Tongatapu Nightlife Guide
Tonga’s main hub, the island group of Tongatapu, has a surprising and varied nightlife scene. From bustling bars and buzzing nightclubs in the nation’s capital to the laidback bars of the island’s beach resorts, you’re sure to find something to suit the night out you’re looking for. On top of that, you can’t miss the captivating Tongan cultural shows and buffet feasts to really get into the spirit of Tonga. Let us guide you through the ins and outs of Tonga’s nightlife in this guide to nightlife on Tongatapu!
Note that Tongan bars are usually open until around 1am Monday-Friday and until 12am on a Saturday. The drinking age in Tonga is 18 years old.
8 Drinks You Have to Try in Tonga
- Kava – Kava is the national drink of Tonga, although it is not typically served in bars. Kava is the ground-up root of a pepper plant mixed with water, which can be tried at some resorts and local kava circles if you ask around
- Tonga Lager – A light refreshing lager made by Tonga Breweries
- Maui Pacific Larger – A Tongan craft beer from the Pacific Brewing Co.
- Pulotu Coconut Stout – A more adventurous craft beer from the Pacific Brewing Co.
- Tupu’Anga Coffee – Coffee handpicked, roasted and packaged in Tonga
- Kingdom Coffee – Fairtrade coffee made in Tonga
- Coconut Water – It hardly gets fresher than tasting coconut water fresh from the nut!
- Noni Juice – A superfood that is difficult on the palate but is said to have all kinds of health benefits.
Learn more about each drink in the 10 Drinks in Tonga You Have to Try.
(c) Pxhere.comBars and Nightclubs in Nuku’alofa
Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital, is where you’ll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Kingdom! Bars and nightclubs can be found along the waterfront of the city, as well as in the city centre. Here are just some of the awesome bars and nightclubs well worth checking out…
Faua Wharf Bars and Nightclubs
At Faua Wharf, you have a few awesome venues to drink with the boaties, watch the game and relax with your mates or the locals. Nauti Ruby’s Bar & Nightclub has a fun nautical theme and serves up a great selection of Tongan beers, wines, cocktails and fresh coconuts! It’s also a popular place to dance the later into the night it gets.
The nearby Ngutulei Bar & Restaurant is also a popular spot, mainly because it’s unmissable from Vuna Road with its bright red sign! As well as being famous for its steaks and burgers, Ngutulei also often has good deals on whisky shots, bourbon and cola and beer.
Opposite Faua Wharf, across Vuna Road, is the Billfish Bar & Restaurant. This popular open-air bar has a full bar with a range of Australian, New Zealand and Tongan drinks. They are also popular for their oversized burgers if you get peckish. Catch live bands and DJs performing regularly. Billfish also features in our 5 Best Restaurants in Nuku’alofa.
Other Bars and Nightclubs in Nuku’alofa
Elsewhere on the waterfront of Nuku’alofa, on the west side of the Royal Palace, you will stumble upon the relaxed Vuna Restaurant & Bar. Unwind with a drink in their attractive beer garden and catch live bands and chat with the locals.
Finally, in the city centre opposite the Friends Cafe, is the Reload Bar which is arguably the best party bar in Nuku’alofa. Beer comes in pints, jugs and towers and music comes in all kinds of styles and themes depending on which night you go!
Find out more about the bars in Nuku’alofa in 5 Best Bars in Nuku’alofa.
(c) Pxhere.comResorts with Bars on Tongatapu
The bars at Tongatapu’s resorts and accommodation are less about the party and more about enjoying a relaxing drink or two with your mates, your loved one or fellow travellers. Check out all of the resorts around the island in the 10 Best Resorts on Tongatapu.
Resort Bars on Tongatapu
Stay on Fafa Island and you can enjoy cocktails under the stars at their open-air cocktail bar. The Fafa Island Resort‘s on-site bar is a great place to end a hard day whale swimming, snorkelling or simply doing nothing at all. Choose from a range of New Zealand and Australian wines, local and international beers and creative cocktails where, of course, the coconut milk is fresh!
At Ha’atafu Beach on the western side of Tongatapu, Heilala Holiday Lodge boasts its own casual bar and restaurant serving a good range of wines, beers and spirits. They also do popular barbecue and beer nights on a Friday.
A good place to watch the sunset and have a couple of sundowners is from the elevated deck of the Treetop Bar. Located at the Liku’alofa Resort, the Treetop Bar provides a relaxed atmosphere with fellow holidaymakers. They also put on the occasional cultural show for guests.
Another island resort offering an excellent bar for its guests is The Royal Sunset Island Resort on ‘Atata Island. The open-air bar and restaurant are in an attractive high-ceiling fale, serving up Polynesian-style cuisine and a wide range of drinks. They occasionally have entertainment at the bar provided by the island’s village.
(c) tongapocketguide.comCultural Shows and Tongan Buffets
Finally, an aspect of the Tongan nightlife that you can’t miss is the cultural shows and Tongan feasts! On selected nights of the week, certain resorts across the island of Tongatapu come alive with traditional song and dance, complete with a Tongan-style feast where you can try a range of local dishes.
A popular cultural floorshow on the eastern side of Tongatapu is at the Oholei Beach Resort where performances take place in the magnificent Hina Cave after guest have stuffed themselves with Tongan food! Shows take place on Wednesday and Friday nights, as well as Sunday afternoons.
On the western side, head to the Vakaloa Beach Resort for their Wednesday and Friday night shows. Indulge in a Tongan buffet complete with a spit-roasted pig before sitting down to traditional dancing with some modern twists and comedic moments.
Fafa Island Resort also offers weekly Polynesian night complete with dancing, a barbecue feast and a Kava Ceremony.
Finally, in Nuku’alofa, Friday nights are Tongan buffet and cultural dancing nights at Ancient Tonga. Gather under the large fale (Tongan bungalow) and feast on Tongan specialities before being entertained by dancers in traditional tapa clothing. Find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Find out more about each experience in The Best Cultural Shows on Tongatapu.
More About Nightlife in Tongatapu
