Cheap Accommodations in Ha’apai
Budget accommodation in Ha’apai means an authentic Tongan experience. Get ready to stay in traditional-style fales (beach huts) often with basic amenities – sometimes even no electricity. Or how about staying in one of the guesthouses close to the main town of Ha’apai, Pangai, where you’ll be treated to local meals and likely fall asleep to the sounds of the village choir.
Most of Ha’apai’s cheap accommodations centre around the islands of Lifuka and Uoleva, both of which have stunning beaches, excellent snorkelling and more. Find out what’s on offer in this list of budget accommodations in Ha’apai! Plus, get more tips in The Guide to Ha’apai on a Budget.
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country and with that, accommodations can change offerings with little notice. Although we try to keep our listing up-to-date, feel free to reach out if you have any updates.
Table of Contents
1. Diana Beach Resort
Enjoy tranquillity, culture and a beautiful beach setting at Diana Beach Resort (formerly Taiana’s Resort) on Uoleva Island. The resort has three Tongan-style fales which are simple but add to the island adventure!
Each fale is lined with beautifully woven walls and contains a double bed, mosquito net, a box to put food in, and a bedside table with a solar lantern – think of it like beach glamping! Guests share a shower and toilet in a separate block, while there’s also a communal kitchen and dining room building where you can also charge your devices.
Families can stay too thanks to the resort also offering a larger beach house. Backpackers have the option to camp on the grounds in one of the tents available if the other fales are occupied.
As for entertainment, well, you better enjoy snorkelling, lazying on the beach and whale swimming during the whale season! Breakfast and dinner are also available to order, so give your hosts notice. Airport/ferry transfers to the island are also offered (and mandatory to get to the resort) for a fee.
See how Diana compares to the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
Book Diana Beach Resort:
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Vaikona Lodge
Set in the heart of Pangai on Lifuka Island, Vaikona Lodge is a family-run guesthouse that wraps you in genuine island warmth from the moment you arrive. Each ensuite Queen Room comes with a comfortable double bed, hot shower, complimentary toiletries, fan, fridge and TV, plus thoughtful extras like daily housekeeping and wake-up service.
The shared kitchen facilities mean you can self-cater with ease, while complimentary breakfast supplies (including cereals) and WiFi keep things simple and stress-free.
Its central location along the main road makes exploring Ha’apai’s beaches, cafés and local spots a breeze, while the shaded front porch is perfect for catching the ocean breeze between adventures.
With secure luggage storage and hosts who genuinely care, it’s an ideal budget-friendly base for discovering the islands.
Book Vaikona Lodge:
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Lata ‘A Lupe
Nestled in the village of Hihifo, Lata ‘A Lupe offers a genuine slice of Tongan hospitality without breaking the bank. This friendly guesthouse features six comfortable ensuite rooms, each equipped with hot showers, mosquito nets and all the essentials for a peaceful island stay.
The real charm lies in the communal spaces, think shared kitchen with complimentary tea and coffee, plus inviting lounge areas perfect for swapping stories with fellow travellers.
Its central location makes exploring Ha’apai’s beaches and coastal walks a breeze, while practical touches like secure parking, luggage storage and laundry services keep things stress-free.
Airport transfers can be arranged on request, making your arrival and departure simple.
Book Lata ‘A Lupe:
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Siola Pakiola Guesthouse
Looking for a homely base with genuine local charm? Siola Pakiola Guesthouse is perfectly positioned along the main road, giving you easy access to both Hihifo and Pangai, ideal for exploring without the hassle.
Rooms here are simple, comfortable and practical, with queen-size or single beds, fans and mosquito nets to keep things cool and peaceful. You’ll also have a fully equipped communal kitchen, shared lounge and a leafy garden where you can swap stories with fellow travellers or simply unwind.
Whether you’re after a private double, family room or dorm-style setup, there’s something to suit your budget. Fresh towels, laundry facilities and tea and coffee are all included, plus airport and wharf transfers are available on request.
