50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com
50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha’apai 🏝️ [2024]

© TongaPocketGuide.com

Activities, Attractions and Must-Dos in Ha’apai

In or on the water, on the land and in the villages, there are lots to discover in the islands of Ha’apai. Tonga’s central island group is still relatively undiscovered, offering a small selection of eco-resorts and local guesthouses eager to show visitors the island life. It could be fishing for dinner, learning how to make things out of island materials, harnessing the elements in kitesurfing, or one of the many more amazing things to do in Ha’apai. We go through some ways to spend your time in paradise in the list below!

While you’re here, check out more advice for travelling Ha’apai in The Complete Guide to Ha’apai.

1. Swim, Snorkel and Watch the Sunset at Houmale’eia Beach

Ha’apai has so many stunning beaches that it would be quite the mission to name them all here. However, Houmale’eia Beach (commonly known as Matafonua Beach, as it’s right by Matafonua Lodge) is well worth mentioning as it’s easy to get to and has excellent snorkelling. Located at the northern tip of Foa Island, an island connected to Ha’apai’s main island, Lifuka, Houmale’eia Beach has a 400 m (1,300 ft) reef a short swim from its shores which is an established marine reserve. The beach is even backed by a couple of resorts, should you want to stay there or at least pop in for a bite to eat at their restaurants (note that you’ll need to book a table during the peak season). Needless to say, this beach also features on our 10 Stunning Beaches in Tonga.

Location: The northern end of the main road, Loto Foa Road, Foa Island.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

2. Discover Uoleva Island

Although a great deal of visitors to Ha’apai stay on the island at one of the resorts, Uoleva is still well worth visiting for a day trip to get that “Robinson Crusoe” experience. Charter one of the small boats servicing the island for the day (or you might be lucky to catch a transfer if the boat happens to be going out anyway) and enjoy the day snorkelling and/or walking around the island which is approximately 10.2 km (6.3 mi) taking around 2-3 hours. Although resorts don’t provide meals to outside guests (so bring your own lunch), you may be able to buy a drink at their bars.

Location: Boat charters to Uoleva depart from both Taufa’ahau Wharf and the jetty just south of the Visitor Information Centre, Pangai, Lifuka Island. Inquire about organising a return boat trip to the island at the Visitor Information Centre. For approximate prices, check out How Much Do Ferries Cost in Tonga.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

3. Watch or Swim with Whales

Whale swimming is available in Ha’apai between July and October. Ha’apai offers an uncrowded experience with the whales with only a select few licensed operators sharing a vast area. Spend the day watching and/or snorkelling with these majestic creatures where every day on the water is different. You could be swimming with mothers and their playful calves or watching lively juveniles. Whale swimming tours also include stopping at a top snorkelling spot or an uninhabited island for a picnic lunch.

Location: All over Ha’apai! See a list of operators and their locations in the 5 Best Whale Swim Tours in Ha’apai.

10 Things to Do in Ha’apai(c) tongapocketguide.com

4. Go Snorkelling Off the Shores…

Ha’apai is one of the very few places in Tonga where there is so much snorkelling to be done straight from the shore! You don’t need to worry about paying for a boat to the outer reefs to enjoy an amazing snorkelling experience. Snorkelling over coral bommies and among tropical fish can be done from just about any resort in Ha’apai, which is listed in The Best Snorkelling in Ha’apai: 6 Best Places to Snorkel. Mid-range resorts tend to have snorkelling gear free for guest use, but be sure to bring your own if you are staying at one of the budget accommodations in Ha’apai.

Location: All over in Ha’apai! See the link above for location recommendations.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

5. … Or Amp Up the Experience with a Snorkelling Tour

Outside of the whale season, Ha’apai’s resorts use their boats to take travellers to snorkel at the amazing outer reefs instead! You’ll head to a variety of sites, even if taking several tours throughout the week, which are teeming with tropical fish, coral and the occasional reef shark and turtle.

Location: All over in Ha’apai! See operators in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours in Ha’apai.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

6. Explore Unspoiled Reefs on a Scuba Diving Trip

And if you have a “go big or go home” mantra when it comes to underwater experiences, then get yourself on a scuba diving excursion while in Ha’apai. The island group 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. PADI scuba diving courses and day trips are available with operators listed in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours in Ha’apai.

