The Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Tongatapu

Adult-Only Getaways to Tongatapu

We get it, not everyone wants to be disturbed by noisy kids on their island getaway. While other islands in the South Pacific have a reputation for being “full of kids”, that’s certainly not the case in Tonga. With much fewer visitors than other South Pacific islands, even in the high season, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to find yourself alone at major attractions and going whole days without seeing children (except perhaps the locals). But if you’re really wanting to make sure that your trip to Tongatapu has the desired tone, there are a few “adult-only” lodges and homestays on Tongatapu, as well as a few experiences aimed toward adults. Follow our advice in this adults-only vacation guide to Tongatapu!

8 Adult-Only Activities on Tongatapu

Surf the epic reef breaks at Ha’atafu Beach
Hire a private fishing charter
Rent a car and explore the sights of Tongatapu
Indulge in a relaxing island spa treatment
Drink and be merry at the bars and nightclubs
Get a Tongan-inspired tattoo
Take a private tour of Tongatapu’s sights
Go on freediving excursion

Find out more about each activity in our list of the 8 Adult-Only Activities on Tongatapu.

How to Get to Tongatapu

Tongatapu is the main hub of Tonga and one of the easiest islands to get to from overseas. The island has an international airport, cruise ship port and offers a wealth of ways to get around, from taxis to public buses. Here’s more information on how to get to Tongatapu, as well as adult-only-friendly transport methods.

Tongatapu By Plane

Flights to Tongatapu arrive at Fua’amotu International Airport. Direct flights to Fua’amotu Airport are available from Auckland (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia) and Nadi (Fiji), which all have connections. See Which Airlines Fly Straight to Tonga? for more advice. Flights between Tongatapu and Tonga’s other islands are also available through the domestic terminal.

Tongatapu By Cruise

Several international cruise liners have Tongatapu on the itinerary, anchoring at Vuna Wharf on the waterfront of Nuku’alofa. Although there are no adult-only cruises that visit Tongatapu, cruise ships that go to the island include Holland America Line, P&O, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and more as shown in the 10 Cruises that Visit Tonga.

Rental Cars on Tongatapu

Ensure a private transport experience with the people you choose by hiring a car on Tongatapu. Rental car depots are available in Nuku’alofa, Fua’amotu Airport and Liahona. In order to drive legally, you will need to obtain a Visitor’s Driver’s License in Nuku’alofa. Learn more about car rentals in Tonga with The Best Car Rentals in Tongatapu.

See all of your transport options on Tongatapu, as well as more information on the transport listed above, in the 10 Ways to Get to Tongatapu (& Around Tongatapu).

Tongatapu Adult-Only Activities

Unlike other destinations in the South Pacific, you can often visit the “must-see” sights of Tongatapu with rarely any other tourists in sight! With that in mind, part of your adult-only holiday on Tongatapu can simply be hiring a car and hitting amazing sights like the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon or relaxing on some of the nearly deserted beaches, like Keleti Beach and Monotapu Beach. Check out the sights to see in the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do on Tongatapu. Alternatively, private bespoke tours of the island are available with Tonga Travel Troupe (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). Otherwise, here are more ideas for adult-only holiday experiences…

Go on a Private Fishing Charter

Catching big game along the seamounts of Tongatapu is no place for a kid, so rest assured, a small-group shared or a private fishing charter is a sure-fire way to have a kid-free experience! Try your luck catching mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, marlin and sailfish on an exciting trip with expert guides who will lure you up and show you the hotspots. Fishing charters depart from Faua Wharf in Nuku’alofa. Compare your options in The Best Fishing Charters on Tongatapu.

Go Surfing at Ha’atafu Beach

A hidden gem of surfing in the South Pacific, Ha’atafu Beach is home to some of Tonga’s best reef breaks. Enjoy uncrowded waves that are ideal for experienced surfers (so don’t worry, there are no kids out on the waves). The coastline here is perfectly situated to take advantage of storm swells from the outer South Pacific Ocean. Surfboard hire is available from Ha’atafu Beach Resort.

Get a Tongan Tattoo

The South Pacific is renowned for its Polynesian artwork and tattooing. A special souvenir to commemorate your trip to Tonga could be getting a Tongan-inspired tattoo. There are a couple of fantastic tattoo studios in Nuku’alofa, including Happy Sailor Tattoo and Kaila Tattoo. The former offers free designing consultations, while the latter specialises in traditional Tongan style.

Nightlife on Tongatapu

The nightlife on Tongatapu mostly revolved around the nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa, where bars and nightclubs can be found along the waterfront and the city centre. Outside of Nuku’alofa, bars are found in the resorts around Tongatapu.

Bars and Nightclubs in Nuku’alofa

Some of Nuku’alofa’s most vibrant bars include the waterfront Nauti Ruby’s Bar & Nightclub with dancing late into the night. To watch the big game and listen to live music, head to the Billfish Bar & Restaurant. The Vuna Restaurant & Bar has an awesome beer garden vibe, while late-night partying and themed-night fun can be found at the Reload Bar in the city centre.

Learn more about each bar in our 5 Best Bars in Nuku’alofa.

Resorts with Bars on Tongatapu

While less likely to be just an adult clientele like the city centre bars mentioned above, you can still enjoy a drink or two at some of Tongatapu’s fabulous laid-back resorts. On Fafa Island, stargaze and drink cocktails, beers and wines from the Fafa Island Resort‘s open-air cocktail bar. Heilala Holiday Lodge also has a fantastic bar serving wine, beer and spirits. Alternatively, sundowners can be enjoyed from the elevated Treetop Bar at the Liku’alofa Beach Resort.

And don’t forget about the cultural shows and Tongan feasts happening across the island on selected nights of the week! Find out more in The Best Cultural Shows on Tongatapu.

Learn more about the nightlife on the island in The Guide to Nightlife on Tongatapu.

Adult-Only Accommodation on Tongatapu

Learn more about each accommodation in the 5 Best Adult-Only Accommodation on Tongatapu. Plus, find private holiday homes in our 7 Best Holiday Homes on Tongatapu.

More About Tongatapu

Author

Laura 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