20 BEST Budget Accommodations in Tonga 💸 [2024]

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Tonga

The South Pacific has a bit of a reputation for being expensive but it certainly doesn’t have to be that way in Tonga. The islands have their fair share of budget guesthouses, lodges, resorts and backpackers to keep the costs low during your island getaway. That way, you can save for experiences, whether it’s scuba diving among the vibrant coral reefs or swimming with humpback whales. So check out some of the cheap stays available in this list of our favourite budget accommodations in Tonga.

Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country, which often means that accommodations don’t stay the same. While we try to keep our listings as up-to-date as possible, just be aware that accommodations are known to change their facilities with little notice. If you have any updates, feel free to reach out so we can update our listings.

1. Diana Beach Resort (Ha’apai)

Enjoy tranquillity, culture and a beautiful beach setting at Diana Beach Resort (formerly Taiana’s Resort) on Uoleva Island. The resort in Ha’apai has three Tongan-style fales which are simple but add to the island adventure! Each fale is lined with beautifully woven walls and contains a double bed, mosquito net, a box to put food in, and a bedside table with a solar lantern – think of it like beach glamping! Guests share a shower and toilet in a separate block, while there’s also a communal kitchen and dining room building where you can also charge your devices. Families can stay too thanks to the resort also offering a larger beach house. Backpackers have the option to camp on the grounds in one of the tents available if the other fales are occupied.

As for entertainment, well, you better enjoy snorkelling, lazying on the beach and whale swimming during the whale season! Breakfast and dinner are also available to order, so give your hosts notice. Airport/ferry transfers to the island are also offered (and mandatory to get to the resort) for a fee. See more accommodations like this in Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Accommodations.

2. Lucky’s Beach Houses (Vava’u)

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Neiafu and experience a more laid-back side of Vava’u at Lucky’s Beach Houses. The boutique accommodation’s most affordable rooms are their duplex units with a double bed or twin bed, screened window and a ceiling fan. There is also a shared bathroom block. Make use of the shared kitchen facilities including a barbecue, or upgrade to one of the fully self-contained bungalows. The beachfront accommodation in Talihau village has complimentary kayaks and snorkelling spots (bring your own snorkelling gear) and offers airport transfers, which include stopping in town for supplies, for a fee. Check out more places to stay in the island group in our guide, Where to Stay in Vava’u: The Best Accommodations.

3. Blue Water Retreat (‘Eua)

With the sandy Tufuvai Beach on its doorstep, Blue Water Retreat presents a dreamy location for a budget price. The closest thing to a resort on ‘Eua offers a small selection of ocean-view ensuite bungalows; four with a queen/twin bed with double and single occupancy rates and three family bungalows. The bungalows are recently renovated and feature a private deck where you can watch the sunset and see whales on the horizon during the whale season. Ferry/airport transfers are included in the accommodation rates, while whale watching, spearfishing and island tours, as well as creative buffet-style meals at the onsite restaurant, can all be organised with the resort for an effortless stay. Glamping is also available at a higher price – see the 10 Most Romantic Resorts in Tonga for more information.

20 BEST Budget Accommodations in Tonga 💸 [2023]

4. Winnie’s B&B (Tongatapu)

Stay a little out of Nuku’alofa at Winnie’s B&B, accessible via rental car or taxi. The long-established yet modernly renovated guesthouse features six units with sliding doors spilling onto a shared wraparound deck and out to an attractive garden. Choose from king or twin configurations with an ensuite. Some rooms have breakfast-making facilities, while others have full kitchenettes with continental breakfast included. What’s more, they are very well priced; offering better standards than your average guesthouse but more affordable than your average hotel. The common areas include a garden and barbecue area, while paid services include WiFi, TV and laundry. Check out more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Bed & Breakfasts in Tonga.

Check Winnie’s B&B out:

Winnie’s B&B on Expedia

5. Flying Annie Moa (Vava’u)

A well-presented guesthouse with free breakfast, Flying Annie Moa is worth considering for your stay in Vava’u. Stay just a short walk from Neiafu town centre and close to the whale swimming operators, including its own. The large guesthouse has a range of rooms on offer, from standard single rooms with shared bathroom facilities to double ensuite rooms. Communal areas include a balcony where you can watch amazing sunsets, a lounge and a kitchen with fridges and drink-making facilities. Services include free WiFi and airport transfers.

Check Flying Annie Moa out:

6. NOA Guesthouse (Tongatapu)

One of the largest guesthouses in Nuku’alofa, NOA Guesthouse has something for every type of traveller on a budget. Choose from single/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities and “Family Rooms” which have one double and a single bed with an ensuite. Guests have access to a large communal kitchen and dining room, which makes self-catering a breeze. Paid services include breakfast, laundry, WiFi and airport transfers. You can also rent vehicles with the guesthouse, which works with Me Rentals, as featured in The Best Car Rentals in Tongatapu. Plus, for more accommodations on Tongatapu, check out Where to Stay on Tongatapu: The Best Accommodations.