Location: All over Ha’apai. See the link above for operators and their locations.

10 Things to Do in Ha’apai(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

7. Hit Tonga’s Top Kitesurfing Spot

Kitesurfing enthusiasts, don’t miss the opportunity to surf across the South Pacific’s ultimate kitesurfing playground at the tip of Uoleva Island. The island has a 500 m (1,640 ft) sandbar stretching to the neighbouring Lifuka Island making for a huge flat water lagoon stretching 6 km (4 mi) long. You can kitesurf in any wind direction here, with April to November typically experiencing southeast tradewinds of 15-25 knots and northeast tradewinds in the summer months of 12-20 knots. Get kitesurfing instruction at Kitesurf Tonga to up your game or join them for a day trip to their “secret spot” with more incredible terrain to cover. Alternatively, Matafonua Lodge offers some fantastic kitesurfing grounds just outside their resort at the tip of Foa Island.

Location: Northern tip of Uoleva Island and Foa Island. Learn more about kitesurfing in The Guide to Kitesurfing in Tonga.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© Tonga Ministry of Tourism

8. Mingle with the Locals at the Pangai Market

By the time you make it to Ha’apai, you will likely have seen a few of the amazing markets in Tonga. Nevertheless, it’s always an experience meeting the locals and checking out the pyramids and bundles of tropical produce for sale, as well as local handicrafts. The Pangai Market is usually in action from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. However, it gets an early start on Saturday morning at around 5 am with much more stalls than throughout the week. In this case, the best time to visit is between 6:30 am and 7 am on Saturday when the market is in full swing.

Location: Corner of the Waterfront and Palace Road, Pangai, Lifuka Island.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

9. Check Out the Velata Mound Fortress…

Ha’apai is full of historically significant sites, as you’re about to find out in this list. One of the most impressive sites is the Velata Mound Fortress, which is a traditional ditch fortification that was used throughout the South Pacific from the 15th to the 19th Century. A plaque at the sites explains the history, while there’s also a sign with an aerial diagram of the fortress. For more free sights like this, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ha’apai.

Location: Signposted from the main road (Hala Holopeka), Hihifo, Lifuka Island. From Hala Holopeka Road, take Hihifo Road east, crossing both Tuakolo and Tua Roads. The fortress entrance is easy to spot approximately 200 m (220 yards) down a dirt road that’s fine for 2WD vehicles.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

10. … Then Langi ‘o Olovehi

Close enough to the Velata Mound Fortress to check out, Langi ‘o Olovehi is a royal burial ground. The interpretation panel here is written in Tongan, but the short story is that the tomb was constructed in the late 1700s for a woman named Nanasipau’u, the eldest sister of the Tu’i Tonga. It is claimed that many individuals were killed and buried around the outside of the tomb to serve her in the afterlife. Learn more about the Tu’i Tonga line of royalty in A Brief History of Tonga.

Location: Tua Road, approximately 200 m (220 yards) north of the Velata Fortress turn-off, Hihifo, Lifuka Island.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

11. Experience an Umu and Tongan Floor Show

Watch Tongan men perform a warrior’s dance or women gracefully use their hands to tell a story… Just a small part of a Tongan floor show and umu night, these evening shows include an array of cultural dances, as well as the opportunity to sample authentic Tongan cuisine prepared in an underground oven known as an “umu”. And in true Tongan spirit, you will be encouraged to eat more than is reasonable! Catch a floor show at Sandy Beach Resort (outside guests welcome), once a week during the peak season.

Location: Sandy Beach Resort, Foa Island. Check out all floor shows available in Ha’apai in The Best Cultural Shows in Tonga.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

12. Explore the Islands on Horseback

While whales are the majestic creatures in Ha’apai’s water, horses are the majestic creatures on land and are used by locals as a transportation method. Join in on the action with a horse riding trip available from Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge. Connect with your steed as you ride bareback “island-style” (or there are saddles available if you wish). The journey takes you through lush tropical forest then onto the beach where you’ll get the opportunity to canter across the sand. Cool off by taking your horse for a swim, if you desire. Learn more about the experience in The Guide to Horse Riding in Tonga.

