot for 2019!

This line is particularly worrying

“It’s a worrying trend that I hope will start to reverse soon. It’ll be tough to do when beauty is associated with a larger size.”

While I agree diabetes is a big problem, I however don’t think associating beauty with a larger size is. The difference lies in educating the locals about health vs vanity. i don’t think they’re purposely fattening themselves up to be more beautiful. it’s just systematically what’s available happens to be of poorer quality. You’ll see this in the Native American Reservations in the States as well.

But please, let cultures celebrate beauty as they’ve always celebrated it. God knows we have enough skinny blue-eyed blondes in the world.

Have you been to Tonga?

Perhaps I could have worded it better, but when the life expectancy is plummeting, 40% of the population has diabetes, and 90% of the population is overweight, something needs to change. And when a larger size *is* seen as being most beautiful and aspirational, there isn’t a huge incentive to change. In Tonga, being obese reflects a higher social status , so the locals actually are purposely fattening themselves up to be more beautiful. Being large is revered here. It’s not just that the food is full of saturated fat, but that everyone overeats at enormous feasts and they do so regularly. Weekly. To prove they’re of a higher social status.

From a BBC article about Tonga’s obesity problem:

“But there’s no question the role that society plays here.

“The bigger you are, that’s beauty,” says Drew Havea, chair of the civil Society Forum of Tonga.

Size and status in Tonga have often gone together. The Tongan King Tupou IV, who died in 2006, holds the Guinness record for being the heaviest-ever monarch – 200kg (33 stone, or 440lbs). Being thin would traditionally have indicated a position lower in the social pecking order.”

This is a great article! I am considering travelling to Tonga for 2 – 3 weeks over the end of May and start of June this year. Have I left it do late to book accommodation and travel between islands?

I am a vegetarian, do you think it would be difficult for me to eat there? I’m also struggling to narrow down an itinerary. I would like to do a couple of days of hiking, a couple of days on the beach, snorkelling/scuba diving and seeing the wild horses on ‘Eua. Where would you prioritise for these activities?

Apologies for all of these questions!

Best wishes,

Travelled to Tonga back in 1993 and had a wonderful time. Was saddened to hear that there was actually political unrest and death a few years ago, so I hope things have stabilized now (2019). My highlight? Mariner’s Cave. Google it! :)

Thanks a lot for such an interesting article! It’s so well-timed for me, coz I’m going to visit Tonga in 2-3 weeks. But the internet speed info got me disappointed :(( I’ve read recently that they got an optic wire on the ocean bottom… So they didn’t?

Oh dear, did you end up taking the MA60 in 2019? We have a trip to Vavau coming up and I’m pretty nervous to hear that the MA60 has made its way back into the fleet…

It was in 2018, but yeah, they definitely have brought it back. I just tried to convince myself that it’s still got to be safer than driving a car, right? Surely even the most riskiest plane is safer than driving? And it’s not like people are dying in plane crashes in Tonga every week. Nobody ever has, so you’ll likely be totally fine :-)

Great article. I visited Tonga in January 2011 and had a similar experience (i.e felt like I was one of the few visitors.) I met quite a few people who were working as volunteers but not other tourists which was nice! I would say one drawback about vising in January would be the rain. It rained very heavily for two days during my 10 day visit and every afternoon as well. While this didn’t totally ruin my trip it meant I had to be prepared to get wet as I enjoy being outdoors

Great picture of the rocky coastline on Eua, brought back some memories.

Thank you for sharing Lauren. Just read this start to finish as I am considering going to Tonga in a few months on my own. Really great advice and I feel pretty confident it’s a cool place to travel solo. How long would you recommend?

I’d say 10 days as a minimum, and if you could push for three weeks, you’d have an amazing time and see so many different parts of the country :-)

1. If a family has all sons, they choose one to be a ‘fakaleiti’ simply isn’t true. The third gender has always existed in Polynesia and isn’t something that is forced, they don’t simply go genie meenie minie mo and choose a son to be the fakaleiti lol

2. The eldest sister having absolute power isn’t true either, the younger sister can still say no if she doesn’t wish to give up her child. Tongans are very family-oriented and so if a couple can’t conceive, they may ask a sibling to adopt/raise their child as their own. This kindness also goes both ways, its pretty hard to explain the dynamics of respect between siblings in Tonga as I can’t think of anything in “Western culture” that compares but its not as bad as you’ve described

Nice blog about Tonga nevertheless and I hope you get to go back to Vava’u as that is my favourite island!

As I said in the post: “Traditionally in Tonga, if a woman were to give birth to only boys, she could then go on to choose one of them to be her daughter.” Could! Not will. You misread my point.

Also, there was a couple working at one of the places I stayed who were forced to give one of their children to the woman’s older sister. They were devastated and suffering from depression because of it. So that maybe skewed my opinion, but yeah, she, at least, certainly didn’t want to give up one of her kids. I fact check all of my information and reconfirmed that was the case with several books.

From the book Social Structure, Space and Possession in Tongan Culture and Language:

“The superior status of a sister and mehekitanga also becomes apparent in the most frequent kind of adoption in Tonga in which a woman adopts her brother’s child. In a wider sense, this can even be regarded as a case of claiming his property. In several situations I have observed that children leave the house when their mehekitanga is present to avoid her commands which they would have to obey.”