Check NOA Guesthouse out:

NOA Guesthouse on Trip.com

7. Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers (Vava’u)

For that island getaway experience, head to the Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers! Set on the sandy shores of Ofu Island in Vava’u, a short boat ride from Neiafu’s old harbour – Houmelei Wharf, the Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers offers basic but ultra-affordable private fales (bungalows) with power outlets sourced by solar power and ensuite bathrooms with cold water. Alternatively, backpackers can stay in one of the three rooms in the main house with a communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. Meals are also available with the highlight being a Tongan feast and floor show once a week. See more accommodations like this in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.

8. Talei’s Guesthouse (‘Eua)

A well-presented guesthouse complex on ‘Eua at the northern end of Angaha village, Talei’s Guesthouse boasts six private units, as well as a restaurant and liquor store on-site. Food is at the fore of this affordable accommodation with breakfast included and one of the only restaurants on the island – also with very budget-friendly prices. All rooms are ensuite with basic necessities like a desk, hot water and a fan, while layouts consist of queen, twin and triple (one queen and one single) rooms. Your hosts also offer complimentary wharf/airport transfers. For more about accommodations on the same island, check out Where to Stay on ‘Eua: The Best ‘Eua Accommodations.

9. Backpackers Townhouse (Tongatapu)

A homely guesthouse for backpackers and travellers on a budget, Backpackers Townhouse (signposted at “Kapeta Backpackers” on the corner of Mateialona and Vahaakolo Roads, Nuku’alofa) offers a couple of two-bed dorm rooms and four private single, twin/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities between two rooms. The guesthouse is an interesting place to stay with papaya and banana trees that you can help yourself to, while it’s also the site of True Vava’u where you can learn more about how your host makes tuitui (candlenut) oil. What’s more, the guesthouse is conveniently a short walk from the city centre. Full kitchen facilities, hot showers, electric fans and laundry services are all available. See more stays for backpackers in the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tonga.

10. Lesina Guesthouse (Vava’u)

Directly at the wharf where many whale swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving trips depart, Lesina Guesthouse in Vava’u boasts a convenient location on the waterfront of Neiafu. After a dip from the jetty, relax in one of the four oceanview rooms upstairs or six downstairs rooms, all with either an ensuite or a separate private bathroom with towels provided. Guests also have access to a small communal kitchen with a microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle with hot drink supplies provided. A laundry service is also available for a fee. Note that access to the guesthouse is down a short but very steep driveway. Check out more guesthouses across the country in the 20 Best Guesthouses in Tonga.

11. ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House (‘Eua)

Another budget accommodation in Angaha village on ‘Eua, ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House is all about the experience with your hosts, Kiko and his family. Not only does the accommodation offer whale swimming tours but also guided hikes and 4WD tours. As for the accommodation, choose from one of nine no-frills rooms with bed layouts sleeping one to six guests. Guests can spend their downtime playing pool, cooking in the large communal kitchen, dining at the on-site restaurant (not available Sunday), or joining for kava nights, Sunday umu and bonfires on the beach when enough people are staying. Most bathrooms are shared and there are also laundry machines available.

12. The Village Backpackers (Tongatapu)

You can hardly get more central than The Village Backpackers in Nuku’alofa, nestled in the Taufa’ahau Village laneway near a wide array of eateries, bars and shops (we recommend Ini’s Cakes)! The backpacker hostel offers a range of ultra-affordable rooms, including 4-6-bed mixed dorms, 4-bed female dorms and 4-bed male dorms upstairs with shared facilities, while downstairs is a selection of private double and triple ensuite rooms with entrances straight onto the street. Airport transfers are available for a fee, while your hosts can also help with ferry booking and transfers. Note that there isn’t a kitchen or fridge, so this accommodation is not suitable for self-catering.

Check The Village Backpackers out:

13. ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast (Tongatapu)

Wedged between Tui Mata Moana Market, the waterfront restaurants and St Mary’s Cathedral, ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast offers an alternative yet convenient location in Nuku’alofa. What’s more, the rates here are very reasonable, especially if you don’t want to go “too budget”. Rooms are reminiscent of a hotel with king beds, an ensuite bathroom with a hair dryer, hot drink-making facilities, a fridge, air-conditioning and a ceiling fan, plus all toiletries and towels are included. In short, they have everything you need and then some with free WiFi and breakfast served in the dining room by friendly local staff. There’s a communal kitchen if needed, as well as a restaurant on-site, Mi-Chefs, while there are a couple of “Standard Rooms” with shared bathroom facilities should you be on a tighter budget. For more hotel-style stays, check out the 20 Best Hotels in Tonga A203.

Check ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast out:

‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast on Expedia

14. Vava’u Lahi Backpackers (Vava’u)

Although not your homeliest of stays, Vava’u Lahi Backpackers provides a perfectly fine stay for travellers on a budget. Stay in one of the 15 private twin or double rooms with three shared bathrooms and a very spacious communal kitchen and lounge area. The backpackers is right on the waterfront with direct access to the small-boat marina where most whale swimming tours depart, while the town centre is only moments away. The budget accommodation is part of the Puataukanave Hotel next door, which also offers car rentals and whale swimming tours.