Location: Trips depart from Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge, north of Foa Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© Ministry Of Tourism

13. Tackle Big Game on a Fishing Charter

Ha’apai’s waters are teeming with large predator fish making for some exciting sports fishing. 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, Sea Change Eco Retreat has the expertise and the equipment for an epic morning out on the water with specialised fishing packages available in the months leading up to the whale season (May and June).

Location: Fishing charters depart from Sea Change Eco Retreat, Uoleva Island. Learn more about fishing with them in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Tonga.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

14. Scratch Your Head at the Mystery Cross

Seemingly signposted all over Pangai, you’ll no doubt be intrigued by the Mystery Cross. According to Tonga Tourism Authority, the story goes: “It was 5 am on 6th October 1975 when Rev. Kalavite ‘Uhila was on his way to church and he saw a bright cross-shaped light in the church ground of the Free Wesleyan Church in Pangai, Ha’apai.” To commemorate this miracle, the layout of this cross has been constructed lying down on the grounds of the church. You can check it out when the gates to the grounds are open.

Location: Signposted from the main road (Hala Holopeka), Pangai, Lifuka Island. Turn down the road at the Customs Office and the entrance to the Free Wesleyan Church is approximately 100 m (110 yards) down this road.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

15. Indulge in an Island Massage

Enhance the relaxing experience of simply being in the tranquil Ha’apai islands by indulging in a heavenly massage. Pampering sessions are a part of the Sea Change Eco Retreat experience on Uoleva Island, which offers full-body, head, neck and shoulder massages. Alternatively, Serenity Beaches Resort, also on Uoleva, offers relaxing island treatments moments away from their private unspoiled beach. See more upscale experiences like this in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Ha’apai.

Location: Serenity Beaches and Sea Change Eco Retreat, Uoleva Island. Learn more about their offerings in Where to Get a Massage in Tonga.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

16. Do a Beachfront Yoga Session

Rejuvenate the mind, body and soul with a yoga class in (what we think) is the most beautiful place on earth. Serenity Beaches Resort has a purpose-built yoga pavilion on the beachfront where guests can take time for some self-guided yoga or meditation. Alternatively, on Uoleva Island, Sea Change Eco Retreat also has a fantastic yoga pavilion nestled in coconut trees. For a more guided experience, look out for yoga retreats often hosted at these two resorts – find out more in The Guide to Wellness & Yoga Retreats in Tonga.

Location: Serenity Beaches and Sea Change Eco Retreat, Uoleva Island. Learn more about their offerings in the 5 Best Yoga Resorts in Tonga.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

17. Try the National Drink, Kava

Engage in the local culture by joining a kava circle, locally known as faikava. In the Tongan culture, typically men sit in a circle around a kava bowl and socialise (just like going down to the local pub). Nevertheless, both men and women can sample this experience, as locals are usually very welcoming and proud to share this aspect of their culture. Accommodations like Serenity Beaches ResortDiana Beach Resort, Fanga ’o Ipu Lahi Resort and Lindsay Guesthouse are the best ones to go to help organise this experience for you. 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.

If you’re joining a faikava in a village, such as Pangai for example, it’s customary to bring some cash (TOP$50) or kava to contribute. Learn more about aspects of the Tongan culture in The Guide to the Tongan Culture and Traditions.

Location: All over Ha’apai!

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

18. Explore the Islands by Bicycle

Explore the islands of Lifuka and Foa independently and soak in so much more of the scenery and village life by travelling at a more natural pace by bicycle. Resorts, such as Sandy Beach Resort, Matafonua Lodge and Ha’apai Beach Resort offer complimentary bike hire to allow guests to easily explore the islands and get into Pangai from the resort’s remote locations. See what attractions are worth hitting by bike in the Top 10 Sights in Ha’apai or follow our cycling itinerary in The Best Bike Trails in Tonga.

Location: Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge, Foa Island. Ha’apai Beach Resort, Lifuka Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

19. Check Out the Shirley Baker Monument and European Cemetery

At the northern entrance to Pangai is the Shirley Baker Monument and the European Cemetery. Among the cemetery of 19th and 20th-Century European traders and missionaries, the grave, monumental plaque and looming statue of Rev. Shirley Waldemar Baker can be found. He was Tonga’s first prime minister and advisor to King Tupou I. Also, opposite the site, is a Tongan cemetery decorated with sand and coral mounds. For more sites like this, check out the 8 Best Historical Sites in Ha’apai.