And a guidebook to Tonga: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=RDCvD34FOoQC&pg=PT29&lpg=PT29&dq=tonga+%22older+sister%22&source=bl&ots=sPvzu7wJoC&sig=ACfU3U3wHPsZfeJS0GtEhEGYg6Rz1ktUNQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjY-9-ywszqAhWdaRUIHa2PB0IQ6AEwAnoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=tonga%20%22older%20sister%22&f=false

“Tongan society is structured along matriarchal lines, with women holding a higher social status than in most other Polynesian countries. The oldest sister in each family, or the mehikitanga, holds the highest status within her family. According to long-standing tradition, if the mehikitanga asks anything of her brothers or younger sisters, her siblings have no choice but to obey her orders. For instance, the oldest sister might ask her siblings for sought-after items, such as a TV or a computer. More dramatically, when the oldest sister cannot bear a child, it is not uncommon for her to ask a younger sister for her baby. When this happens, the younger sister must give up the baby and allow the older sister to raise it as her own.”

Hi Laureen (sorry this is a long and complex set of issues one can discuss for pages!)

Delighted you enjoyed Tonga, yes we have many attractions in a rustic less organized way.

What may be considered tradition is not necessarily practiced by all families. Such texts should never say must, and never say never! Mehikitanga do have status and are recognized at social functions and family settings. But there is a degree of fluidity; there is also reciprocity and responsible asking. And there are layers within layers! No source should be quoted as absolute authority.

You did not mention the strong brother – sister taboo. Siblings tend to avoid showing even mild romantic behaviour, even towards their partners in front of their opposite-sex siblings (or cousins). That is one of the reasons you seldom see males/females holding hands in public, and definitely not kissing. Important for visitors to appreciate.

But again things are changing and some of these customs are fading….makes it even more interesting trying to understand what is and is not now ‘acceptable’. As you noted, dress codes are (like in so many places) becoming more fluid.

And a small warning about stories you are told in your travels – they may or may not fully reflect the factual accuracy (one might expect in a non-fake news world). There are always those who like to tell stories just for the fun of telling stories; for entertainment; for a laugh; to influence others….. And visitors are always fun to tell stories to! Just more of the layers within layers….

Noted a post about not knowing what would be doing in 2020! Little did any of us expect how different things would be.

Tonga will still be here when we again have tourists, currently, we remain tourist and covid free along with a small number of Pacific island countries.

Hope whatever it is you are safe and well.

PS take anything I say as just one set of comments/observations to be triangulated and tested against other comments/observations – though I do strive for accuracy within what I understand things to be….

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Meet Lauren Juliff

• 3.1 History
• 3.2 Tourist information
• 4.2 By plane
• 4.3 By private boat
• 5 Get around
• 9.2 Costs and shopping
• 14.1 Marine wildlife
• 14.2.1 Earthquakes
• 14.2.2 Volcanoes
• 14.2.3 Cyclones
• 15 Stay healthy
• 16.1 Social etiquette and breaches

Tonga , the "Friendly Islands", is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of 169 islands, of which 36 are inhabited. The tourist industry is relatively undeveloped. Cruise ships often stop in Vavaʻu, which has a reputation for its whale watching, game fishing, surfing, and beaches.

Regions [ edit ]

The country is divided into five island groups, or regions.

Cities [ edit ]

• Nukuʻalofa ㅡ Tonga's capital.
• Neiafu ㅡ Barely a city even by Pacific island standards, Neiafu is the administrative centre of the Vavaʻu group.

Understand [ edit ]

The archipelago was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Tonga is the only indigenous monarchy in the Pacific that survived the age of colonialism. Tonga is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world (although in the past years, it can be considered quasi-constitutional) and is based upon an essentially feudal system where the king disburses land and positions without recourse to an elected body. Although Tongan royalty is largely loved and revered by Tongans, younger people often have an appetite for stronger accountability and a more modern constitution (although there are still many die-hard young monarchists). An election was held in November 2010. This was planned to lead to a major reduction in the powers of the King and the land-owning nobility in favour of a more democratic form of governance; however, of the 26 seats in Parliament only 17 are elected with the rest being allocated to the nobles. After some horse trading, a noble emerged as the Prime Minister.

Tonga has an economy with none of the corporate chain stores and with local small businesses providing all necessary goods and services.

There were pro-democracy riots in Nuku'alofa in November 2006 which left 8 people dead and large portions of the town centre burnt out. Rebuilding after the riots in Nuku'alofa has been more or less completed and there are abundant tourism facilities.

Tourists were not a target during the riots and you will find Tonga a friendly and appealing place to visit although don't expect the same level of infrastructure as in more developed countries.

History [ edit ]

Tonga was thought to have been colonized by the Lapita around 1500-1000 BC. Polynesian societies developed in 500 BC and from 1200 CE, the Tu‘i Tonga Empire gained its hegemonic control over the central Pacific. Captain James Cook visited Tonga in the 1770s and called it the Friendly Islands. In 1845, Tonga was unified into a kingdom and later a constitutional monarchy in 1875. Under the Treaty of Friendship, Tonga maintained its autonomy under a British protectorate until independence was declared on 4 June 1970.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Tonga Tourism Authority website

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ].