15. Seta’s Guest House (‘Eua)

Get the holiday home experience at a budget price at Seta’s Guest House or make your stay even cheaper by renting out one of the double rooms in the basement. Located on the edge of Tufuvai village on ‘Eua, Seta’s upstairs unit has two bedrooms that sleep up to five guests. You’ll have your own bathroom, lounge and fully-equipped kitchen with tea, coffee, sugar and sometimes fresh fruit to get you started. Downstairs are a series of private rooms with single and double occupancy rates which are much more basic. Your hosts also offer car hire for a daily fee, airport/wharf transfers for a fee, and can arrange whale tours and 4WD tours of the island on your behalf. What’s more, you’re only a three-minute walk from the beach!

16. Toni’s Guesthouses & Apartments (Tongatapu)

Toni has a few guesthouses across Nuku’alofa, which can be very confusing to find/make sure you’re going to correct one – so we’ll make this listing a long one to make it as clear as possible. What’s more, the guesthouses are not the most central (rent a car). Nevertheless, travellers looking for an ultra-affordable stay will certainly find a place to call home at one of Toni’s Guesthouses or Apartments, starting with welcome refreshments.

The “Green House” has 2-3-bed backpacker dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and the “Yellow House” has double and twin rooms with some ensuite options. What’s known as the “Family House” is actually two self-contained units within. All of the above are located on the same estate in Tofoa. Meanwhile, “Toni’s Apartments” on Hihifo Road, Puke are two more guesthouses with four guest rooms each.

Unless otherwise stated, all houses are on a shared basis and are well equipped with a kitchen, a cool lounge and a seating area under a verandah – all kept to a clean and presentable standard. Although a little out of town, Toni and Leni offer island day tours.

Check Toni’s Guesthouses out:

Toni’s Guesthouses on HostelWorld

17. Oceanside Lodge (Vava’u)

Offering two types of accommodation at this gorgeous hillside property on the edge of the Port of Refuge, Oceanside Lodge in Vava’u is sure to have something to suit. The cheapest rates are in the older of the two houses, which you can rent per room sleeping up to three across a double and a single bed with an ensuite bathroom and access to a balcony where you can soak in the harbour views. Whatever you choose, a highlight of the stay is the included breakfast which changes every day between pancakes, eggs and toast with fresh fruit, and more. For all of your other needs, the accommodation is a five-minute walk from town. See more B&B stays like this in the 10 Best Bed & Breakfasts in Tonga.

18. Tukia Complex (‘Eua)

Providing fantastic value, Tukia Complex is ideal for the traveller seeking a self-sufficient stay on ‘Eua. They offer two two-bedroom units and one one-bedroom unit, all fully self-contained with a bathroom and an open-plan lounge and dining area with a full kitchen including an oven. All rooms are equipped with a double bed, making this a good option for couples and groups of friends travelling together. A few welcome touches are some light toiletries provided, an iron (which is quite rare in Tonga) and complimentary airport/wharf transfers. You’ll also be able to do your laundry! A rental car is advised for staying at this out-of-town accommodation in Ha’atu’a, which you can find out more about in The 10 Best Car Rentals in Tonga.

19. Port Wine Guest House (Vava’u)

Although boasting a range of rooms for a range of budgets, the most affordable rooms at Port Wine Guest House are double or twin with shared bathroom facilities. The highlight of the stay in Vava’u is the breakfast (extra fee if staying in the cheaper rooms) of fresh fruit from the garden, fresh bread, muffins, cinnamon rolls and more (the guesthouse also owns Potekis’ Place Bakery just down the road)! Free WiFi is available, while airport transfers and laundry can be arranged for a fee. What’s more, the Tongan-owned guesthouse is just a five-minute walk from town where you can pick up supplies to spruce up meals in the communal kitchens available. Stay outside of the whale season for cheaper rates – cash only.

20. Falakiko Guesthouse (‘Eua)

A delightfully local homestay-style accommodation on ‘Eua, Falakiko Guesthouse in Angaha village consists of three private units on the grounds of a local family home. There are rooms suitable for solo travellers, couples and groups of three, each with affordable rates per person. Each unit has ensuite facilities with a spacious tiled shower, while you’ll also have a fridge and fan. Although there are no cooking facilities, your hosts can cook breakfast and lunch for a reasonable price. For dinner, restaurants are listed in The Complete Travel Guide to ‘Eua. Your hosts also offer island tours for a decent price, taking you to see approximately four of ‘Eua’s natural attractions. Airport/wharf transfers are also free for pick-up and a small fee for drop-off.

More About Budget Accommodations in Tonga

That’s it for the best budget accommodations in Tonga. For more tips to help you find the perfect place to stay, take a look at the following guides:

Finally, see more amazing stays in The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga and Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.

Author

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page