Location: Signposted along the main road (Hala Holopeka) at the northern entrance of Pangai, Lifuka Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

20. Try to Find Sele’s Secret Beach

A stunning beach on Foa Island, Sele’s Secret Beach is the name that we personally give to this beach because we’re still trying to find a local who knows its real name. Until then, we’re calling it after the guy who showed us this hidden gem. With pavement-like rock formations, bright blue waters and coconut palms lining the white sands, this picture-perfect beach is one you’ll be glad to discover at least for a few photos.

Location: On Loto Foa Road (the main road on Foa Island), take the driveway/road toward the coast after the turn-off to Sandy Beach Resort when heading south. The last section of the dirt road is rough, so park up and walk the rest of the way. Otherwise, this beach is easy to walk to from Sandy Beach and Matafonua Resorts via the road or western beach.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

21. Take a Boat to the Tofua Volcano…

Ha’apai is made up of around 60 islands, most of which are uninhabited and make for an interesting excursion for boat tours. Admittedly, there has been a recorded population of “two” on the volcanic island of Tofua, but it still makes for an interesting visit to this caldera of a steep-sided active volcano that is also a bird sanctuary.

Location: Boat charters to Tofua Island depart from the jetty just south of the Visitor Information Centre, Pangai, Lifuka Island. Inquire about organising a return boat trip to the island at the Visitor Information Centre. Learn more about chartering boats in A Guide to Boat Transfers & Water Taxis in Tonga.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© Tonga Ministry Of Tourism

22. … Or Kao Island

Next to Tofua is the stratovolcano of Kao Island, which is also the highest point in Tonga at 1,030 m (3,379 ft). Take a boat trip out to the island to hike to Tonga’s highest peak and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Pacific Ocean and Tofua Island. For more hiking missions, check out the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in Tonga.

Location: Again, boat charters to Kao Island depart from the jetty just south of the Visitor Information Centre, Pangai, Lifuka Island. Inquire about organising a return boat trip to the island at the Visitor Information Centre.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

23. Explore the Islands by Kayak…

It would almost be a crime to head to the islands of Ha’apai and not get out on the water! If you’re staying at one of the mid-range resorts in Ha’apai, it’s almost a guarantee that complimentary kayak hire will be available, making it a relaxing and free way to spend your time in Ha’apai. Glide over Ha’apai’s crystal clear waters, see the marine life below, and explore the shores of Uoleva Island. Alternatively, Friendly Islands Kayak Company offers 7- and 11-day missions for a truly unique way to experience the islands, either staying at resorts or camping at remote islands and villages. Find out more about the experience in The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga.

Location: Any of the mid-range resorts on Uoleva, Lifuka and Foa Islands. FIKC trips include airport transfers from Salote Pilolevu Airport, Lifuka Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

24. … Or Opt for a Stand-Up Paddleboard

Where there are kayaks, there are usually stand-up paddleboards (SUP). With typically sheltered waters surrounding Uoleva and Foa Island, the conditions are ideal for a tranquil paddle over brilliantly blue waters. Learn more about the watersport and where to hire boards in The Guide to Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Tonga.

Location: Any of the mid-range resorts on Uoleva, Lifuka and Foa Islands.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

25. Visit the King at Tau’akipulu Palace

Ok, so he’s not likely to be in but Palasi Tau’akipulu or Tau’akipulu Palace is one of several royal palaces constructed across The Kingdom. The palace has gone through frequent renovations to keep it looking, well, fit for a king. Either way, the palace still makes for a fun photo opportunity as you explore Pangai.

Location: Signposted along the main road (Hala Holopeka) between the Customs Office and the Catholic Church, Pangai, Lifuka Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

26. Experience a Tongan Church Service

A must-do at least once while you’re in Tonga is experiencing a Tongan church service. There are plenty of churches and denominations to choose from in Ha’apai between the giant blue Free Wesleyan Church, quaint red Free Church of Tonga, hexagonal Catholic Church and more! We suggest you simply head to the church closest to your accommodation or one that we list in the 10 Best Churches in Tonga for Tourists, as they are all extremely welcoming. Just make sure you’re dressed respectfully.