Visa exemption is in place for citizens of any Schengen country (including Faroe Islands and Greenland ), who do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less within a 180-day period. Visa is also not required for citizens from China, Israel and United Arab Emirates.

Citizens of the following countries can get a free, one-month visitor's visa on arrival if they can prove they have a return ticket to leave Tonga at the end of their stay and sufficient funds to cover their stay: Australia , Bahamas , Barbados , Brazil , Brunei , Canada , Cook Islands , Dominica , Fiji , Ireland , Japan , Kiribati , South Korea , Malaysia , Marshall Islands , Federated States of Micronesia , Monaco , Nauru , New Zealand , Niue , Palau , Papua New Guinea , Russia , Samoa , Seychelles , Singapore , Solomon Islands , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Turkey , Tuvalu , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States of America , Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna .

Visitor's visas can be extended at the immigration department in the capital.

By plane [ edit ]

• Fua'amotu Airport ( TBU  IATA ) is on Tongatapu around half an hour from Nuku'alofa. The largest airport in Tonga and the only one on Tongatapu. There are several flights a week from Auckland, Sydney, Suva and Nadi.
• Lifuka Island Airport ( HPA  IATA ).

By private boat [ edit ]

Lots of people arrive by private yacht since Tonga, particularly Vava'u, is a common stop on the around-the-world circuit.

Get around [ edit ]

To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or sail).

Motorbikes, scooters and cycles can be rented on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai. On Tongatapu you can hire a car. There are also taxis. To get around the main island, Tongatapu, Teta Tours and Toni's guest house offer day tours of all the main tourist sights. The speed limit is usually 40 km/h and this is stuck to by the local drivers. You're meant to also buy a local Tongan driving licence on top of your existing licence before you drive (25 pa'anga). The roads are good in and around Nuku'alofa but deteriorate the further from the town and the further south you travel. Most cars in Tonga are in a terrible state, maintained on a budget and held together by a combination of 'Western Union' stickers and prayer. The low speed limit helps to keep accidents down. There are buses to various points on Tongatapu from Nuku'alofa although there are no timetables.

Talk [ edit ]

The official languages of Tonga are Tongan and English .

Tongan is the most widely spoken language in Tonga. English is also widely understood because many of the high schools teach exclusively in English. Even natives who speak exclusively Tongan will know at least a bit of English, because of the latter's cultural and linguistic influence. As is common on some other Pacific island nations, many Tongans, when asked a question they are unsure of or don't understand, will reply with a "Yes". In this case, ask a follow up question and if the reply is still "Yes", ask someone else.

See [ edit ]

• Tongatapu. Tongatapu is Tonga's largest island with over two-thirds of the country's small population. It is a coral island surrounded by coral reefs. The capital, Nuku'alofa, on the north coast, has a relaxed air, despite the troubles of a few years ago. There are some interesting places to visit, such as ancient tombs and coastal blowholes, and some nice beaches with good snorkelling. Tongatapu also provides a good opportunity to view a unique culture. There are several small islands to the north of Tongatapu that have been developed into resorts. Nuku'alofa has good quality accommodation and guest houses within range of the backpacker.
• ' Eua. 'Eua Island is located only 17.5 km east southeast from Tongatapu. It is the highest island in Tonga and is not related geologically to the other islands, being much older. It has beaches on the western side but dramatic cliffs on the east coast, with Tonga's largest tropical rain forest, which is a great place to go trekking. There are a few small guest houses.
• Vava'u. Vava’u is a group of more than 50 islands, about 150 miles north of Tongatapu. They are either raised coral limestone or coral atolls. The beautiful harbour opposite the main town of Neiafu is a common destination for yachties sailing the South Pacific, attracting about 500 yachts every season. The waters of the islands are known for their clarity. The area attracts many humpback whales between June and November and there are organised tours to see them. Other things to do include diving, renting a yacht, kayaking; game fishing and kite surfing. There are some good walks on the main island. There are many places to stay both in the capital Neiafu and on the outlying islands.

• Ha'apai. Ha'apai is a group of about 60 islands, south of the Vava'u group and north of Tongatapu. Only 20 islands are constantly inhabited. This is where the Mutiny on the Bounty occurred in 1789. The total population is approximately 5,500. There are plenty of sandy beaches plus good diving and snorkelling and the opportunity to see some whales. Ha'apai offers the whole range of accommodation, from budget to upmarket resort.
• The Niuas. The Niuas are reachable by weekly flights from Vava’u. Niuatoputapu is 240 km north of Vava’u and has a population of around 1400. It has beautiful white beaches, particularly on the north-west side of the island. Niuafo’ou is the northernmost island of Tonga. It is known as Tin Can island from the fact that in earlier times mail was delivered and picked up by strong swimmers who would retrieve packages sealed up in a biscuit tin and thrown overboard from passing ships. Niuafo’ou is the tip of an underwater volcano. The last eruption was in 1946, after which the whole island was evacuated for ten years. Accommodation on both islands is limited.
• Beaches. With over 419 km 2 2 of coastline, the beaches of Tonga are a tropical paradise and the variety of sandy beaches around a forest landscape with palm trees.

