Tongan Handicrafts: Top Tours & Workshops

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Fehoko Art & Tours

Fehoko Art & Tours celebrates Tongan creativity through a unique combination of art and tourism. Visitors can explore traditional craft, storytelling and hands-on workshops that bring the spirit of Tonga to life.

Learn how ngatu (tapa cloth) is made, discover vibrant local painting and carving styles, and connect with authentic Tongan heritage.

Mea’ofa Package

Fancy taking home a piece of Tongan culture you made yourself? The “Mea’ofa Package” at Fehoko Art Studio lets you choose your craft adventure, whether you’re weaving coconut leaves into baskets or sei flowers, making fragrant candlenut (tuitui) soap, crafting traditional tapa cloth, or trying your hand at bone or wood carving.

Your guide walks you through each step in a relaxed, welcoming environment, and you’ll leave with both your handmade creation and new skills rooted in Tongan tradition.

Sessions run from 9 am-10:30 am and 1 pm-2:30 pm Monday to Saturday.

Malimali Package

Discover the perfect mix of creativity and culture with the “Malimali Package“, a one-of-a-kind combo experience combining an authentic Tongan arts workshop with a guided island tour.

Begin with a hands-on carving or craft session at Fehoko Arts & Tours, then head off on a three to five-hour exploration of Tonga’s key cultural and natural landmarks. You’ll learn the stories behind the sights and even get the chance to customise the itinerary to match your interests.

Heilala Package

For the “Heilala Package“, start your Tongan adventure at Fehoko Residence in Popua with a fun, beginner-friendly craft workshop (around 40–60 mins) led by local artists. You’ll learn a traditional technique and take your handmade creation home as a special souvenir.

Then hit the road for a guided 2-3 hrs tour around the island’s best natural and cultural attractions. Expect a relaxed pace, personal storytelling and genuine local insights from your guide, perfect for a quick but memorable introduction to Tonga. Lunch isn’t included, but you can stop at a local restaurant or bring your own.

Learn more and book your cultural experience on Fehoko Art & Tours’ website.

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Ancient Tonga

This cultural centre in Nuku’alofa is a wonderful option not only for learning Tongan handicrafts but for a whole range of interactive activities surrounding the Tongan culture.

Ancient Tonga, located in Fangaloto in Nuku’alofa (transfers available), offers two main tours for visitors: a “Half Culture Tour” lasting one hour and a “Full Culture Tour” lasting 2 hrs 30 mins. The Full Culture Tour is an interactive experience where you’ll get to do a bit of the following:

• Prepare and eat traditional Tongan food for an umu
• Learn about the vegetation of Tonga and its practical uses
• Beat the bark for a traditional tapa cloth
• Learn about making traditional Tongan mats
• Dress up and learn about the different Tongan mats, dresses and koloa
• Taste and learn about kava
• Learn about traditional medicinal and beauty products.

For those who want to dive deeper into the handicrafts aspect of the Tongan culture, Ancient Tonga also offers dedicated ngatu (tapa cloth) and weaving classes.

Get inspired for more activities in Nuku’alofa in the 30 Best Things to Do in Nuku’alofa.

© Mahina Lodge

Mahina Lodge

Immerse yourself in Tongan culture with Mahina Lodge‘s seasonal “Craft Morning & Village Tour” on Ofu Island, running once every two weeks from April to October. This intimate experience takes you into the heart of village life, where you’ll work closely with a local family to learn traditional weaving techniques.

The tour includes a village visit where local school children perform traditional dances, hands-on weaving lessons, and a scenic boat ride to the lodge. Enjoy lunch on the deck at Mahina Lodge with club sandwiches, pizzas or garlic bread while taking in the stunning island views, with the bar open for refreshments.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Tongan culture in an authentic setting, as we’ve found that these smaller, family-run experiences offer the most memorable insights.

They also run a Friday night “Tongan Umu Feast” experience where you’ll witness an umu demonstration around the pit with a local family. Dine buffet-style on Mahina Lodge’s deck while the bar serves beers, wine and soft drinks throughout the evening, with cultural dancing to complete the experience.

Learn more about Mahina Lodge on their website.

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Handicrafts on ‘Eua

The down-to-earth nature of ‘Eua Island often means that visitors simply find themselves falling into authentic cultural experiences, such as participating in Tongan handicrafts.

Many accommodations here are locally run, so hosts can often arrange crafting sessions with guests who express interest. See accommodations to choose from in Where to Stay on ‘Eua: The Best ‘Eua Accommodations.

Tufavai Village

Weaving and/or tapa-making classes with the locals of Tufavai village can be booked through the ‘Eua Visitor Information Centre (‘Ohonua) or the ‘Eua Island website. The activities cost a small fee which goes back into the village.

Check out more experiences on the island in the 50 Best Things to Do on ‘Eua.

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Weaving Demonstrations in Vava’u

Although not always a guarantee, weaving groups can often be found in the villages of Vava’u. Being with a local guide is usually the easy way to approach weaving groups and see informal demonstrations of the local ladies working together to create huge yet finely woven mats.

Guides on the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Vava’u will usually stop at a weaving group if spotted.

Otherwise, let your guide know your interest in seeing some weaving and they’ll usually be very accommodating.

Learn more about the experiences of this island group in the 50 Best Things to Do in Vava’u.