5-Day Adults-Only Itinerary for Tonga
So you have five days in Tonga without kids or ideally without being around other people’s kids! We get it, nothing ruins a South Pacific escape quite like noisy resorts. Luckily, Tonga has jumped on the adults-only travel trend, with adults-only apartments in the capital, Nuku’alofa, as well as a couple of adults-only resorts in Ha’apai. This Tonga adults-only itinerary for five days will take you to both destinations, showing you where to go, where to stay and what to experience.
While you’re here, don’t forget to open The Complete Adults-Only Travel Guide to Tonga, which is your bible to adults-only holidays in Tonga!
Overview: Tonga Adults-Only 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival in Tonga + Nuku’alofa
- Day 2 – Nuku’alofa to Ha’apai
- Day 3 – Explore Ha’apai
- Day 4 – Ha’apai to Tongatapu
- Day 5 – Explore Tongatapu + Departure.
© TongaPocketGuide.comHow to Get Around Tonga in Five Days
As with any itinerary in the South Pacific, you’re going to be using both land and water as your highways. While we give transport tips in the itinerary below, here’s a quick overview of how to get around Tonga on an adults-only getaway.
Road Transport in Tonga
Upon arrival to each island group in Tonga, accommodations typically offer airport transfers or car rental companies can deliver vehicles to the airport. Tongatapu also has taxis. Check out How to Get an Airport Transfer in Tonga for more on the subject.
For travelling on each of the islands, car hire offers the most flexibility, convenience and privacy. Get advice on car hire from What You Need to Hire a Car in Tonga. Alternatively, this itinerary is doable on Tongatapu with a mix of taxis (see The Complete Guide to Taxis in Tonga), hiring private drivers (see How to Hire a Driver in Tonga for more advice), as well as taking guided tours such as the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Tonga. On Ha’apai, rely on your accommodation for transport and use their bicycle hire – see Where to Rent Bicycles in Tonga.
Overwater Transport in Tonga
In this itinerary, we mostly recommend taking domestic flights between the island groups, which is the fastest and most convenient for most travellers – see Domestic Flights in Tonga: A Guide to Interisland Flights. Note that no flights operate on a Sunday and are prone to cancellations due to bad weather; that’s why this itinerary allows for extra days at each destination, as well as leaves a day between domestic and international flights.
For all of your transport options across the islands, check out our Tonga Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.comDay 1 – Arrival in Tonga + Nuku’alofa
Travel time: 30 mins drive.
Arrival at Fua’amotu International Airport (Tongatapu)
You’ve arrived in Tonga! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals area to where your airport transfer to the capital, Nuku’alofa, will be waiting, whether it’s organised through your accommodation or simply a taxi transfer (see your options in How to Get an Airport Transfer in Tonga).
Adults-Only Accommodation in Nuku’alofa
Once you arrive in Nuku’alofa, take it easy and get settled at your chosen adults-only or alternative accommodation. After check-in, hit the town whether it’s for its culinary opportunities or to experience a famous Nuku’alofa night out!
- Waterfront Lodge (no guests under 10 years)
Learn more about the accommodation and more in the 5 Best Adults-Only Resorts in Tonga.
Dining and Drink Recommendations
Take it easy for your first night on Tongatapu by dining at the Waterfront Lodge Restaurant (Vuna Road), as listed in the 20 Best Restaurants in Nuku’alofa. Nearby, party with the locals and expats at Nauti Ruby’s (Faua Wharf) or enjoy a few bevvies at the more relaxed Billfish Bar & Restaurant (Vuna Road) – check out the 5 Best Bars in Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.comDay 2 – Nuku’alofa to Ha’apai
Travel time: 30 mins drive + 50 mins flight + 10-20 mins Ha’apai airport transfer.
Arrange your accommodation to transport you to the domestic terminal of Fua’amotu Airport. Today, you fly to Ha’apai! Flights arrive on Lifuka Island where your chosen accommodation provider should be able to pick you up and transport you to your glorious resort.
Adults-Only Accommodations in Ha’apai
- Ha’apai Beach Resort (no under 12s)
- Sandy Beach Resort (families can only book with permission, but the main clientele are adults)
Alternatively, the other resorts in Ha’apai, which are all boutique, mostly consist of double-bed fales and limited options for families. Find out more in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
Dining Recommendations
Make your first night in Ha’apai effortless by dining at one of the recommended resorts.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 3 – Explore Ha’apai
Travel time: 35 mins for sightseeing (see The Driving Times & Distances in Tonga).