Do [ edit ]

Apart from a few historical sites on Tongatapu most things to do in Tonga reflect its island nature. Diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips, kayaking and kite surfing are all possible. There are some lovely beaches if you just want to laze around. Tonga has some good restaurants and this is the place to come if you like lobster.

Take time to learn a little about Tonga's fairly feudal culture and its many traditions. Go to church. Even if you are not religious the singing can be very moving. Watch tapa cloth being made from mulberry bark and try a drink of kava, the traditional drink, which is mildly psychoactive.

As in other Pacific Island nations, Rugby football is very popular in Tonga.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The national currency is the pa'anga , or Tongan dollar, denoted by the symbol " T$ " or sometimes " PT " (ISO currency code: TOP ). Denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 seniti and 1 pa'anga coins and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pa'anga banknotes.

Costs and shopping [ edit ]

Although Tonga is a developing country, prices for many things are comparable to or slightly greater than New Zealand or Australia. Most of what you eat, apart from fish, lobsters, roots and tubers, fruits and vegetables will have been imported. A good meal out will cost T$30–50, a beer in a restaurant or bar costs about T$5–6, hiring a car is about T$50–60 a day and cigarettes are T$7–8 for a pack of 25.

• Tapa. Tapa cloth is made from the bulk of the paper mulberry tree. Although tapa is found throughout Polynesia, Tonga is the only country where it is still a part of daily life. The bark is stripped from the tree trunk and the outer bark is then scraped off from the inner bark and discarded. The inner bark is first dried in the sun before being soaked. It is then beaten into strips of 25 cm using wooden mallets. The continuous beats of the tapa mallet are still a common sound in Tongan villages. The narrow strips are then beaten together into a wider sheet and decorated.

Eat [ edit ]

Tongan feasts are a must-do. Tour companies and hotels organize feasts, together with traditional dancing, on several nights of the week on Tongatapu and in Vava'u. You should try Ota (marinated raw fish) and Lu (meat wrapped in taro leaves).

Drink [ edit ]

Tonga is lively well into the evening, generally becoming suddenly very quiet at around 11PM. Expect to see people walking around until late. Beer and liquor are available from many outlets, including Fijian, Australian and New Zealand imports to complement the local brews. If you are keen to check out native drink, try Kava (something like liquid novacaine) at least once.

The local beer is called Ikale and is sold in 330 ml bottles in most restaurants and bars (T$4.50-5). Or you can buy the same bottles from one of the many 'Chinese' roadside shops or a supermarket for T$2 or less. Imported beers are mainly from Australia although there are also some from Europe. Most are sold in 330 ml cans or bottles.

Sleep [ edit ]

There is a wide range of accommodation in Tonga, ranging from luxurious to budget. Most have relatively few rooms, though. The Tonga Visitors Bureau [dead link] has a full listing. See detailed listings on the pages for Tongatapu , Vava'u and Ha'apai .

Work [ edit ]

There are many opportunities for skilled trades from the streets to the shops, in the schools to the churches and yes from the markets to the office. This is a hot spot for skilled navigators spanning throughout 169 villages and 150 islands. Some major exports include vanilla, handcrafts and specialty pumpkins grown for export to Japan. Other agriculture sectors include root crops like taro, tapioca, sweet potatoes, yams, coconuts, bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, watermelons and even peanuts.

If you are on a visitor's visa, you cannot be involved with business or take up employment while in Tonga. You also cannot take courses from an educational institution. It is mostly illegal to try to change a visitor's visa into a visa that allows for employment, so if you intend to have a job while in Tonga, make sure you have an employment visa in advance. Apply for your visa at least one month in advance. If you are already in Tonga and would like to extend it, contact the immigration department one month in advance about the extension.

While employment visas are available, the immigration department will probably be reluctant to grant you one as Tonga has a high unemployment rate, and would prefer that jobs be taken up by Tongan citizens as opposed to outsiders. If you're coming to Tonga for humanitarian or volunteer work, you need an employment visa for that.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Tonga is generally a safe country.

Marine wildlife [ edit ]

Since the whole country is situated on the Pacific Ocean , there are many sharp corals on Tonga's beaches. It's a good idea to wear some footwear while walking around.

Natural hazards [ edit ]

Tonga is vulnerable to a number of natural hazards due to its location.

Earthquakes [ edit ]

The whole archipelago is situated around the "Ring of Fire", an earthquake zone situated in the Pacific Ocean . Earthquake activity typically takes place underwater. Depending on the intensity of an underwater earthquake, a tsunami can very easily be triggered.

Volcanoes [ edit ]

It is estimated that there are up to 36 undersea volcanoes surrounding Tonga. Although the chances of an eruption are rare, they are still a possibility. Depending on the intensity of an underwater volcanic eruption, a tsunami can very easily be triggered. The massive Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption of January 2022, the largest in the 21st century so far, caused major damage to Tonga through a tsunami and ashfall, resulting in a few deaths, a shortage of water, and a loss of communications with the outside world.

Cyclones [ edit ]

The official cyclone season is from November through April. During this time, winds can be strong, the risk of flooding will increase, and you can expect to face heavy rainfall. The various tips found in the cyclones article are of immense help.

