Ha’apai Guesthouses: Stay with the Locals!
Travellers on a budget can breathe easy knowing that despite the Ha’apai islands looking like a five-star destination, there are, in fact, very affordable guesthouses. All of the guesthouses in Ha’apai are centred around the town of Pangai on Lifuka Island. Many of the guesthouses offer airport/wharf transfers.
While the guesthouses are basic in their facilities, they provide a more local experience with all the guesthouses on Lifuka Island being operated by local Tongans!
Note that Tonga is an ever-changing country. With that, accommodations often change or upgrade services – typically without telling anyone about it. Although we try to keep our listings up-to-date, do feel free to reach out with any updates.
Table of Contents
1. Siola Pakiola Guesthouse
For travellers after a homely base with excellent value in Ha’apai, Siola Pakiola Guesthouse delivers comfort and convenience in spades. Positioned right along the main road, you’ll find yourself within easy reach of essentials in both Hihifo and Pangai.
Choose from cosy private double rooms, family rooms or dorm-style accommodation, all fitted with queen-size or single beds, fans and mosquito nets for a restful sleep. The communal kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, while the shared lounge and leafy garden create the perfect spot to unwind and meet fellow travellers and locals alike.
Fresh towels, laundry facilities and tea and coffee are on hand, plus airport and wharf transfers are available on request. And here’s a local treat, enjoy a complimentary Tongan lunch every Sunday.
Book Siola Pakiola Guesthouse:
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2. Lata ‘A Lupe
Nestled in the heart of Hihifo, Lata ‘A Lupe offers authentic Tongan warmth paired with modern comfort, perfect for travellers seeking genuine island hospitality without breaking the bank.
This welcoming guesthouse features six spacious ensuite rooms, each thoughtfully equipped with hot showers, comfortable bedding, towels, toiletries and mosquito nets for peaceful nights.
The generous communal spaces include a shared kitchen stocked with complimentary tea and coffee, plus cosy lounges ideal for swapping stories with fellow travellers.
Its central location puts you within easy reach of Ha’apai’s pristine beaches, scenic coastal walks and village life, while practical perks like secure parking, luggage storage, laundry services and airport transfers on request keep everything stress-free.
Book Lata ‘A Lupe:
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3. Velonika Guesthouse
For travellers craving authentic island immersion, Velonika Guesthouse delivers a traditional homestay experience right on Ha’apai’s shores. This locally run gem features three charming beach fales positioned just five steps from the ocean, where woven walls and vibrant Tongan prints create a cosy island atmosphere.
Each fale comes with a comfortable double bed draped with a mosquito net, solar lighting and a private covered porch that’s perfect for lazy afternoon lounging.
We’re big fans of the genuine hospitality here, home-cooked meals and shared kitchen facilities make you feel like part of the island family rather than just another guest.
Complimentary snorkelling gear lets you explore the crystal-clear lagoon at your doorstep, while homemade hammocks offer the ultimate tropical relaxation spot.
With shared bathrooms and basic amenities like fans and charging options, the focus is squarely on cultural connection and simplicity.
Airport and wharf transfers can be arranged on request.
Book Velonika Guesthouse:
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4. Lindsay Guesthouse
Starting with the largest guesthouse in Ha’apai, Lindsay Guesthouse offers a truly local stay for unbeatable prices. Just a 10-minute walk from Pangai town centre and located on the same premises as the island’s bakery, it has a convenient location.
Your hosts also offer complimentary airport transfers. Stay in one of the 12 rooms available, including single, double and triple rooms with cold-water shared bathroom facilities.
Other options include a double and a triple (family) ensuite room.
Outside of the rooms, guests can relax in the communal lounge or out on the spacious verandah and lawns.
For those staying in an ensuite room, breakfast is included each day of stay, while lunch and dinner are also available to arrange. Note that the guesthouse only accepts cash.
See more accommodations like this in our 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Ha’apai.
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5. Evaloni Guesthouse
A budget guesthouse with a difference, Evaloni Guesthouse, your home away from home set within a quintessential Tongan village with church choirs singing and dogs barking.
There are seven basic rooms available with double or single beds. A couple of separate units across the road from the main property are kitted out with a small kitchenette, complete with a kettle, crockery and utensils, as well as a gas cooker (though you may need to ask for gas). The other double and single rooms are simple guest rooms.
If you’d prefer not to self-cater, very affordable breakfasts can be arranged on request, featuring bread, eggs and sausages for a proper cooked start to your day. Dinner can also be arranged.
The ensuite showers are cold water only. Your hosts offer airport/wharf transfers, while the guesthouse is within walking distance of Pangai town centre.
Although there are some units further down the road, note that check-in is at the “‘Evalonitua Guesthouse” sign.
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6. Fifita Guesthouse
A long-established guesthouse in Ha’apai, Fifita Guesthouse is also located in Pangai. The local hosts live on-site and offer a hodgepodge of rooms, with some located upstairs in a quite old building.
Choose from affordable double, twin and single rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, all basically appointed but comfortable. Rooms are kitted out with mosquito nets and fans (you will possibly need to ask for a fan).
Breakfast is included in the price and features pancakes, while guests can also make use of the communal kitchen for self-catering. Free airport transfers and complimentary WiFi are available.
See more self-catering options with our 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Ha’apai.
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7. Velata Guesthouse
If you’re after some of the cheapest accommodation in Ha’apai, Velata Guesthouse offers very basic, budget-friendly rooms with shared facilities.
The property has five rooms in total, including one with a queen-size bed, while other room configurations are available for single or double occupancy. Each room comes with a fan, table and sitting area.
Guests share bathroom facilities with hot water and have access to a shared kitchen, spacious lounge area and free WiFi throughout the property.
While the new local owners are still finding their feet in hospitality, it’s a solid option if you’re watching your wallet.
Airport transfers and car rental at the airport may be available upon request, worth asking about when you book.
The guesthouse is named after the family-owned Velata Fortress, a historical site worth checking out during your stay.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
More About Guesthouses in Ha’apai
That’s it for our list of the best guesthouses in Ha’apai. For more tips for visiting the islands on a budget, take a look at the following guides:
- The Guide to Ha’apai on a Budget
- 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Ha’apai
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ha’apai
Finally, if you’re still trying to find the perfect place to stay, start with our guide, Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Ha’apai Accommodations.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Tonga and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tonga Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Tonga Ministry of Tourism (FAQs about visiting Tonga - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Revenue & Customs (Customs and immigration contacts - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Forests and Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Infrastructure (Land and aviation transport info - Updated [2025])
- Tonga Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Tonga Statistics Department (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At Tonga Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The 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.





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