The activities on offer here are ideal for an adults-only escape, while the surroundings are serene with white sandy beaches and beautiful azure waters. Ha’apai is certainly a place to unwind and relax, but there really is a range of offerings for an adults-only escape…
Activities in Ha’apai for Adults
- Explore the unspoiled reefs in a scuba diving trip
- Glide across the shallow lagoons in kitesurfing
- Surf awesome reef and beach breaks straight from your resort
- Catch some big ones on a fishing charter
- Indulge in a relaxing island massage
- Join a yoga class or a yoga retreat
- Treat your loved one to a private island picnic
- Explore the islands by bike.
Find out more about each experience in the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Ha’apai.
Dining Recommendations
For something a little different, it’s well worth making your way to the sandy south of Lifuka Island to Leleno ki Moana (Hihifo) for beachfront dining on impeccably presented plates. Otherwise, more recommendations can be found in The Food Guide to Ha’apai: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
© TongaPocketGuide.comDay 4 – Ha’apai to Nuku’alofa
Travel time: 10-20 mins Ha’apai airport transfer + 50 mins flight + 30 mins drive.
Yes, with such a tight timeframe, it’s time to head back to the main island. Sure, you probably won’t want to leave your glorious adults-only resort a whole day before your flight out of Tonga, but we recommend you leave at least a day early. Flights from Ha’apai are often cancelled and rescheduled due to Tonga’s ever-changing weather. A bit of contingency time to leave Ha’apai is a smart idea.
You’ll, again, need to arrange airport transfers to/from both ends of your flight. Either check back into Waterfront Lodge or check out alternatives in Where to Stay in Nuku’alofa: The Best Accommodations. Enjoy a meal at one of Nuku’alofa’s restaurants or toast to an amazing week in Tonga at one of Nuku’alofa’s bars! You will have a little bit of time to explore the last of Tongatapu tomorrow.
Dining and Drink Recommendations
For dining back in the capital, treat yourself to some fine dining at Seaview Lodge (Vuna Road – west side of the palace) or enjoy the more casual vibes of Little Italy Restaurant (Vuna Road – west side of the palace), as listed in The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa.
If you’re up for some town antics, dance into the wee hours at Rehab (Taufa’ahau Road) or kick it on the karaoke at Ciora (Taufa’ahau Road). Check out the 5 Best Bars in Nuku’alofa to learn more.
© TongaPocketGuide.comDay 5 – Explore Tongatapu + Departure
Travel time: 1-3 hours drive for sightseeing (see The Driving Times & Distances in Tonga).
It’s your final day in Tonga, but if you have been savvy enough to book an evening flight out of the country, then you will have time to do some sightseeing or one of the adults-only recommendations listed in the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu. Otherwise, grab a bite to eat in Nuku’alofa, pick up some unique souvenirs from the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre or Talamahu Market, and book a taxi to Fua’amotu Airport.
Day Tour of Tongatapu
Explore sights, such as the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, Mapua ‘a Vaea Blowholes, Tsunami Rock, Anahulu Cave and much more by either taking a self-guided driving tour of Tongatapu (see A Self-Guided Day Trip of Tongatapu) or one of the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Tongatapu.
Alternative Activities on Tongatapu for Adults
- Surf the epic reef breaks at Ha’atafu Beach
- Rent a car and explore the sights of Tongatapu
- Indulge in a relaxing island spa treatment.
Find out more about each activity in our list of the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu. Or see other ideas in the 50 Best Things to Do on Tongatapu.
Departure from Tonga
Remember to arrive at the airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure so that you have enough time to check in, go through security and browse the small selection of retail offerings. For anything else you need to know about leaving Tonga, it’s all listed in our guide, Leaving Tonga: Departure Tips & Checklist.
And it’s “Nofo ā” (goodbye) to Tonga!
Alternative Tonga Five-Day Itineraries
Is this five-day adults-only itinerary for Tonga not quite speaking to you? How about checking out our alternative itineraries for five days:
- Tonga Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 5 Days
- Tonga Luxury Itinerary: 5 Days
- Tonga Food Itinerary: 5 Days
- Tonga Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 5 Days
- Tonga Family Itinerary: 5 Days
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed from this Tonga adults-only itinerary, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Adults-Only Travel Guide to Tonga.