Two resources to consult are as follows: World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Tonga Meteorological Service . Newspapers and radio stations can also prove helpful during a cyclone.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

An outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease, started in 2014, so take precautions against mosquito bites . An outbreak of Dengue fever was also reported in early 2015. There is no malaria in Tonga though.

Exercise the usual caution when snorkelling, as the coral can be dangerous.

Tap water is generally safe, though its quality might vary by location.

Respect [ edit ]

Tongans in general tend to have a relaxed attitude towards life. They place a lot of emphasis on humility and hospitality. Being a conservative, highly religious country, Tongan culture is heavily influenced by Christian values and principles.

Social etiquette and breaches [ edit ]

• To get the greatest amount of respect, dress modestly . Some people (usually coming from cruise liners) have been arrested for walking around topless.
• Tongans observe the Sabbath. This means that on Sunday, most people will rest instead of working. Some facilities (hotels, restaurants, beach resorts) will be open.
• Religion plays an important role in the lives of many Tongans . Christian shows and programmes are common, and many Tongans follow a breadth of Christian denominations. Many of the services are very enjoyable. Strike up a friendship with some locals and you will have no problems having an enjoyable Sunday experience.
• Tongans consider it important to respect figures of authority and their seniors. Try to behave sensibly in front of someone older/senior than you, and try not to do something that would make them feel challenged.
• Although talking behind someone's back is common in many parts of the world, Tongans frown upon gossip and consider it incredibly disrespectful .
• Tongans value humility and sensibility. Even the Tongan royal family is held to the same behavioural standards. Bragging or boasting about your accomplishments is not taken positively.
• Don't criticise or speak badly of the Tongan royal family ; they are venerated in Tongan society and criticising them as an outsider could very easily offend people.

Connect [ edit ]

Telecommunications in Tonga are handled by two operators; Digicel Tonga and Tonga Communications Corporation [dead link] . The latter operates a 900 MHz GSM-network.

WiFi hotspots are how people connect to the Internet in Tonga and you should expect slow connection speed, data limits and high prices. Given the country's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean it's not surprising.

Tonga Post [dead link] handles international and domestic mail in the country.

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Tonga Travel Tips: 31 Tips for Travelling in Tonga 🐳 [2024]

Tonga weather in april, 101 best things to do in tonga: the ultimate list 🤿 [2024], the complete travel guide to tongatapu 🌴 [2024], complete travel guides to tonga, more tonga travel tips, what is the weather like in tonga.

When you’re looking to escape to a tropical paradise, the weather is kind of important! Tonga is a tropical island archipelago with two seasons, yet never really experiences cold weather.

The Best Time to Visit Tonga

It could be the weather, what activities are available, when it’s the cheapest time to fly, or when there are fewer tourists. There are amazing things to experience all year round in Tonga.

Complete Packing List for Tonga

We go through everything to consider for a trip to Tongan paradise in this complete packing list for Tonga!

• The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga
• The Best Tonga Itineraries for a Weekend
• The Best Tonga Itineraries for 5 Days
• The Best Tonga Itineraries for 1 Week
• The Best Tonga Itineraries for 2 Weeks
• The Travel Guide to Tonga for Families
• The Travel Guide to Tonga on a Budget
• The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Tonga

Extra Tonga Travel Tips

20 free & cheap things to do in tonga, tonga tourist visa: do you need a visa to visit tonga 🛂 [2024], the top 25 resorts in tonga 🏝️ [2024], tonga accommodation tips, 10 best family accommodations on tongatapu 👪 [2024], tonga pocket guide, the largest tonga travel guide in your pocket.

Welcome to the internet’s most comprehensive travel guide to Tonga! Plan your holiday to Tonga on this fast and free travel guide to Tonga just a click or tap away, found right in your browser. Whether you’re planning a family vacation to Tonga, a couple’s getaway in Tonga or even backpacking in Tonga, we have all the answers to your questions about Tonga right here!

More Tonga Travel Advice Than Any Other Website

Tonga Pocket Guide makes planning your trip to Tonga not just about dreaming about your Tonga holiday; it’s about making your vacation dreams a reality. We give you all the practical Tonga travel tips you need, from Tonga transport to the best Tonga resorts and Tonga hotels to choose for your time in paradise. We’ll give you Tonga travel advice for the moment you arrive in Tonga to the moment your Tongan vacation comes to an end. On top of that, choosing your dream Tonga destination is a breeze with our easy-to-read articles and travel advice.

Covering All Styles of Travel in Tonga

Want to travel Tonga on a budget? Looking to treat yourself to some Tonga luxury? Planning a honeymoon in Tonga or a family vacation in Tonga? Tonga Pocket Guide has all that covered and more! We are your complete travel guide to Tonga, offering return travellers new and exciting options for their next Tonga trip while giving first-time vacationers all the essential Tonga travel advice they need to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Plus, did we mention all of our Tonga tourism tips are free?! Start exploring Tonga Pocket Guide to get your best start to exploring Tonga!

