'Eua, Tonga: The Complete Travel Guide to 'Eua [2023]

How to Plan the Best Trip to ‘Eua, Tonga

Raw natural beauty awaits on the island of ‘Eua. Pronounced “Ay-wah”, the island with too many vowels and not enough consonants is a nature lover’s paradise between the lush rainforest of the ‘Eua National Park to the remarkable underwater seascapes like Cathedral Cave.

Limestone cliffs are carved into incredible works of art creating attractions like archways and caves that are easy to explore. Bird watching for the red shining parrot or swimming with humpback whales is how you will get your wildlife fix, while accommodations working with the local communities will get you engaged in the local culture through craft workshops and delicious “umu” feasts. It’s raw, it’s rugged and it’s the “forgotten island” that you’ll never forget!

Dive a little deeper into experiencing ‘Eua in your style of travel with this complete travel guide to ‘Eua.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Eua

We’re here to plan the best trip ever, so we won’t waste any time in giving you the questions that most travellers have when visiting ‘Eua.

Where is ‘Eua Located?

‘Eua is located southeast of Tongatapu in the south of Tonga.

How Old is ‘Eua, Tonga?

‘Eua is around 40 million years old, the oldest island in Tonga and one of the oldest in the South Pacific.

What is the Population of ‘Eua?

The population of ‘Eua is approximately 5,000.

What is the Weather Usually Like on ‘Eua?

The daily average temperature on ‘Eua is 25°C/77°F, while the yearly average rainfall is 1,600mm/63″. Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Tonga?

How Do You Get to ‘Eua, Tonga?

International flights from Fiji, Australia and New Zealand land at Fua’amotu International Airport on Tongatapu where travellers can get a connecting domestic flight to ‘Eua or take a ferry from Nuku’alofa. Find out more in the 5 Ways to Get to ‘Eua (& Get Around ‘Eua).

How Long Should I Spend on ‘Eua?

We recommend a minimum of 2-3 days on ‘Eua, but there’s enough to do for a 5-7-day trip.

Finally, check out the Information, Shops & Services in ‘Eua for more practical tips.

What to Do on ‘Eua

This 40-million-year-old island has formed some amazing and unusual features over its ancient history, giving you plenty of natural attractions to explore. That’s not to say that you can’t do your Tonga must-dos here, as whale swimming, scuba diving and immersing in the Tongan culture are all on the activity menu.

The Top Experiences on ‘Eua

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the ‘Eua highlights:

See the Laku Fa’anga Cliffs, Rock Gardens and the Li’Angahuo ‘a Maui Arch
Explore the amazing beaches
Do the Forest Plantation Hike
Swim with or watch humpback whales
Do a 4WD island tour
Learn traditional crafts, dancing and drink kava
Go scuba diving in huge caves
Fish with the local fishermen…

… And the list continues over in our 10 Best Things to Do on ‘Eua or check out the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List!

Where to Stay on ‘Eua

Aside from our top recommendations listed alongside this complete travel guide to ‘Eua (or at the bottom, if you’re reading this on mobile), we’ve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for families and more. What’s more, each article is written by real people rather than some dodgy algorithm!

Family Holidays on ‘Eua

‘Eua Island is certainly one of the most rewarding Tongan destinations for families. It’s a place where kids can engage and learn about the local culture, see amazing landscapes on family-friendly walks and enjoy watching whales from boats or shore. Learn more about taking the kids to ‘Eua in The Guide to ‘Eua for Families.

Things to Do on ‘Eua with Kids

Watch the whales between July and October
Explore the island on an exciting 4WD tour
Tackle one of the island’s family-friendly walks
Explore beaches and rockpools
Learn Tongan crafts and do dance lessons with the local villagers.

Find out more about each experience in the 5 Things To Do on ‘Eua with Kids.

Family Accommodation on ‘Eua

Family accommodation is limited but very affordable on ‘Eua. Families have a choice of guest houses, cottages and lodge-style accommodation. Find out more in 5 Best Family Accommodations on ‘Eua.

Budget Holidays on ‘Eua

‘Eua is a backpacker’s paradise thanks to all of the accommodations here being super affordable. Not only that, but you don’t have to empty your wallet to have an amazing time on the island, with many free and cheap things to do. Guided tours are reasonably priced, while self-guided hikes or hiring a bike to explore the island make inexpensive ways to discover the highlights of the island. Find out more about a budget trip to the island in The Guide to ‘Eua on a Budget.

