What Can You Buy in Tonga: A List of Tongan Crafts and Souvenirs
Looking for a really great gift from Tonga to show the people back home how much you care? Or perhaps you just want something for yourself to remember your time in The Kingdom? Whatever the reason, there are some stunning gifts and souvenirs to be found in the islands of Tonga, especially as handicrafts are an integral part of the Tongan culture. All the handicrafts you see in Tonga are handmade, so you know what you are getting is authentic and unique. But it’s not just all about handicrafts, as some food and beauty products from Tonga also make great gifts. So check out some of our suggestions for the best souvenirs to get in Tonga in the list below!
1. Tapa Paintings
Tapa or “ngatu” are handicrafts made from beaten mulberry tree bark to create a kind of textile. This textile is then painted with all sorts of impressive designs, which is one of the most iconic kinds of handicrafts Tonga is known for. There are all sorts of tapa gifts to be found in the markets and gift stores of Tonga, from classic wall paintings to handbags to coasters to neckties! You can even make some tapa crafts yourself at the workshops listed in Tongan Handicrafts: Top Tours & Workshops.
Where to buy: Talamahu Market (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), ‘Utukalongalu Market (Neiafu, Vava’u), Langafonua Handicraft Centre (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu) and Fehoko Oceanic Arts Studio/Tina’s Workshop (Popua, Tongatapu).
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Woven Items
Tongans are also skilled weavers, making all sorts of goods, from waist mats that you see Tongans wearing (ta’ovala) to baskets and other practical items, particularly placemats, coasters and bowls. Tongans also gift finely woven mats at significant family events, such as weddings and funerals.
Where to buy: Talamahu Market (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), ‘Utukalongalu Market (Neiafu, Vava’u), Langafonua Handicraft Centre (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu) and Kaila Handicraft (Neiafu, Vava’u).
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Wooden Carvings
Master carvers in Tonga are inspired by the ocean and tribal aspects of the traditional Tongan culture, which is what you’ll see in many of the wooden carvings found in Tonga. Small wooden turtle ornaments, large sculptures of whale flukes, kava bowls and tribal masks, there are plenty of designs to please anyone who has a passion for the South Pacific.
Where to buy: Talamahu Market (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), ‘Utukalongalu Market (Neiafu, Vava’u), Langafonua Handicraft Centre (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), Kaila Handicraft (Neiafu, Vava’u) and Fehoko Oceanic Arts Studio/Tina’s Workshop (Popua, Tongatapu).
(c) tongapocketguide.com4. Carved Pendants
Small and easy to take home with you, carved pendants are a good go-to as a gift for your friends and family. Wood and bones are the main materials chosen to be carved with Polynesian symbolism or designed with influence from the ocean, such as whale flukes. You can even get pendants personalised with a message on the back – see 10 Best Shops to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Tonga for more details.
Where to buy: Talamahu Market (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), ‘Utukalongalu Market (Neiafu, Vava’u) and Fanga ‘i he Si Market (Pangai, Ha’apai).
(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Coconut Oil Products
Used to hydrate the skin or to add to cooking, coconut oil can be found in a range of products that make great souvenir gifts. Pick up a bar of pure coconut oil soaps from Koko Designs in Tongatapu, look out for Kakala body oil or moisturiser in various gift stores, and try Feluteni Balm which is a soothing botanical moisturiser by the day spa Island Glow. Coming in a range of shapes and sizes, they make for a fun goody to add to a gift bag.
Where to buy: Koko Designs (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), Joy’s Gift Shop (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), Island Glow (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu) and Ancient Tonga (Popua, Tongatapu).
(c) tongapocketguide.com6. Pearl Jewellery
There are around 13 mabe pearl farms in Tonga, with some farmers making their own unique jewellery from the half-shell pearls or sending them to stallholders at the ‘Utukalongalu Market in Vava’u to be carved by artists to make all sorts of beautiful jewellery. A pearl necklace or earrings from Tonga makes for a special gift for your loved ones.
Where to buy: ‘Utukalongalu Market (Neiafu, Vava’u) and Kaila Handicraft (Neiafu, Vava’u).
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Vanilla Beans
Vanilla is organically farmed in the islands of Vava’u and is considered one of the world’s most labour-intensive agricultural crops. Vanilla beans, powder, paste, sugar, syrup or extract make for a pretty special gift for any friends and family who like to bake. Popular vanilla brands in Tonga include Heilala Vanilla and ‘Ene’io Naturals.
Where to buy: ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden (Tu’anikivale, Vava’u), Albert Guttenbeil Vanilla (Neiafu, Vava’u), Leiola Duty-Free (Fua’amotu International Airport, Tongatapu).
(c) tongapocketguide.com8. Tongan Coffee
For the foodie in your family, Tongan coffee is sure to impress. There are two major coffee brands in Tonga, Tupu’anga Coffee and Kingdom Koffie, which can be picked up in gift stores and some supermarkets, particularly in Tongatapu.
Where to buy: Tupu’anga Cafe (Popua, Tongatapu), Cafe Tropicana (Neiafu, Vava’u) and supermarkets on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.com9. Tongan Beer
And for the beer-lover, get them a bottle or six of Tonga’s very own beer. Pacific Brewing Co. does six different kinds of beverages from their boutique factory, with the most popular being Maui Pacific Larger and the similarly tasting Tiki Pale Ale, and the dark Pulotu Coconut Stout with strong coffee and barley components. Also available are Hikule’o Ginger Beer and Koai Bourbon & Cola. Check out other popular drinks in Tonga in the 10 Drinks in Tonga You Have to Try.
Where to buy: Pacific Brewing Co. (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu).
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Lavalava
Worth purchasing early into your trip, just in case you need to cover your legs to respect the local customs, a “lavalava” is a sarong and can be found with many different prints, designs and colours in Tonga. They are also a good thing to hang onto for travelling to other South Pacific islands with similar customs of dress.
Where to buy: Eiko-san Clothing (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), Talamahu Market (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu), Lalita Store (Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu) and ‘Utukalongalu Market (Neiafu, Vava’u).
(c) tongapocketguide.comMore About Souvenirs to Get in Tonga
That’s it for our list of the most iconic souvenirs and gifts from Tonga. For more information on gift shops and markets, check out the following:
- 10 Best Shops to Buy Souvenirs in Tonga.
- The Guide to Shopping in Tonga + The Best Places to Shop
- What is the Best Way to Pay in Tonga?
Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