• The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga
• Tonga Transport Guide
• The Cost Guide to Travelling in Tonga
• The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga
• The Guide to the Tongan Culture for Travellers

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Must-see attractions in Tonga

Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes

On an especially good day at Mapu’a ‘a Vaea (Chief’s Whistles), hundreds of blowholes spurt skywards at once. Time your visit for a windy day with a…

Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon

The South Pacific’s equivalent of Stonehenge, the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui (Maui’s Burden) trilithon near Niutoua, is one of ancient Polynesia’s most intriguing…

Talamahu Market

Want to see the real of Nuku’alofa? Wander through the aisles at Talamahu, Tonga's main fresh-produce hub. You’ll find produce piled into handmade woven…

St Joseph’s Cathedral

Vava'u Group

A vision of colonial piety above Port of Refuge, St Joe's is Neiafu’s defining piece of archiecture. Inside, the hypercoloured crucifixion scene behind…

Ha’atafu Beach

On the sunset side of the island, Ha’atafu Beach is a sandy slice protected by a reef, where some of Tonga's best surf peels in (experienced surfers only…

Hufangalupe Archway

Near nowhere in particular is this impressive arch, aka ‘the pigeon’s doorway’ – a natural land bridge over the pounding Pacific waves, formed when the…

Swallows' Cave

Mariner's Cave

The Mu’a area contains Tonga's richest concentration of archaeological remnants. In AD 1200, Tu’itatui, the 11th of the Tu’i Tonga kings, moved the royal…

Hihifo’s Archaeological Sites

Hihifo, the contiguous suburban area south of Pangai, hides some archaeological relics seemingly of more interest to rooting pigs than anyone else. Hidden…

Honeymooners, start your engines! Fronting onto a magnificent beach, Fafá Island Resort is the most elegant on Tongatapu’s offshore islands, but it makes…

The closest island resort to Nuku’alofa, Pangaimotu makes an easy day trip. Daily departures (including Sunday) chug out from the wharf beside the Fish…

‘Ene’io Botanical Garden

Developed by Tonga's former Minister of Agriculture, these gardens are brimming with botany (550 different plant varieties!). Access is via guided tour:…

‘Anahulu Cave

Tongatapu’s most famous cave is an over-loved, slightly eerie place full of stalactites and stalagmites, and blackened from the soot of flaming-frond…

Royal Residences

South of Nuku’alofa, between Tofoa and Pe’a, you’ll pass the private royal residences of the Princess, adorned with white tigers and cannons, and the King…

Shirley Baker Monument & European Cemetery

About 800m north of Pangai, the grave and monument of the imperious-looking Reverend Doctor Shirley Waldemar Baker (1836–1903), Tonga’s revered first…

Mt Talau National Park

A flat-topped mountain looming behind Port of Refuge, 131m Mt Talau (Mo’unga Talau) is protected as part of Mt Talau National Park. To check it out, from…

Ark Gallery Vava'u

Paintings, prints, local arts and crafts...on a boat! If you're keen to visit, phone first, then take a taxi to ‘Ano Beach – you’ll be picked up there. Or…

Port-au-Prince Massacre Monument

A few hundred metres north of the airport runway is a signed turn-off west to the beach where a monument commemorates the spot where the Port-au-Prince…

Fishing Pigs

As you round the coast to the north of Mu’a, keep an eye out for Tonga's famed fishing pigs. When the tide is out, these unusual porkers trot out into the…

Flying Foxes

While you’ll get the opportunity to see flying foxes (aka fruit bats, or peka) in many places in Tonga, one spot renowned for their presence is the…

‘Atata, 10km from Tongatapu, has beaut beaches and a little island village to wander through. Snorkelling, diving and fishing are near-essential. There is…

Old Harbour

Head north on Tokongahahau Rd from the cathedral then turn east onto Naufahu Rd and you'll reach the low-key Old Harbour. It's much less developed than…

Abel Tasman Monument

At the northwestern tip of Tongatapu is a modest monument commemorating Dutchman Abel Tasman's 'discovery' of Tongatapu in 1643. He was on his way back to…

Triple-headed Coconut Tree

If you think we must be scratching around for highlights to include a triple-headed coconut tree, then think again. Locals swear that this is the only…

Royal Palace

Encircled by expansive lawns and casuarina trees, the white weatherboard Victorian-style Royal Palace, erected in 1867, is the pinnacle of Tongan grandeur…

Captain Cook Landing Site

A modest cairn above a mangrove inlet near Holonga village marks the spot where Captain Cook came ashore in 1777 (on his third trip to Tonga) and where…

Southern Lifuka

From Hihifo, the road continues south to Hulu’ipaongo Point, with its sweep of white beach and views south to Uoleva island. About 200m short of the point…

Centenary Chapel

Royal watchers and rubberneckers (regardless of denomination) head to this towering white church for a glimpse of Tonga's royal family at Sunday service,…

Royal Tombs

Mala’ekula, the large parklike area opposite the basilica, has been the resting place of the royals since 1893. The statue-studded white concrete tomb…

’Ano & Hinakauea Beaches

Near the southern end of Pangaimotu are these two beaut beaches backed by verdant vegetation, with sheltered waters, good snorkelling and a safe spot to…

Basilica of St Anthony of Padua

Nuku'alofa's most distinctive structure is the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, opposite the Royal Tombs. It has a beautiful interior of stained glass,…

St Mary's Cathedral

St Mary's Cathedral, near Faua Jetty, is worth visiting for its beautiful rose gardens, stained glass and vaulted ceiling.