Location: All over Ha’apai! See the link above for church recommendations and their locations.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

27. Make a Stop at ‘Api ko Niu’ui (King Tupou I Birthplace)

The first in the line of the Tupou royal family was born at this site in Tongoleleka in 1797. A plaque at this site named ‘Api ko Niu’ui or “Birthplace of King Tupou I” tells the story of how King George Tupou I became the founder and architect of modern-day Tonga by ordering all people of Tonga to become Christian.

Location: Signposted at the southern end of the old hospital, Hala Holopeka Road (main road), Hihifo, Lifuka Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

28. Hit the Awesome Beach and Reef Breaks

Although kitesurfing takes all the limelight in Ha’apai, surfing can also be pretty epic when the conditions are right. 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.

Location: Houmale’eia Beach, Foa Island and the southwestern shores of Uoleva Island. Find out more about surfing in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Tonga.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© Tonga Ministry Of Tourism - Matafonua Lodge

29. Get the Castaway Experience on a Private Island Day Trip

Out of the 62 islands in the Ha’apai Group, there are 45 that are uninhabited. Spend the day on a remote micro-island all to yourself and your loved one, complete with a picnic, snorkelling gear and beach towels. You’ll get the whole day to enjoy a private island experience with Sea Change Eco Retreat where you only need to call in on the radio to be picked up again.

Location: Sea Change Eco Retreat, Uoleva Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

30. Do Some Reef Walking

Exploring the tidal pools is a fun and safe way, especially for families, to check out some of the fascinating marine life living around the Ha’apai islands. The best time to walk the reefs is at low tide. Don your reef shoes and go looking for nudibranchs, crabs and much more. Head to the eastern side of Houmale’eia Beach (Matafonua Beach) and you can see some ancient petroglyphs carved into the flat rock.

Location: All over Ha’apai, but some recommendations are Hulu’i Paongo Point, south end of Lifuka, and Houmale’eia Beach (Matafonua), north end of Foa Island.

10 Best Things to Do in Ha'apai© TongaPocketGuide.com

31. Experience the Buzz of the Saturday Fish Market

Taufa’ahau Wharf becomes a hive of activity on Saturday morning when fisherfolk arrive to sell last night’s catch. Locals flock to the wharf to rummage through the cooler bins in a frenzy of colourful reef fish, pelagic monsters and crayfish. Head down between 6 am and 8 am to join in the fun. For more food-related fun, check out the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Ha’apai.

Location: Taufa’ahau Wharf, Waterfront Road, Pangai.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

32. Try Authentic Tongan Food

While resort restaurants tend to favour pizzas and burgers, it’s not that hard to find authentic Tongan cuisine while exploring Ha’apai. Head to the Pangai Market on a Saturday morning to pick up sweet treats like fai kakai wrapped in either tin foil or banana leaves. Try Tongan spinach cooked in coconut cream, known as pele, at Lucky Pot Restaurant or Leleno ki Moana. Raw fish marinated in coconut cream, known as ota ika, is a dish served at Matafonua Lodge‘s restaurant. Learn more about these dishes in the 10 Unique Foods in Tonga You Have to Try.

Location: Pangai Market and Lucky Pot – Corner of the Waterfront and Palace Road, Pangai. Leleno ki Moana – Hala Holopeka Road, 400 m (400 yards) south of Hihifo. Matafonua Lodge – Northern end of Loto Foa Road, Foa Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

33. Head Down to Hulu’ i Paongo Point…

And at the southern tip of Lifuka, you’ll find amazing views where the road ends at Hulu’ i Paongo Point. Admire the scenery of a sweeping white sand beach, as well as Uoleva Island across the channel.

Location: At the very southern end of the main road, Hala Holopeka, Lifuka Island. The last kilometre of road is a dirt road, but it’s still suitable for 2WD vehicles.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

34. … and Check Out Hulu’ i Paongo Tomb

Just before you reach Hulu’ i Paongo Point, stop by the Hulu’ i Paongo Tomb, a burial site of a long line of chiefs called Mata’uvave. Despite being the highest burial mound on Lifuka, it’s easy to miss; it’s up a grassy hill just next to the modern cemetery (in other words, it’s not the cemetery with all the decorations).

