How to Have an Authentic Tongan Experience

How to Experience the Real Tonga

Beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and swaying coconut palms can be found in many places in the world, but only in Tonga can you experience the unique Tongan culture. While visiting the South Pacific’s only kingdom, it would almost be a crime to miss out on experiencing the fascinating Tongan culture. What’s more, it’s impossibly easy to find if you follow the tips below on having an authentic Tongan experience while visiting Tonga.

Tongan Words and Phrases to Know

One way to start immersing in the Tongan culture is to use Tongan words! Although the people you encounter in Tonga’s tourist centres speak English fluently, there are many locals who don’t speak English well and will appreciate the use of Tongan words.

Hello – Mālō e lelei
Yes – ‘Io
No – ‘Ikai
Please – Fakamolemole or Kātaki
Thank you – Mālō
Thank you very much – Mālō ‘aupito
Goodbye (if leaving) – Nofo ā
Best wishes – ‘Ofa atu

The list continues in the 10 Tongan Words You Need to Know When Visiting Tonga.

How to Have an Authentic Tongan Experience

Stay with Locals at Guesthouses

The first way you can immerse yourself in the Tongan culture is to stay with locals. The most common type of accommodation where you can stay with locals is through guesthouses. Not all, but most of Tonga’s guesthouses are run by locals, providing a more authentic and cheaper way to stay in Tonga.

Guesthouses in Tonga

Guesthouses can be found in Tonga’s main towns, such as Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu), Neiafu (Vava’u), Pangai (‘Eua) and Pangai (Ha’apai). They are typically large former family homes with multiple guest rooms and either ensuite bathrooms or shared bathroom facilities. You can learn more about the facilities of these accommodations in our guide, How to Pick the Best Guest House in Tonga for You.

Many guesthouse owners are happy to share their culture with guests, whether it’s through cooking, organising kava circles or even through casual conversation.

Check out some of the top guesthouses in the 20 Best Guesthouses in Tonga.

Homestays in Tonga

Homestays in Tonga are very limited, but there is the odd homestay in Nuku’alofa, while this type of accommodation is the only place to stay on the far-flung islands of The Niuas. Check out some examples in The Best Village & Homestays in Tonga.

How to Have Real Cultural Experiences in Tonga

Get Out into the Local Community

Experiencing the Tongan culture is as easy as getting out there and exploring! Go to markets, roadside stalls, churches and local eateries to experience a real slice of life in Tonga.

Tongan Markets and Stalls

Tonga’s largest towns, including Nuku’alofa, Neiafu and Pangai (Ha’apai), have local markets where you can see the talent of local craftspeople, purchase fresh produce grown on the islands, and mingle with the locals. Pick up a bunch of the sweetest bananas from a roadside stall as you travel around Tongatapu or even watch people in action weaving or making tapa cloths at the Talamahu Market in Nuku’alofa. Learn more about the markets in the 5 Best Markets in Tonga.

Sunday Church Services

Christianity is part of the Tongan culture, which you can easily experience by going to a local church service. Visitors are welcome to join in on the worship of local church services on a Sunday, as long as you wear appropriate attire, as recommended in our guide, Tonga Etiquette: Respecting the Local Customs. Whether you’re religious or not, you can still appreciate the beautiful harmonies of the local people.

Go Out for Dinner

Admittedly, most restaurants in Tonga offer more international cuisine than local foods, but you can still try authentic Tongan dishes if you know where to go. We list some restaurants where you can try Tongan cuisine in The Guide to the Food in Tonga and The Top Cheap Eats in Tonga.

The Most Authentic Tongan Experiences

Finally, to immerse yourself a little deeper into the Tongan culture, you can take part in cultural activities. From watching traditional singing and dancing in a cultural show to doing a handicrafts lesson with local villagers, there are a few fun and interactive ways to experience the culture of Tonga.

Do a Guided Sightseeing Tour with a Local

Join a local tour to see the highlights of the island you’re visiting while enjoying a richer experience than if you were to visit the sights on your own. Local guides share cultural and historical insights as you go from attraction to attraction, with even some tours offering visits to local schools. Check out the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Tonga for examples.

Do a Handicrafts Class

Handicrafts have been an important way of life for Tongans for centuries, where traditional methods are passed on through generations. You can learn how to do handicrafts yourself by taking part in tapa-making or weaving classes offered by tour operators, guest houses and even villagers in some communities. Learn more in Where to Learn Tongan Handicrafts.

Kava Circles

This drink is a slightly narcotic substance that is popular to drink as a local pastime. Some accommodations can arrange for you to join local kava circles, locally known as faikava, or host their own kava sessions. Find out more about where to have this experience in Where to Try Kava in Tonga.

Cultural Shows

Resorts host cultural shows and Tongan feasts at least a couple of days a week to share with guests the art of “lakalaka”, which is Tongan traditional singing and dancing. The evening usually ends with a Tongan feast where you can try a wide variety of Tongan dishes. Check out some of the top cultural shows in The 10 Best Cultural Shows in Tonga.

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.

Contact Laura via our contact page