Toafa Lookout

More destinations you need to see

KINGDOM OF TONGA

Our warm welcome & unique culture, our mission, discover with us, what's on in tonga.

DT Development Fund

Tonga travel

Timeless tonga.

Journey back in time and experience Tonga travel in the Kingdom of Tonga’s authentic centuries-old culture, traditions, and astounding natural beauty. Unwind & relax in the uncrowded “True South Pacific” gem and get to know the meaning of the unrushed, Timeless Tonga.

Quick links

Featured highlights, accomodation, seaview lodge.

An idyllic waterfront location and 14 guest deluxe rooms and a premium luxury two-bedroom suite. Stylish colonial-pacific-themed interiors newly refurbished. Close proximity to the Royal Palace, city center with lively market, shops and cafes. Fantastic food and warm hospitality with breathtaking ocean view - experience the real South Pacific feeling.

Things to do

Whale diving.

Tongan waters are birthing and mating grounds for humpback whales, meaning they're around for months each year. Islands surrounding Vava’u provide protection from the winds, ensuring almost daily trips. The crystal-clear blue waters make for fantastic footage and photos of these gentle giants. A swim with humpback whales is an unforgettable experience. 

Tonga traditions

Kava tradition.

Kava has been an integral aspect of life in Tonga since the 10th Century. The Kava ceremony is carried out at funerals, weddings, courting, sealing relations, and gathering of men. The Muller Family Kava Farms has played an important and integral part in this history and tradition in Tonga.

Island Hopping

There 176 islands that make up the archipelago of the Kingdom of Tonga with Tongatapu – the Sacred South - being the largest. It’s also where you’ll find the nation’s capital city, Nuku’alofa. Wherever you go in Tongatapu, you can be sure to receive a warm welcome and it’s the perfect introduction and starting point to explore and move around to the rest of ‘the Friendly Islands’.

Discover Tongas unique culture

The Kingdom of Tonga is a truly unique Pacific Island experience like no other. Find out what makes Tonga different...

The Kingdom of Tonga’s history stretches back over 3000 years, beginning with the migration of the Lapita people from the mainland and islands of Southeast Asia. Tongan culture and customs began with these earliest Polynesians, and many ancient traditions have continued respectfully through to the present day.

The arrival of European explorers and navigators from the 17th century saw the introduction of Christianity, now an integral part of the modern Kingdom of Tonga. Experiencing the beautiful harmonies filling Tongan churches every Sunday is an essential experience for all visitors to the Kingdom. Across the ensuing centuries, Tonga’s authentic culture has continued to be respected and maintained across the pristine islands of this Polynesian archipelago.

FIND OUT MORE >

Tongan society is guided by four core values, all of which combine to ensure a genuine welcome to visitors to the Kingdom. The four core values are Fefaka’apa’apa’aki (mutual respect), Feveitokai’aki (sharing, cooperating, and fulfilment of mutual obligations), Lototoo (humility and generosity), and Tauhi vaha’a (loyalty and commitment).

Family is the central unit of Tongan life. Older people command the most respect and each family member knows their role. A typical family unit may consist of adopted children, cousins, and other distant relatives, alongside siblings and grandparents. Their respect for family is a reflection of the people’s love of the Tongan Royal Family.

People from Tonga wish to be identified with the richness of their language and culture, and the best of their inner-most qualities, values and beliefs.

Tongan people use loto poto (wisdom), mo‘ui fakalaumālie (spirituality) and nofo –‘a-kāinga (collective living) as bases from which to contribute to society.

How can we use the features of our identity to enrich our lives and that of the people we care about?

Explore the Islands

Most of the population is located on Tongatapu, with most people living in small towns or villages. However, the urban population is steadily growing. Most villages surround an empty area, referred to as  mala’e , which is used for social gatherings and events.

Many families in Tonga own plots of land dedicated to subsistence farming to grow their foods and spend a bit of time each day tending to their crops.

Sundays in Tonga

On Sundays typically, Tongans don't do anything. Every Sunday the Tongan people rest, leaving only time to go to Church, be with family, cook in the underground earth over "umu", eat and sleep. Tongans don't even ride a bike on Sundays (unless it's to or from Church). 

Activities Map

Use our interactive map to show you all the highlights, places of interest and tours available... COMING SOON.

Search flight availability

Book time away in Timeless Tonga. Search flight availability with Sky Scanner

Tonga has has a tough time recently with Covid, followed by the Volcano and Tsunami which have affected travel and tourism. You can keep up with Tonga Travel Advice HERE , and also we can keep you up-to-date with the latest updates on travelling to Tonga PLUS let you know of the latest travel offers & specials...simply subscribe to our newsletter below...

Get Tonga Travel Updates + Offers, Deals & Discounts

Update April 12, 2024

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Learn About Your Destination

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Tonga - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Tonga. Read the Country Information page.

If you decide to travel to Tonga:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Tonga. 
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Obey all instructions from local authorities.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notice related to your travel.

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Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays up to 31 days

Tongan Pa’anga (TOP) $10,000

Maximum remittance of TOP $10,000 via bank/financial institution. Approval required for higher amounts

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy suva, fiji, kiribati, nauru, tonga, tuvalu.