Location: At the very southern end of the main road, Hala Holopeka, just before reaching the beach, Lifuka Island. The last kilometre of road is a dirt road, but it’s still suitable for 2WD vehicles.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

35. Treat the Tastebuds at One of Ha’apai’s Restaurants

Admittedly, the islands aren’t exactly teeming with eateries but there are certainly a few hidden gems to be found in and around Pangai, ranging from Chinese restaurants to ice cream parlours. We list them all in The Food Guide to Ha’apai: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: Pangai and Hihifo on Lifuka Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

36. Learn About the Port Au Prince Massacre at the Port Au Prince Memorial

Visit a monument just north of the airport runway on Lifuka to see the place where the captain and around half of the crew of the Port au Prince were massacred on 26 November 1806. The ship was a French ship, captured by the British and made into a privateer. It was the ship that William Mariner arrived, an English writer who lived with Tongans for four years and kept a detailed journal published as The Tongan Islands, William Mariner’s Account.

Location: Signposted off Hala Holopeka Road, approximately 260 m (280 yards) north of Koulo village and the runway, Lifuka Island. The memorial is approximately 260 m down the dirt road to the coast (it was just Ok for 2WD vehicles last time we checked).

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

37. Watch the Locals Prepare Raw Seafood at the Beach

Head to the shores of Pangai on Lifuka or Houmale’eia Beach on Foa Island in the early morning or evening and you’ll often see locals collecting shellfish and preparing a large bowl of coconut cream to eat with it. If you’re curious, locals tend to not mind if you want to observe and ask questions.

Location: All over Ha’apai!

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

38. Explore Pangai

Most trips to Ha’apai will involve checking out the main town of the islands, Pangai! Located on Lifuka Island, Pangai is small but has a few attractions worth exploring; check them out in the 10 Best Things to Do in Pangai.

Location: Pangai, central west coast of Lifuka Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

39. Be Treated to a Private Dinner on the Beach

Enjoy destination dining on Uoleva Island with Sea Change Eco Retreat which offers private dinners on the beach for their guests. Dine by candlelight with your loved one under the stars. Sea Change and neighbouring Kitesurf Tonga can also pack you up a picnic lunch should you want to explore the island on foot for the day. More details about the walk around Uoleva can be found in the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in Tonga.

Location: Sea Change Eco Retreat and Kitesurf Tonga, Uoleva Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

40. Learn How to Sail

If you haven’t guessed from all of the kitesurfing we’ve mentioned, Ha’apai is also an ideal destination for sailing. Matafonua Lodge and Sandy Beach Resort have Hobie yachts for hire, which you can enjoy for some freedom sailing across the azure and tranquil waters if you know what you’re doing. Or take them up on the opportunity to have some sailing instruction. The resorts have an on-site sailing instructor to show you the ropes and have you sailing the lagoon by yourself in no time!

Location: Matafonua Lodge and Sandy Beach Resort, Foa Island.

50 BEST Things to Do in Ha'apai 🏝️ [2023]© TongaPocketGuide.com

10 More Things to Do in Ha’apai

And if 40 things to do in Ha’apai wasn’t enough, here are 10 more things to do to wrap up your time in paradise:

  1. Explore Ha’ano Island: A small, traditional Tongan village with friendly locals. Catch a boat from Faleloa village on Foa Island.
  2. Visit Nomuka Island: Known for its unique rock formations and clear waters.
  3. Bird Watching on Lofanga: Observe unique bird species on this protected island.
  4. Stargazing: See some of the most vivid displays of the night sky from Ha’apai.
  5. Watch the Sunset: Some of our favourite sunset spots are Houmale’eia Beach and the Uoleva Island resorts.
  6. Watch a Tongan Rugby Match: Experience the national sport in a local setting.
  7. Experience Glamping: Available at Sea Change Eco Retreat.
  8. Stay in a Traditional Tongan Fale: Available at Diana Beach Resort.
  9. Learn About Local Crafts: Discover the art of carving and creating tapa cloth.
  10. Relax: Unplug and unwind in this peaceful paradise.

More Things to Do in Ha’apai

You didn’t think that was all of the things to do in Ha’apai, did you? Well, we’ve squeezed in more experiences across the following articles:

Finally, add even more to your itinerary by using our other whopping list of 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List.

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.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter