Best Places to Visit in Tonga, Top Attractions

How can we make a list of famous places in an island nation that, well, not many people know about? Well, if you know anything about Tonga or have seen any iconic images of Tonga, then chances are it’s at least one of the famous places in Tonga listed below. Whether you’re looking for a popular attraction or like the comfort of going somewhere a little more explored in an otherwise more unexplored landscape for tourism, then this list should point you in the right direction. Despite being somewhat of an unspoilt paradise, the Kingdom of Tonga is one of the least visited countries in the world and is often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Fiji. However, as with many places, tourism in Tonga will boom eventually – if you can, you should beat the rush! Don’t be put off by a lack of tourist infrastructure – Tonga is known as ‘The Friendly Islands’ for a reason. The locals are some of the kindest people we’ve met while travelling, and are always willing to help you out. There are also a number of beautiful beaches in Tonga, so it’s the perfect destination if you want a relaxing getaway. 

#1- The Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon
The South Pacific’s parallel of Stonehenge, the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui (Maui’s Burden) Trilithon close to Niutoua, is one of past Polynesia’s most fascinating memorials and one of the best Tourist Attractions in Tonga. Archaeologists and hearsay accredit its establishment to Tu’itatui, the 11th Tu’i Tonga. Others tell it was constructed by old Chinese travelers. Either way, the construction made up of three big coralline stones, each stone’s weight is nearly 40 tones, ordered into a trilithon gate. Mortised junctions confirm the top stone won’t drop off, as per Stonehenge! 

#2- Talamahu Market
If you want to find the truth of Nuku’alofa, you have to stroll through the passages at Talamahu, Tonga’s key fresh-produce center. You’ll see vegetables and other goods heaped into handmade baskets, piles of bananas, colorful piles of fruit and several cooked-food stands – plus excellent (and inexpensive) Tongan arts and crafts. The total spot murmurs with chat and commerce, specifically on Saturday mornings.

#3- St Joseph’s Cathedral
A sight of colonial devotion above Port of Refuge, St Joe’s is Neiafu’s describing piece of architecture and one of the best tourist attractions in Tonga. Inside, the hyper-colored crucifixion site beyond the altar is something to see. The extension of Fatafehi Rd beneath the cathedral is named Hala Lupe (Way of Doves), entitled for the melancholic singing of the feminine inmates (declared adulterers) who established it.

#4- Royal Palace, Tonga
The regal residence of the Kingdom of Tonga is situated in the northwest of the epicenter, Nukuʻalofa, near the Pacific Ocean. The timbered Palace, which was established in 1867, is the official home of the King of Tonga. Although the Palace is not accessible to the general people, it is effortlessly noticeable from the waterfront.

#5- Vavau
Vavaʻu is the island group of one big island and 40 tinier ones in Tonga. It is portion of Vavaʻu District which incorporates some other separate islands. According to convention the Maui god cast up both Tongatapu and Vavaʻu but put a bit more attempt into the previous. Vavaʻu mounts 204 meters above sea level at Mount Talau. The epicenter is Neiafu, which is the fifth biggest town in Tonga, located at the Port of Refuge.

#6- Fafa
Honeymoon couples, ignite your engines! Overlooking onto a glorious beach, Fafá Island Resort is the most graceful on Tongatapu’s off coast islands and one of the best tourist attractions in Tonga. It makes a wonderful day tour from Nuku’alofa too. Day-tour boats to Fafá leave Faua Jetty at 11 am and come back at 4.30pm every day. The resort’s conventional-style fale are ideal in their plainness, with timber-shingle ceilings and fences of knitted palm leaves.

#7- Mu’a
The Mu’a region holds Tonga’s wealthiest concentration of archaeological remains and it’s one of the best tourist attractions in Tonga. In AD 1200, Tu’itatui, the 11th of the Tu’i Tonga rulers, transferred the regal epicenter from Heketa (close to modern Niutoua) to Mu’a. There are 28 regal stone graves (langi) in the region, made with huge limestone blocks. The most reachable of these are two huge former graveyards off the dirt street towards the sea, right north of the Catholic Church. The construction nearest to the main street is the Paepae ‘o Tele’a (Stage of Tele’a), a pyramid-like stone monument. Tele’a was a Tu’i Tonga who ruled during the 16th century. The other, the Langi Namoala, has a nice instance of a fonualoto (cellar for a cadaver) on top.

#8- Hafangalupe Archway
Close to nowhere specific is this magnificent arch, also known as ‘the pigeon’s doorway’ – a virgin land span over the striking Pacific waves, created when the ceiling of a sea tunnel fell down. Stroll across the top and look into the hole, then stare west along the rugged shore. No barriers – mind your step.

#9- Ha’atafu Beach
On the west side of the island, Ha’atafu Beach is a sandy portion defended by a reef, where several of Tonga’s finest surf peels in (skilled surfers just require to apply). There are shielded swimming and snorkeling at high tide in the wide lagoon. If your timing is perfect (June to November), you can someday observe whales skipping in the distance of the reef.

#10- Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes
On an exceptionally fine day at Mapu’a ‘a Vaea (Chief’s Whistles), hundreds of blowholes squirt towards the sky suddenly. Time your trip for a breezy day with a mighty overflow, when the foam, enforced up through corroded holes in the coralline limestone, spurts 30m into the air. The blowhole-puzzled rocks extend for 5km along the south shore, close the village of Houma. This wonderful phenomena make this place a wonderful tourist attraction in Tonga.