Experiences in Ha’apai for Adults
An adult-only getaway to the South Pacific is a dream for many, whether you are looking to escape the noise of families or, well, perhaps trying to escape your own family. Either way, you won’t find exclusively adult-only resorts or experiences in Ha’apai but you can almost guarantee enjoying activities undisturbed with many aimed at adults or being private experiences. We’ll go through some excellent examples in the list of adult-only activities in Ha’apai!
While you’re here, get more advice for an adults-only holiday with The Adult-Only Guide to Ha’apai.
1. Explore Unspoiled Reefs in a Scuba Diving Trip
Ha’apai is home to uncrowded and unspoiled hard coral bommies, soft coral gardens and awesome underwater tunnels all with a magnificent array of tropical marine species. With children having to be at least over 10 years old to take part in scuba diving in Tonga, rest assured you’ll only have this experience with your group or other like-minded travellers. Even so, once you’re in the water, you feel like you’re in a world of your own among the ever-intriguing underwater world. PADI scuba diving course and day trips are available with the Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge, while SSI scuba diving is available from the Ha’apai Beach Resort. Both scuba diving operators are open to guests and non-guests of their resorts.
(c) Pixabay
2. Glide Across Shallow Lagoons in Kitesurfing
Admittedly, the kitesurfing in Ha’apai is suitable for most ages. However, almost everyone out on the water (which doesn’t tend to be many) is an adult. Resorts like Fanifo Lofa Kitesurf Tonga offer instruction to up your game. If you want to more exclusive kiteboarding experience, they offer day trips to a “secret spot”. Other resorts near fantastic kitesurfing waters include the Sea Change Eco Retreat and Matafonua Lodge.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism
3. Hit the Awesome Beach and Reef Breaks
An alternative to kitesurfing, surfing is also pretty epic in Ha’apai where waves are blissfully uncrowded. Some of the best places to surf from include the beaches of the Serenity Beaches Resort and Matafonua Lodge. You will need to bring your own gear as there is no surfboard hire on the island.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism
4. Catch Some Big Ones on a Fishing Charter
Considering you need real strength to reel in wahoo, mahimahi, giant trevally and tuna, almost all fishing charters in Ha’apai just have adult clientele (or, families tend to hire the whole boat to themselves). A fishing charter is an epic way to get out on the water, see the islands and engage in an exciting sport! Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced angler, the Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge have the expertise and the equipment for trolling for bluewater fish or popping for giant trevally above the reefs. Alternatively, your local host at the Captain Cook Hideaway on Uolevu Island offers fishing trips to share the local way of life.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
5. Try the National Drink, Kava
More ways to engage in the local culture is by joining a kava circle. In the Tongan culture, typically men sit in a circle around a kava bowl and socialise (just like going down to the local pub). However, both men and women can sample this experience by trying kava at resorts like the Serenity Beaches Resort and Taiana’s Resort. And just so you know what you’re drinking, kava is a slightly narcotic drink made from the ground-up root of a pepper plant grown across the South Pacific. Learn more about aspects of the Tongan culture here.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
6. Hit One of the Island Bars for Some Sundowners
Ok, so there isn’t really the same nightlife scene on Ha’apai as you would find in Tongatapu or Vava’u. Nevertheless, there’s almost always beers, ciders, wine and other alcoholic drinks to enjoy from most resorts on the islands. For instance, Sandy Beach Resort offers a spectacular upmarket restaurant and bar exclusively for their guests, pouring a range of beers, wine, soft drinks, coconut water and cocktails. Be sure to try their signature cocktail, Juergi’s Coconut Cocktail! Somewhere open for everyone, Ha’apai’s central bar is the Mariner’s Cafe & Bar in Pangai. The Mariner’s Cafe serves up all kinds of refreshing beverages, from Tongan beers on tap to fresh coconuts.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
7. Indulge in a Relaxing Island Massage
A sure-fire way to enjoy an adult-only experience in Ha’apai is by enjoying a spa treatment. Resorts, such as Serenity Beaches Resort and Sea Change Eco Retreat offer soothing island massages, from head to full-body to shoulder treatments. Note that Sea Change Eco Retreat’s massage is only available in the high season (June-October).
(c) tongapocketguide.com
8. Join a Yoga Class or a Full Yoga Retreat
Aside from relaxation through massages, Serenity Beaches Resort and Sea Change Eco Retreat also offer yoga classes in their exercise pavilions. All the yoga mats and instruction are provided, where you’ll get time to concentrate on rejuvenating the mind, body and soul in a stunning location nestled in forest metres away from the beach. Both venues also host regular retreats, whether it’s yoga, fitness, singing, artist or meditation retreats.
(c)Pxhere.com
9. Spend the Day on Your Own Private Island
The ultimate adult-only experience in Ha’apai is spending time with who you choose on your own private island for the day. Sea Change Eco Retreat offers private island day trips where you and your loved one will be whisked away to an uninhabited island to enjoy a day snorkelling in the fringing reefs, relaxing on the beach with the provided beach towels and indulging in a packed picnic lunch. Alternatively, Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge offer an incredible 10-day experience on the tiny Luahoko Island where it will be just the two of you staying in a Tongan fale. See more experiences like this in our 10 Romantic Activities in Ha’apai for Couples.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
10. Explore the Islands by Bicycle
Ensure an adult-only experience by exploring the islands of Lifuka and Foa independently by hiring a bicycle. Resorts, such as Sandy Beach Resort, Matafonua Lodge, Ha’apai Beach Resort and Billy’s Place, offer complimentary bike hire to allow guests to easily explore the islands and get into Pangai from the resort’s remote locations. Plus, some of the guest houses in Pangai, as well as the Mariner’s Cafe, hire bikes out for the day for a small fee. See what attractions are worth hitting by bike in the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Ha’apai.
(c) tongapocketguide.comMore Adult-Only Activities in Ha’apai
