The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Vava’u

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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 Samoa or Fiji, a cruise ship or your own yacht. 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 Flying Around Tonga.

Accommodation Transfers in Vava’u

With many resorts having on-site entertainment and activity providers offering pick-ups, there’s often not much reason to find your own transport on Vava’u. Accommodations offer airport/wharf transfers for a fee, which is often the most convenient or only way to get to certain island resorts.

Car Hire on Vava’u

For a romantic road trip of the main islands of Vava’u, which many are connected by causeways, you could hire a car in Vava’u. Cars are often not in the best condition but tend to do the job. You might want to consider hiring a 4WD if thinking about driving to lookouts. Compare car rental options in The Best Car Rentals in Vava’u.

Learn about more transport options in Vava’u here.

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Honeymoon Activities 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. Nevertheless, 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…

Sail Around the Islands

Vava’u is often described as one of the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific, so if you’re looking for an activity to celebrate a special occasion, this is it! There are a handful of year-round sailing charters available from Neiafu, taking couples on day- and multi-day excursions. Experience the joys of tranquilly sailing over turquoise waters, anchoring at secluded coves and finding a new and exciting snorkelling spot every day. It’s truly a way to escape the world together. Check some of the fantastic sailing options in The Best Tours for Sailing in Vava’u.

Test Your Relationship in a Double Kayak

Work together to paddle across the crystal clear and sheltered waters of Vava’u in a double kayak! While almost all beachfront accommodation in Vava’u has complimentary kayaks 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 adventures, the 6-Day Treasure Island Eco-Resort package being the most romantic option for couples, kayaking to a new and luxurious resort each day to stay the night!

Scuba Dive Together

Vava’u is a diver’s paradise, with unbelievable visibility, a variety of underwater seascapes, and a wealth of wildlife. Whether you’re wanting to strengthen your bond by learning a new skill together in a scuba diving course or are already certified and looking for your next adventure, there are dives to suit a range of wants and abilities across the 5 Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.

See more suggestions in our 10 Romantic Activities in Vava’u for Couples.

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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, 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 Resort can offer a stunning beachfront ceremony location with a decorated venue, catering, entertainment, accommodation for your whole party. They also organise charter flights should you desire.

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

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

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

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