How to Plan the Best Trip to Ha’apai
An untouched haven for snorkelling, scuba diving, whale swimming, kitesurfing, beachcombing and simply indulging in doing nothing at all, Ha’apai is still considered one of the hidden gems of Tonga. Despite being the central island group of Tonga, many visitors miss out on this dreamy scattering of islands perhaps due to only an exclusive selection of boutique resorts and guest houses available here.
Ha’apai is made up of 62 islands, but only 17 are inhabited and only a handful of islands are explored by tourists. Lifuka Island is the main island of Ha’apai, connected to Foa Island by a causeway. Some resorts are also available on the nearby Uolevu Island while visiting the other islands can be achieved through island-hopping day trips, cultural tours or with great determination.
Learn all about visiting Ha’apai in your own unique travel style with this complete travel guide to Ha’apai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ha’apai
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 Ha’apai.
What is Ha’apai Known For?
Ha’apai is known for its idyllic white-sand beaches, being one of the few places in the world where it’s legal to swim with humpback whales, and for still having new islands forming, such as Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai which formed after the eruption of a submarine volcano in 2014.
Where is Ha’apai Located?
Ha’apai is the central island group of Tonga, located between Tongatapu and Vava’u.
What is the Population of Ha’apai?
The population of Ha’apai is approximately 6,600.
What is the Weather Usually Like in Ha’apai?
The daily average temperature in Ha’apai is 26°C/79°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 Ha’apai?
International flights from Fiji, Australia and New Zealand land at Fua’amotu International Airport on Tongatapu, where travellers can connect to Ha’apai via flights from the domestic terminal or by taking a ferry from Nuku’alofa. There is very limited public transport on Ha’apai where most visitors will need to rely on bicycle hire and accommodation transfers for getting around. Find out more in the 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Ha’apai.
How Long Should I Spend in Ha’apai?
We recommend a minimum of 3-5 days in Ha’apai, but there’s enough to do (or not do, if you prefer) for 7-10 days.
Finally, check out the Information, Shops & Services in Ha’apai for more practical tips.
What to Do in Ha’apai
Most of your Tonga must-dos can be done from the islands of Ha’apai. Swim with whales during the whale season, scuba dive to amazing caves and reefs, immerse in cultural experiences and relax on Ha’apai’s pristine beaches.
The Top Experiences in Ha’apai
What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Ha’apai highlights:
- Explore the islands by kayak or paddleboard
- Learn Tongan handicrafts
- Swim with whales
- Scuba dive among untouched coral
- Try kava
- Get a castaway experience
- Visit the archaeological sites
- Snorkel over colourful coral bommies
- Do some kitesurfing…
… And the list continues over in our 10 Best Things to Do in Ha’apai or check out the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List!
Where to Stay in Ha’apai
Aside from our top recommendations listed alongside this complete travel guide to Ha’apai (or below, if you’re reading this on mobile), we’ve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for families or couples, as well as more premium offerings. What’s more, each article is written by real people rather than some dodgy algorithm!
Family Holidays in Ha’apai
Ha’apai is a holiday destination where families can reconnect. Forget kids’ clubs and babysitting, Ha’apai is for the family who would rather adventure together, where many activities can be enjoyed straight off the beaches. The waters around Ha’apai are calm, sheltered and have vast areas of sand, making it a safe destination for kids to swim, surf, snorkel and kitesurf. Find out more about family getaways to the islands in The Guide to Ha’apai for Families.
Things to Do in Ha’apai with Kids
- Watch the whales between July and October
- See tropical fish by snorkelling from your resort
- Go on a family kayak or stand-up paddleboard mission
- Learn how to make your own Tongan souvenirs
- Do some horseback riding TTD362.
For more details on each experience, see the 10 Things To Do in Ha’apai with Kids.
Family Accommodation in Ha’apai
Families will find family beach fales (huts) and triple rooms available in guest houses. Be quick with the booking as most resorts only have one family fale! Find out more in the 7 Best Family Accommodations in Ha’apai.
Budget Holidays in Ha’apai
Ha’apai might look like a five-star destination, but travellers can certainly experience it even with a backpacker budget. Lifuka and Foa Islands are scattered with free and interesting archaeological sites, while those staying at a resort will find that many of the ways to spend time with activities included in the stay, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, island walks and more. Get more tips for visiting the islands while keeping the costs low in The Guide to Ha’apai on a Budget.
Budget Activities in Ha’apai
- Hire a bike to ride to the historical sites around the islands
- Go snorkelling off the shores
- Learn how to make Tongan crafts
- Explore the islands by kayak
- Have a bite to eat at the Mariner’s Cafe.
Learn more about each activity and more in the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Ha’apai.
Cheap Accommodation in Ha’apai
The guesthouses in Pangai make an ultra-affordable stay in Ha’apai where you’ll be staying with locals for a true Tongan experience. Alternatively, there are a couple of locally-run budget resorts with traditional beach fales for a real adventure! Check out our recommendations in the 7 Best Budget Accommodations in Ha’apai.
Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways to Ha’apai
With glistening waters washing onto sandy shores lined with swaying coconut palms, Ha’apai is the ideal setting for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway. Couples will find a good balance of ways to relax together, as well as ways to adventure together. Check out our tips in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Ha’apai.
Romantic Things to Do in Ha’apai
- Stay on an uninhabited island, just the two of you
- Ride together on horseback TTD362
- Indulge in a candlelit dinner on the beach
- Join a sunset paddleboarding tour
- Snuggle up in a hammock.
For more details on each experience, see the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Ha’apai for Couples.
Romantic Accommodation in Ha’apai
Although you won’t find any “honeymoon suites” in Ha’apai, cosying up in a small beach fale is a romantic experience in itself. Check out some of, what we consider, the most romantic places to stay in the 5 Best Honeymoon & Romantic Accommodations in Ha’apai.
Foodie Holidays in Ha’apai
On an island group with only one restaurant and two resort restaurants open to the public, at first glance, getting your foodie fix in Ha’apai seems challenging. Nevertheless, those who have read The Food Guide to Ha’apai: Places to Eat & Food Tours will know that authentic Tongan food experiences can be had through cultural tours, visiting the local market and bakery, seeing how the locals fish, and more. Alternatively, some of the remote resorts offer sustainably sourced and healthy meals to help feel revived!
Foodie Experiences in Ha’apai
- Browse the Pangai Market
- Indulge in a Tongan feast on an island culture tour
- Have a romantic private dinner on the beach
- Catch dinner on a fishing charter
- Try keki at the local bakery.
For more information on each activity, see the 6 Best Foodie Experiences in Ha’apai.
Where to Eat in Ha’apai
- Mariner’s Cafe (Pangai)
- Matafonua Lodge (Foa Island)
- Ha’apai Beach Resort (Lifuka Island)
Foodie Accommodation in Ha’apai
There are limited resorts with restaurants, with most resorts offering more communal dining with meal plans due to their remote locations. Alternatively, guesthouses in Pangai have self-catering facilities where supplies can be picked up at the local market and convenience stores. Check out your food-orientated accommodations in the 10 Best Accommodations in Ha’apai for Foodies.
Luxury Holidays in Ha’apai
The luxury in Ha’apai is in the breathtaking landscapes and experiences rather than the accommodation and the services. Don’t expect glamorous resorts or fine dining. Do expect to make the most of some of the world’s last remaining unspoiled landscapes by staying in eco-fales, scuba diving among colourful coral reefs, finding amazing kitesurfing hotspots and much more. Get inspired by The Luxury Guide to Ha’apai.
Luxury Experiences in Ha’apai
- Swim with beautiful humpback whales
- Get marooned on a private island for the day
- Hit Tonga’s top kitesurfing spots
- Sail across vibrant lagoons
- Scuba dive among unspoiled coral.
For more details on each experience, see the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Ha’apai.
Luxurious Accommodations in Ha’apai
Staying in Ha’apai is best described as “rugged luxury” where beach fales are your best option and some of the most upmarket resorts are listed in 7 Best Luxury Accommodations in Ha’apai.
Adults-Only Holidays in Ha’apai
A holiday away from the kids or other people’s kids is an attractive way to spend time on a tranquil South Pacific island. While Ha’apai doesn’t have any adults-exclusive accommodations, the resorts only have a handful of fales where you’re sure to experience your getaway with little disturbance. Get more tips for planning the perfect adults-only getaway in The Adults-Only Guide to Ha’apai.
Activities in Ha’apai for Adults
- Hit the awesome reef and beach surf breaks straight from your resort
- Try kava, the national drink
- Indulge in a rejuvenating island massage
- Join a yoga class or retreat
- Be treated to a private island picnic.
Find out more about each experience in the 10 Adults-Only Activities in Ha’apai.
Where to Stay in Ha’apai for Adults
There are no adults-only resorts in Ha’apai. The next best thing is the Sandy Beach Resort, featuring fales with only double beds thus only really catering to couples and solo travellers.
Ha’apai Accommodation
- Sandy Beach Resort
- Serenity Beaches Resort
- Matafonua Lodge
- Sea Change Eco Retreat
- Ha’apai Beach Resort
- The Lolofutu Beach Barn
- Whale Discoveries Live-Aboard
- Fanifo Lofa Kitesurf Tonga
- Taiana’s Resort
- Fifita Guesthouse
- Lindsay Guesthouse
- Evaloni Guesthouse
- Fonongava’inga (Langi Langi) Guesthouse
- Captain Cook Hideaway
- Billy’s Place (Billy’s Resort)
- Tiulipe Guest House
For more details on our top picks, see the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai and the 5 Best Guest Houses in Ha’apai.
More About Ha’apai
That’s it for our complete travel guide to Ha’apai but by no means the end of our Ha’apai advice! Check out the following guides for more Ha’apai goodness:
- 7 Tips for Visiting Ha’apai on a Budget
- 5 Best Whale Swim Tours in Ha’apai
- 7 Eco-Stays in Ha’apai
- 6 Amazing Natural Attractions in Ha’apai
- 5 Best Places to Snorkel in Ha’apai
Finally, be sure to check out The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga for even more tips!
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.