The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vava’u

© TongaPocketGuide.com

How to Get to Vava’u

If you’re lucky enough to be doing some island-hopping in the South Pacific, you could be arriving in Vava’u on a flight from Fiji, Samoa and American Samoa or on a cruise ship or your own yacht – see How to Get to Tonga. Most couples, however, arrive in Tonga through Tongatapu. Here’s how to get to Vava’u from there, as well as transport options once you arrive.

Vava’u by Plane

Lupepauʻu International Airport, the airport of Vava’u, has flights from Tongatapu coming in daily except Sundays. Flights last approximately one hour and are the quickest way to get to the island group. However, don’t plan too much on your first day in Vava’u, as flights are frequently cancelled. Learn more in The Guide to Domestic Flights in Tonga.

How to Get Around Vava’u

Vava’u’s main island, ‘Utu Vava’u and some surrounding islands, such as Pangaimotu, ‘Utungake, Koloa and Okoa, are well-connected by roads and causeways. Taxis and car rentals are available to get around these islands, while accommodations also provide airport transfers.

For those staying on the outer islands, boat transfers are mainly provided by your chosen resort or arranged with a local boat operator. We dive much more into detail about transport in Vava’u in the 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Vava’u.

(c) tongapocketguide.com

Romantic Getaway and Honeymoon Experiences in Vava’u

There are many ways in Vava’u to adventure together! Admittedly, most options are on the water, whether it’s doubling up in a kayak, sailing the seas, swimming with whales, snorkelling, scuba diving or something else. Regardless, there are always opportunities to disconnect from the world and connect with each other, with all resorts having stunning places to relax, island hikes and more. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you…

Sailing

A special occasion calls for a special experience, like journeying the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific! There are a handful of year-round sailing charters available from the main town, Neiafu, taking couples on private day- and multi-day excursions. Nothing compares to the joys of tranquilly sailing over Vava’u’s sheltered waters, finding exciting snorkelling spots each day and anchoring at new secluded coves each night. Check out your sailing options in the 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours of Vava’u.

Kayaking

Team up to paddle across the crystal clear waters of Vava’u in a double kayak! While almost all beachfront accommodations in Vava’u have complimentary kayaks for couples to try out, you could go the extra mile with the Friendly Islands Kayak Company. They offer a range of one-day to 10-day kayaking tours, with the “6-Day Treasure Island Eco-Resort” package being the most romantic option for couples! You’ll kayak to a new and luxurious resort each day to sample the cuisine and stay somewhere new each night. Check out resorts with kayaks and learn more about tours with FIKCO in The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga.

Whale Swimming

Each July to October, Vava’u’s waters become breeding and calving grounds for humpback whales. Tonga is one of the very few places in the world where you can swim with these majestic creatures. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you’re both never likely to forget, seeing these gentle giants seemingly move slowly through the water. Compare your whale swimming options in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.

Private Island Experience

Ever wondered what it would be like to get marooned together on an island? Well, the Tongan Beach Resort can make that a reality, with a few comforts so you don’t really feel stranded. You’ll be whisked away to an uninhabited island for the day with a hamper in hand to enjoy a picnic in paradise. Take some snorkelling gear, laze in the shade of a palm tree and enjoy this little piece of paradise all to yourselves.

More Things to Do in Vava’u

For more inspiration, such as stargazing and island hikes, head over to the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Vava’u. Alternatively, for experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the “romance” category but are arguably just as sensational, take a look at the 50 Best Things to Do in Vava’u.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

Dining in Vava’u

Nothing wraps up a day in paradise more perfectly than a romantic meal with the most important person in your life. From private dinners on the beach to scouting out the best restaurants, couples are sure spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic dining experiences.

Private Dining Experiences

Get your own private table set up on the beach at one of Vava’u’s romantic resorts. The island resorts in Vava’u go above and beyond for couples on their honeymoon, so be sure to ask what they can do to help you treat your loved one to a special dining experience. Treasure Island Eco Resort, for instance, can serve you dinner under the stars while you feel your toes in the sand. Alternatively, pack your own picnic and head to one of the 10 Best Beaches in Vava’u which are almost always deserted (except for public holidays and weekends).

Romantic Restaurants in Vava’u

Going out for dinner has been a textbook date night for centuries. In Vava’u, it’s no different with couples spoiled for choice between the harbourside hub of Neiafu and the resort restaurants.

An eclectic array of meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as great views for a romantic meal, can be found at the Bellavista Cafe & Restaurant (Guttenbeil Plaza, Neiafu). It’s your Italian flair in the South Pacific, serving up Italian-style pizzas, pasta, espresso coffees and a wealth of seafood dishes with fresh Vava’uan fish.

For more beautiful views, as well as European/American-style food done well, head to The Harbourview (Toula). Aside from the idyllic harbour views that give this restaurant and resort its namesake, the diverse breakfast, lunch and dinner menus (which you can choose from any and anytime, FYI) means that everyone in your party is likely to be happy – even the token vegan!

Finally, the Tongan Beach Resort‘s (‘Utungake) open-air restaurant has items on the menu to offer a taste of Tonga, as well as a romantic setting. The restaurant provides a casual setting for breakfast and lunch, while the lighting and table decor in the evening create one of the most upmarket settings for dinner in Vava’u – and they have the prices to match. If you are looking for an eatery to impress, this is it.

Alternative Dining Experiences

Whether it’s indulging in your island resort’s meal plan or trying an authentic Tongan umu at a cultural show, there are many more dining experiences to be had in Vava’u. We don’t have the space to unpack them all here, but be sure to head over to The Food Guide to Vava’u: Places to Eat & Food Tours to take a deep dive into the island’s eclectic food scene.

(c) Pixabay

Getting Married in Vava’u

With Vava’u’s tranquil waters gently lapping up onto white coral sands backed by swaying coconut palms, the island group certainly makes a stunning destination for an island wedding. While some resorts have the set-up for creating amazing beach wedding ceremonies, the current laws make it difficult for couples to elope in Tonga. First, couples from overseas must reside in Tonga for at least a month before they can apply to get married. Then, they need to go through a whole application process, which we outline in How to Organise Your Wedding in Tonga.

There is an act currently going through the Tongan Government to make getting married in Tonga easier for couples from overseas. We’ll update this article when appropriate.

Wedding Venues in Vava’u

For couples determined enough to get married in Tonga, here are a few stunning venues to celebrate your special day.

The Mandala Resort can offer a stunning beachfront ceremony location with a decorated venue, catering, entertainment and accommodation for your whole party, as well as organising a charter flight, should you desire.

Use the jetty stretching out into the ocean at the Tongan Beach Resort for your special day. The jetty makes the perfect aisle, where a tropical archway at the end awaits. The resort has an open-air restaurant ideal for a wedding reception.

Mystic Sands can offer a stunning beachfront ceremony location with a decorated venue, catering, entertainment and accommodation for your whole party.

Puataukanave Hotel in Neiafu offers another beachfront ceremony option with a decorated venue, catering, entertainment and accommodation, as well as the organisation of a charter flight.

‘Ene’io Botanical Garden offers a scenic beachfront ceremony location with a decorated venue, catering and entertainment.

Mailefihi Siu’ilikutapu College offers its hall for wedding receptions.

Restaurant venues, such as Bellavista Restaurant and MJ Seafood provide catering and entertainment for weddings, while Panda Restaurant also offers a catering service.

Learn more about these wedding venues in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u, 10 Best Hotels in Vava’u and 15 Best Cafes & Restaurants in Vava’u.