Rugged shores of Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

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Tonga

Kiss the tourist hype goodbye – and say a warm Malo e lelei (hello!) to the Kingdom of Tonga. Resolutely sidestepping flashy resorts and packaged cruise-ship schtick, Tonga is unpolished, gritty and unfailingly authentic. Life here ticks along at its own informal pace: church-life is all pervasive, chickens and pigs have right-of-way, and there's nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. You don’t have to seek out a cultural experience in Tonga – it’s all around you!

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Sunset at the Mapu'a 'a Vaca (Chief's Whistles) Blowholes.

    Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes

    Tongatapu

    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

    Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon

    Tongatapu

    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

    Talamahu Market

    Tongatapu

    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…

  • Ha’atafu Beach

    Ha’atafu Beach

    Tongatapu

    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

    Hufangalupe Archway

    Tongatapu

    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…

  • Mu’a

    Mu’a

    Tongatapu

    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’s Archaeological Sites

    Tonga

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

  • Fafá

    Fafá

    Tongatapu

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

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Articles

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Tonga tsunami: before and after shot

Tonga tsunami: How to help after the volcano eruption

Jan 20, 2022 • 2 min read

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