Tongatapu is the main island in Tonga. It's a large yet flat coral island, over 250 sq. km in size and uplifted on its southern side with almost 20 metre high coastal cliffs. Tongatapu has several nice beaches, wild coastal scenery and some of the most extensive archaeological sites in Polynesia.
Some stunning uninhabited coral islands can be found offshore, visible from the seawall at Nuku'alofa, and these can be visited on a day trip. There are almost 20 tiny coral islands in all, Fafa, Pangaimotu and Atata having accommodation, the rest being uninhabited. Day tours to Fafa, Pagaimotu and Atata (Sunday only) are available on for about T$30 including lunch. Boat trips to the uninhabited coral islands and to the stunning sand bank location off Nuku Island (location of the original UK Shipwrecked television series), can be arranged from Nuku'alofa or from Fafa Island Resort and cost about T$150 for the boat for four hours. These islands are not to be missed and snorkelling too is good.
Islands off Tongatapu
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Fafa Island
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Nothing better epitomises life in Tonga than its empty roads - the maximum speed limit is just 40km, slower through villages, and no-one is in a rush to go anywhere.
The capital Nuku'alofa on the north shore of the island is the main centre with half the islands population. The majority of hotels and guest houses on Tongatapu are based in or around town... more on Nuku'alofa
Outside of Nuku'alofa, the flat land is almost entirely covered in plantations. A confusing patchwork of roads criss cross the entire island, with small villages strung out along them, but in few places do they hug the coastline.
Lagoon and Tongatapu
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Plantations
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The eastern half of Tongatapu is less developed with miles of deserted white sandy beaches, limestone coves and deep caves along its coast. The ancient settlement of Lapaha is scattered in relics - large royal tombs (langi) shaped like a elongated pyramid line the road. On the northern tip of the island is the impressive trilithon of Ha'amonga 'a Maui believed to have been erected in the 13th century.
Langi Namoala at Lapaha
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Trilithon, Tongatapu
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The southern coastline is more wild. At Hufangalupe there's a lovely coastal walk along high sea cliffs with an impressive natural coral bridge you can walk over. Another attractive coastal walk is from the Tongan Wildlife Centre (small bird park and botanical garden), half way along the south coast. The coastline here is uplifted with sharp jagged rocks and are lots of small white sand cove beaches between. The surf crashes in places just metres off shore making swimming dangerous but several natural swimming pools are good for a refreshing dip. Still further west, at the village of Houma, are the hugely impressive blowholes. Come at high tide on a windy day and walk along the coastal path to see a long succession of blowholes. There are almost 100 in all, the largest plumes reaching up to 30 metres high.
South Coast, Tongatapu
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Coral Bridge, Tongatapu
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At the western tip of the island at the village of Kolovai, large casurina trees line the road for almost a kilometre. At dusk, these trees are alive with flying foxes. Beyond Kolovai, are two lovely beaches, Masi'ata and Ha'atafa. Both are of slightly coarse white sand and stretch for more than a kilometre and there a several small budget beach resorts. Snorkelling is good off Ha'atafu and there's also good surfing offshore.
Ha'atafu Beach
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Bus through Village
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The north coat of Tongatapu is featureless, the beaches being muddy and full of pigs at low tide, fishing in the tidal pools and scouring for crabs. Most of the coast is in fact inaccessible by road and the villages are all set alongside the inland road.
Flights, Ferries and Car Hire
Tongatapu Accommodation
Tour Companies
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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