Tongatapu Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tourism Tonga
Photo provided by Tourism Tonga
Photo provided by Tourism Tonga
Photo provided by Tourism Tonga
Photo provided by Tourism Tonga

Tonga’s main island is a treasure trove of ancient burial mounds, stunning coastal scenery and colourful markets selling tropical fruits. 

No sooner do you arrive on Tongatapu Island than you slip into the slower, more relaxed Tongan pace of life. Here you can spend your days snorkelling at pristine beaches, visiting the tombs of ancient kings or chatting with locals in the markets or restaurants. 

Tongatapu, which translates as “Sacred South”, is the largest of Tonga’s islands and the place where most visitors to the country will land. Trips to the exotic outer islands await, but it is well worth exploring this fascinating part of Tonga as well. 

Stay in the capital, Nuku’alofa. Here you can shop with locals at Talamahu Market where pyramids of colourful tropical fruit make for some great photographs and tasty snacks. Head to the harbour to see the Royal Palace, a wooden structure built in 1867, still home to the island’s king. 

The island is one of the Pacific’s most significant archaeological sites and much of its history can still be seen today. Head to Mu’a, the island’s second city, to see the burial tombs of ancient Tongan kings. The burial mounds are known locally as langi and are arranged in terraces on hillsides. Another fascinating historical site is Ha’amonga a Maui, a trilithon structure made of coral thought to date back to the 13th century.

Rent a car or scooter and you can easily get around the island in a day. On your way around stop off at the beauty spots of the Anahulu Cave, on the eastern side of the island, and the Mapu'a 'a Vaca Blowholes, which are located on the southern coastline. History buffs will also want to see the landing sites of the explorers Abel Tasman and James Cook.

Get to Tongatapu by flying into the Fua’amotu International Airport. Catch a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle bus to take you to Nuku’alofa, which is located 21 kilometres (13 miles) northwest of the airport.

Once you have explored Tongatapu, take a trip to one of the many outer islands where untouched white-sand beaches and pristine waters await. Pangaimotu Island is one of the most popular.

Tanoa International Dateline Hotel

Tanoa International Dateline Hotel

4 out of 5
Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Nuku'alofa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (193 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Tanoa International Dateline Hotel
Simon's Place

Simon's Place

2.5 out of 5
Laifone Road, Kolofo'ou, Tongatapu Island, Nuku'alofa
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nuku'alofa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (109 reviews)
"Room 101 that was given was pretty run down. The toilet was still dirty with stains from the pervious person who had been staying there but luckily I had my own cleaning supplies to clean it."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Simon's Place
Emerald Hotel

Emerald Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Nuku'alofa. Enjoy free parking, room service, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7/10 Good! (123 reviews)
"My booking was for a garden view room & I was pleasantly surprised upon check in to find that I had been upgraded to the sea view room, what a lovely notion that was! Th"

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

Emerald Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sky Lodge

Sky Lodge

3 out of 5
Hala Taufa'ahau, Fangaloto, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Nuku'alofa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Ancient Tonga and Interisland Ferry ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (10 reviews)
"The room was very large, and cozy, with kichen space with dinning table next to a living area where you can sit and contemplate the beautiful sunrise. The nanager of the sky lodge, was very attentive and kind. He made us a reservation to see a beautiful dance show. My advice is to make a reservation ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

Sky Lodge
Tonga Cottage - Entire Place 4 Bedrooms with Aircon

Tonga Cottage - Entire Place 4 Bedrooms with Aircon

Nuku'alofa
Stay at this vacation home in Nuku'alofa. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Ancient Tonga and St Mary's Cathedral are located ...
"Easy to book. Map was not accurate but we found it in the end! No wifi available. Rooms all clean and the property was well furnished. Excellent support from the property manager in the adjacent property who went above and beyond. Couldn't recommend her highly enough."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2024

Tonga Cottage - Entire Place 4 Bedrooms with Aircon
𝐕𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄

𝐕𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄

Kanokupolu
Stay at this vacation home in Kanokupolu. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attraction Ha'atafu Beach is located nearby.
𝐕𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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