And here’s a lovely touch, enjoy a complimentary Tongan lunch every Sunday, giving you a real taste of local life.
Book Siola Pakiola Guesthouse:
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Velonika Guesthouse
For an authentic taste of island living, Velonika Guesthouse offers beachfront fales just five steps from the ocean, where you’ll drift off to the sound of gentle waves and wake to salt-kissed breezes.
Each of the three beach fales features woven walls adorned with vibrant Tongan prints, a comfortable double bed with mosquito net, solar lighting and a private covered porch perfect for lazy afternoons. Shared bathrooms and fans keep things simple, while the focus here is firmly on culture, connection and genuine hospitality.
Home-cooked meals and shared cooking facilities give you a real taste of Tongan life, and complimentary snorkelling gear invites you to explore the crystal-clear lagoon right at your doorstep.
Homemade hammocks offer the ultimate in tropical relaxation, and airport and wharf transfers can be arranged on request for a seamless arrival.
Book Velonika Guesthouse:
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Evaloni Guesthouse
A budget guesthouse in Pangai, Evaloni Guesthouse is a home away from home set within a quintessential Tongan village with church choirs singing and dogs barking.
There are seven basic rooms available, including double and single rooms, with some located at the main property. These are simple guest rooms with breakfast that can be arranged on request at a very affordable price, featuring a cooked menu of bread, eggs and sausage.
A couple of self-contained units are located across the road from the main accommodation, each kitted out with a double bed and a small kitchenette with a kettle, crockery and utensils, as well as a gas cooker (though you may need to ask for gas). The ensuite showers are cold water only.
Your hosts offer airport/wharf transfers, while the guesthouse is within walking distance of Pangai town centre. Note that check-in is at the “Evalonitua Guesthouse” sign.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Lindsay Guesthouse
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 Guesthouses in Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Fifita Guesthouse
A long-established guesthouse in Ha’apai, Fifita Guesthouse is also located in Pangai.
Choose from affordable double, twin and single rooms, with a hodgepodge of ensuite options available. Some rooms are located upstairs in a quite old building, but they’re basically appointed and comfortable enough for a budget stay.
Rooms come with mosquito nets and fans, and breakfast is included in the price (think pancakes to start your day). WiFi is free for guests, and the local hosts who live on-site offer complimentary airport transfers.
Kitchen facilities are available for self-catering. See more self-catering options with our 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Velata Guesthouse
If you’re after the most affordable option in Ha’apai, Velata Guesthouse located on Paluto Road, offers very basic accommodation at some of the cheapest rates on the island.
This family-run guesthouse is still finding its feet in the hospitality scene, so don’t expect polished service, but it’s a solid choice if budget is your main priority.
The property has five rooms, including one with a queen-size bed, all featuring a fan, table and sitting area. You’ll share bathroom facilities (with hot water) and a kitchen, though there’s a spacious lounge area to relax in. WiFi is included.
The owners may be able to arrange airport transfers and car rental at the airport, making arrival and getting around a bit easier.
The guesthouse is named after the family’s land at Velata Mound Fortress.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Budget Accommodations in Ha’apai
That’s it for the best budget accommodations in Ha’apai. If you still haven’t found the perfect place to stay, the following lists should help:
- 5 Best Guesthouses in Ha’apai
- 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Ha’apai
- Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Ha’apai Accommodations
Finally, get more budgeting advice from The Travel Guide to Tonga on a Budget and Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga Cost?
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
Don Benny V.
This article was reviewed and published by Don Benny, a seasoned travel editor with a deep passion for exploring the South Pacific. Hailing from the Philippines, Don has extensively travelled throughout Tonga, from the capital in Tongatapu to the remote islands of Ha’apai, the lush forests of ‘Eua, and the watersports mecca of Vava’u. His on-the-ground research across these island groups, as well as travel experience across the South Pacific and Asia, gives him a unique perspective on Tongan travel. Don Benny loves uncovering both the iconic highlights and hidden gems of Tonga, helping travellers discover the true spirit of the Friendly Islands.





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