Family-Friendly Activities in Tongatapu
An adventurous holiday awaits families heading to Tongatapu! Tonga’s main island is awash in amazing land formations, fascinating (and funny) wildlife, as well as an interesting culture. There are certainly several ways to experience all of these aspects and more as a family, so take a look at the list of the things to do in Tongatapu with kids and get inspired!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Guide to Tongatapu for Families.
1. Explore the Amazing ‘Anahulu Cave
Delve into a breathtaking limestone cave with a short walkway and a swimming hole at the end. ‘Anahulu Cave, on the eastern side of Tongatapu near Fatumu, is around TOP$15 entry for a self-guided walk on a well-formed path through the impressive cave. The cave is well-lit and boasts a refreshing pool to swim at the end, so take your swimwear! Tours to the caves are also available with Teta Tours & Travel (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
Location: Fatumu, eastside of Tongatapu
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism2. See Flying Foxes in Kolovai
You’ll probably hear their unusual squeaks before you see the flying foxes in the trees of Kolovai. While flying foxes, otherwise known as “peka” or fruit bats, can be seen across Tongatapu, one of the best places to see them is in the village of Kolovai, where there is a flying fox sanctuary. Stop by the village and simply look up at the trees to see the huge bats interacting. The best time to see flying foxes is between October and February.
Location: Kolovai, westside of Tongatapu
(c) tongapocketguide.com3. Go on a Snorkelling Trip from Nuku’alofa
Discover Tonga’s amazing array of coral and tropical fish on a family-friendly snorkelling trip from Nuku’alofa. Take a boat out to sheltered waters that are safe for even younger kids (as long as they know how to swim). Snorkel tours will take you to idyllic islands some 20-40-minutes off the shores of the city where snorkelling gear will be provided. Check out some of the best snorkelling trips in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours on Tongatapu.
Location: Trips are available with Blue Water Explorer, Tuna Moana and Deep Blue Diving, departing from Faua Wharf, Nukualofa.
(c) tongapocketguide.com4. Check out the Awesome Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes
Watch the sea bursting through hundreds of blowholes at the Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes! The blowholes stretch some 5km (3 miles) along the southwest coast of Tongatapu creating amazing natural displays that the kids will love! While it’s fun to see the blowholes at any time, the best times are during windy days or when the swells are strong to see water shooting up to 30m (100ft).
Location: Houma, westside of Tongatapu
(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Build Sandcastles at one of Tongatapu’s Beaches
What kid doesn’t love the beach?! Tongatapu really has an amazing array of beaches, ideal for building sandcastles, collecting shells, swimming, snorkelling and reef-walking. Swim and watch the surfers at Ha’atafu Beach, swim in the lagoons of Keleti Beach, or join the locals at Fefe Ho Loto Beach. Learn more about which beaches to visit in The Guide to Beaches on Tongatapu.
Location: All over Tongatapu. See some of our top recommendations in the 10 Best Beaches on Tongatapu.
(c) Pixabay6. Learn How to Scuba Dive in a Bubble Maker Course
If you plan on taking the kids scuba diving when they’re older, then give them a head start with a scuba diving lesson in Tonga! Deep Blue Diving, for instance, offer PADI Bubble Maker courses, especially for 8-12-year-olds to learn how to breathe underwater using a regulator. They also offer intro dives for children ages 12 years and above, done in safe waters with still plenty of tropical underwater life to see. Learn more about scuba diving in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours on Tongatapu.
Location: Faua Wharf, Nuku’alofa
(c) Pxhere.com7. Kayak Around a Picturesque Lagoon in Holonga
While full-day and half-day kayak excursions are available, one of the best options if travelling with little ones is hiring a double kayak and paddling around the sheltered lagoon from Holonga village. Taufatahi Charters offers kayak rentals to explore their off-shore lagoon and a small island. Double kayaks provide the best option for getting around the water in case your little ones lose steam.
Location: Holonga, eastside of Tongatapu
(c) tongapocketguide.com8. See the Hilarious Fishing Pigs
Yes, this is a real attraction that the kids are sure to find incredibly funny. Head along the coast of the village of Mu’a to see the village’s pigs sticking their heads in the water, giving them the name, the “fishing pigs”! They simply have a taste for seafood, unlike the usual land-based pig. See more fun and free attractions like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do on Tongatapu.
Location: Mu’a, eastside of Tongatapu
(c) tongapocketguide.com9. Watch a Cultural Show and Indulge in a Tongan Feast
A fun thing to do on an evening with the kids is to check out one of the lively Tongan buffets and shows found across the island. A popular choice is the ‘Oholei Beach & Hina Cave Feast & Show where you’ll see some entertainment on the beach before indulging in a Tongan feast complete with a suckling pig. Then it’s time to watch a fire show in the open-topped Hina Cave. Alternatively, Vakaloa Beach Resort runs a popular show with a buffet, fire dancing and traditional Tongan dancing. Finally, Ancient Tonga in Nuku’alofa does a Friday-night show providing they meet the minimum numbers. Learn more about Ancient Tonga on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Find out locations and more in The Best Cultural Shows on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.com10. See Whales on a Whale Watching/Swimming Tour
Whale watching and swimming tours are available from Tongatapu between July and October. Whale swimming is a popular option for families of strong swimmers, as swimming takes place in the open water and involves a lot of getting on and off the boat. Otherwise, younger kids can experience just as much excitement watching the whales from the boat as they come to the surface and even sometimes breach!
Location: There are several whale operators departing from Faua Wharf in the whale season, including Tuna Moana, Blue Water Explorer, Deep Blue Diving, and Whale Swim Safaris. Learn more about the tours in the 8 Best Whale Swim Tours on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.comMore Things to Do in Tongatapu with Kids
- 10 Best Family Accommodation on Tongatapu
- 10 Things to Do in Nuku’alofa with Kids
- 10 Best Family Accommodation in Nuku’alofa
That’s it for the best things to do on Tongatapu with kids. Get even more inspiration for your family getaway with The Travel Guide to Tonga for Families and the 10 Things to Do in Tonga with Kids.