158 Princes Rd, Tamavua Suva, Fiji Islands Telephone: +(679) 331-4466 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(679) 772-8049 Fax: +(679) 330-2267 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

To enter Tonga, you need:

• A passport with at least six months’ validity, and
• an onward/return ticket.
• Visas are required for stays over 31 days.

For further information about entry requirements, particularly if you plan to enter by sea, you may wish to contact the  Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations  located at 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022, telephone +1-917-369-1024 and +1-917-369-1025.  Tonga also has a  Consulate General of Tonga  at 1350 Bayshore Highway Suite 610, Burlingame, California 940140; telephone +1-650-685-1001; fax: +1-650-685-1003.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Tonga.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Public Safety:   Alerts regarding demonstrations and strikes, explosive device/suspicious packages, and weather-related events are posted on the embassy’s  website . 

Crime:   Although Tonga has a low crime rate, house break-ins and property theft do occur. Though rare, sexual assaults against foreigners have occurred, including on public beaches. You should avoid going out alone at night or to isolated locations. You should not be complacent regarding your personal safety or the protection of your valuables.

See our website  and the  FBI   pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and other crimes are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(679) 331-4466, or after hours at (679) 772-8049.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:   U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP )   to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department's travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution ,  Travel Advisories , and Alerts.
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook . 
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Tonga Police work with various NGOs such as the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) Tonga (telephone: 0800444) to provide shelter and counseling for abused women, girls, and boys who are under the age of 14. The Women and Children Crisis Center also has partner organizations, including the Tonga Life Line (operated by the Free Wesleyan Church), the Salvation Army, the Police Domestic Violence Unit, Ministry of Health, Tonga National Youth Congress, Ma’a Fanine mo e Famili, and Tonga Leiti Association. All offer counseling and rehabilitation programs.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:   If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Customs:   Tonga’s customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Tonga of items such as firearms, explosives, motor vehicles, eggs, and certain types of alcohol.  It is advisable to contact the Tongan Embassy in New York or the Consulate General of Tonga in Burlingame, CA for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Cyclone Season:   The official cyclone season is November through April. The  Fiji Meteorological Service  maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. The Tonga Meteorological Society is another good source for information. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the  Department of State  as well as from the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)  website.

Faith-Based Travelers:   See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:   Under Tongan law, “sodomy with another person” is a crime, with a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment.

See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance .  There are no legally mandated provisions for services for persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. There also are no programs to ensure access to communications and information for persons with disabilities.  The Tonga Red Cross Society operates a school for children with disabilities and conducts occasional home visits. There is no specific government agency responsible for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Tonga dial 911.

Ambulance services are:

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas.
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations:   Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Special Circumstances :

Health facilities:

• Vaiola Hospital, a private “referral” hospital is in Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, with a 24/7 emergency department, and with medical and surgical capabilities to respond to emergencies of differing levels, and is able to stabilize patients if needed to medevac overseas. All essential drugs are available according to the essential drug list, and if specific drugs are not available, there may be other alternative of the same brand available from six nearby private pharmacies.
• The islands of Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua have hospitals. The hospital in Eua offers very limited medical services compared to that of Vava’u and Ha’apai.
• Local residents with serious medical/surgical problems beyond capabilities available in Tonga are often referred to New Zealand for treatment. For additional information on medical visas for New Zealand, contact the  Embassy of New Zealand , 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 328-4800 or the  New Zealand Consulate General in Los Angeles  (310) 207-1605.
• Medical services offered from Tonga Government/public hospitals are free of charge for all Tongans/naturalized Tongans, but varying fees are charged to non-Tongans or tourists at all health care facilities, public or private. Cash payment or by electronic debit (EFTPOS) are preferred means.
• No hyperbaric chamber is available to treat diving-related injuries in Tonga. Medical evacuation to the nearest chamber in Fiji and Nauru is expensive. Travelers should consider travel insurance.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

Pharmaceuticals

• If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  Ministry of Health  to ensure the medication is legal and available in  Tonga . Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with limited controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Water Quality

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

General Health Information

The following diseases are prevalent

• Chikungunya
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Tonga. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:    Road conditions vary throughout the country. A driver must look out for changes in traffic, road and weather conditions, and reduce speed accordingly. The information below concerning Tonga is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

• No roadside assistance is available.
• Traffic moves on the left in Tonga.
• While primary roads in Nuku’alofa are paved, most other roads are not.
• Animals and pedestrians walking in the road make night driving on unlit secondary roads hazardous.
• There are no stop lights in the country; drivers are required to stop at all roundabouts and allow vehicles on the right side to proceed.
• For specific information concerning Tonga driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please contact the  Consulate General of Tonga in San Francisco.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Traffic Laws:

• Contact local authorities if you are involved in a road accident.
• Bicycles must be registered with the Police Office before being used on public roads.

Public Transportation:    Buses and taxis are the only public transport available in Tonga.

Fua’amotu International Airport:   Note that no international or domestic flights are scheduled on Sundays. Flight schedules change frequently and are subject to change, sometimes with only a few hours’ notice.

Visit the website of Tonga’s  Ministry of Infrastructure  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Tonga, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Tonga’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Tonga should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport  website, and the  NGA broadcast warnings website.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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