The Complete Travel Guide to Ha’apai [2023]

© Tonga Ministry Of Tourism

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!

© Tonga Ministry Of Tourism

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!

• 10 Best Resorts
• 7 Best Eco-Resorts
• 5 Best Guesthouses
• 7 Best Budget Accommodations
• 7 Best Family Accommodations
• 7 Best Luxury Accommodations
• 5 Best Honeymoon & Romantic Accommodations

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

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.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

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.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

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.

(c) tongapocketguide.com

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.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

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.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

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.