Things to Do on ‘Eua on a Budget

Spot whales from shore
Go to a Sunday church service
Experience a traditional umu
Do the guided hike through the ‘Eua National Park
Jump on a 4WD tour of the island.

Learn more about each activity and more in the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do on ‘Eua.

Budget Accommodation on ‘Eua

Luckily enough, all of the accommodation in ‘Eua is extremely affordable, from private rooms being around TOP$75-$100 a night to ultra-cheap dorms and campsites for around TOP$20-$30! Find out more about all of the cheap places to stay in the 6 Best Budget Accommodations on ‘Eua.

Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways to ‘Eua

‘Eua certainly makes a more down-to-earth honeymoon or romantic destination in Tonga. It’s a place to connect with nature and each other through amazing hikes, horse riding, scuba diving, whale swimming and more. Learn about how to visit ‘Eua with a romantic spin using The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to ‘Eua.

Romantic Things to Do on ‘Eua

Enjoy long walks on ‘Eua’s secluded beaches
Tackle one of ‘Eua’s amazing hikes together
Buddy up on a scuba diving trip
Go horse riding together TTD362
Do some bird watching.

Get details on each experience in the 6 Most Romantic Things to Do on ‘Eua for Couples.

Couples’ Accommodation on ‘Eua

With most accommodation being basic and budget, you have very little choice when it comes to looking for “honeymoon” style accommodation. One place that stands out for its romantic tree-nestled surroundings and attractive timber cabins is ‘Ovava Tree Lodge boasting double rooms, especially for couples.

Foodie Holidays on ‘Eua

Compared to elsewhere in Tonga, the food scene in ‘Eua is minimal. With only a tiny selection of ever-changing takeaways, ‘Eua is not exactly known for its restaurants. As for meals in your accommodation, meal services are available which are an authentic representation of what the islanders eat.

Nevertheless, a few ways to get your foodie fix in ‘Eua is to participate in one of the Sunday umu nights. This is where food is cooked using the traditional method of an underground oven. Umu are available at The Hideaway and Taina’s Place.

Another foodie experience is, admittedly, self-catering. Many of the accommodations on the island offer kitchen facilities for foodies to spruce up their own meals using local produce from market stalls, which is an experience in itself! Necessities can be purchased from the villages’ fale koloa (convenience store).

For more foodie-related trips in Tonga, see The Foodie Guide to Tonga.

Luxury Holidays on ‘Eua

‘Eua is not a place for lavish hotels and five-star resorts. Accommodation and food are basic, but it’s the experiences that are considered more “premium”. For instance, scuba diving in the South Pacific’s largest underwater cave is a must, while fishing with the local fishermen for wahoo and mahimahi is an exciting experience.

Additionally, guided hikes provide a more premium way to experience highlights like the Fangatave Beach and Caves and the ‘Eua National Park. Refreshments, often your guide grabbing a coconut off a tree for you, and lunch is often included.

Finally, being in one of the only places in the world where it’s possible to swim with humpback whales is also a privileged experience. Check out who to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience in The Best Whale Tours in ‘Eua.

Adults-Only Holidays in ‘Eua

The adults-only style of travel is becoming more and more of a trend in the South Pacific, but it hasn’t caught on in ‘Eua for good reason. ‘Eua is already a tranquil paradise where other tourists, let alone overenthusiastic children, will be the least of your worries. Nevertheless, if you manage to find a babysitter for the kids or are seeking activities more aimed toward adults, then The Adults-Only Guide to ‘Eua has heaps of advice.

Activities on ‘Eua for Adults

Scuba dive in the epic Cathedral Cave
Tackle one of the full-day hikes in the ‘Eua National Park
Swim with humpback whales
Fish for whoppers with the local fishermen
Rock climb at Fangatave Beach.

Find out more about each experience in our 5 Adults-Only Activities on ‘Eua.

Where to Stay on ‘Eua for Adults

Well, you won’t exactly find adults-only resorts, but your next best bet is a private holiday home, such as the Seta Homestay.

‘Eua Accommodation

Blue Water Retreat
‘Ovava Tree Lodge
The Hideaway
Taina’s Place
Seta Homestay
‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House

Learn more about each accommodation in the 6 Best Resorts in ‘Eua.

More About ‘Eua

That’s it for our complete travel guide to ‘Eua but by no means the end of our ‘Eua advice! Check out the following guides for more ‘Eua goodness:

Finally, don’t forget to check out The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga and the 31 Tips for Travelling in Tonga for even more trip-planning wisdom.

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