Where to Stay on Tongatapu: The BEST Accommodations [2024]

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Tongatapu Accommodation on the East Side

The only accommodations outside of the capital, Nuku’alofa, can only be found on Tongatapu’s eastern side. Staying on this side of Tongatapu is ideal for travellers looking for a holiday retreat surrounded by nature, perhaps by the beach or within a lush forest. Although staying on the east side of Tongatapu means that you don’t have the conveniences of Nuku’alofa on your doorstep, it’s only a 30-minute drive to get into town.

More About Staying on the East Side of Tongatapu

What’s the east side good for? Sightseeing, beaches, nature, villages and unique accommodations.
What to do there? Beaches, Ha’amonga ‘a Maui, Fishing Pigs, Royal Terrace Tombs, Paepae’o Tele’a, Captain Cook’s Landing Place, ‘Anahulu Caves, ‘Oholei Beach and Hina Cave, Hufangalupe Land Bridge, Toloa Rainforest and Museum and more. See the 50 Best Things to Do on Tongatapu.
Where to eat? Katea Retreat, Garden Cafe, Ofeina Restaurant, Keli’i and Rose Restaurant, Costlow Food and more. See The Food Guide to Tongatapu for more details.

The Best Resorts on the East Side of Tongatapu

• Tukulolo Grounds & Treehouses – Handcrafted treehouses with meals to purchase and fire shows
• Katea Retreat – Five contemporary self-contained bungalows with beach access, restaurant and shows
• Kupesi Tonga Hotel – The closest accommodation to the airport
• Oholei Beach Resort – Open for cultural shows. Accommodation TBA.

For more details on these accommodations, check out the 20 Best Hotels & Resorts on Tongatapu.

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Tongatapu Accommodation in Nuku’alofa City Centre

Stay close to the action at the most central accommodations in Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa. Nuku’alofa city centre consists of the blocks surrounding Taufa’ahau Road running between the Royal Palace on the waterfront and the Royal Tombs inland. The area is a hub for shopping with highlights such as the Talamahu Market and Langafonua Handicraft Centre, as well as eateries such as Friends Cafe and The TOP Restaurant. Architectural highlights include the Centennial Church and the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. In short, staying in Nuku’alofa city centre is ideal for those who are keen to see the sights.

More About Staying in Nuku’alofa City Centre

What’s Central Nuku’alofa good for? Shopping, sightseeing, business, culture and markets.
What to do there? Royal Palace, Royal Tombs, Talamahu Market, Centennial Church, Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, Tonga National Museum (just past the tombs) and more. See the A Self-Guided Day Trip of Nuku’alofa.
Where to eat? Friend Cafes, The TOP Restaurant, Chand’s Curry House, 3 Men’s Fastfood, Hot Pizza & Restaurant, Cafe Escape, Ini’s Cakes, Agape Donuts, Aloha Cafe, Young’s Kitchen and more. See The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa for more details.

The Best Backpacker Hostels in Nuku’alofa City Centre

• Village Backpackers – Budget dorm and private rooms in a hotel-style setting
• Backpackers Townhouse – Two-bed dorms and private rooms near the Royal Tombs.

For more details on these accommodations, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

The Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa City Centre

• Tungi Colonnade Hotel – Hotel rooms with small kitchenettes and breakfast included.

More information on this hotel is listed in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

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Nuku’alofa Accommodation on Vuna Road (West Side)

A lineup of accommodations overlooks the waterfront on Vuna Road on the west side of the Royal Palace. Incorporating the suburbs of Tolosia, Kolomotu’a, Tongata’eapa and Spou ‘o Taufa’ahau, this area covers a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) stretch of waterfront so be mindful of where you choose to stay if you’re not keen on walking too far to get into town. At least many of the accommodations here boast their own restaurant open to outside visitors, so you have plenty of options for dining.

More About Staying on Vuna Road (West Side)

What’s Vuna Road (West Side) good for? Waterfront location and dining.
What to do there? Royal Palace, dining and drinking.
Where to eat? Little Italy, Seaview Restaurant and more. See The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa for more details.

The Best Budget Stay in Kolomotu’a

• NOA Guesthouse – Budget private rooms with shared kitchen and lounge a short walk into town.

For more details on this accommodation, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Tongatapu.

The Best Hotels on Vuna Road (West Side)

• Seaview Lodge & Restaurant – Upscale ensuite rooms and apartment with a restaurant
• Little Italy Hotel – Upscale hotel rooms with a popular restaurant
• Sunrise Hotel – Standard hotel rooms with breakfast included.

More information on these hotels is listed in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

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Nuku’alofa Accommodation on Vuna Road (Kolofo’ou)

Vuna Road to the east side of the Royal Palace stretches another 2.5 km (1.6 mi) until the end of Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf. There is a cluster of accommodations close to the city centre along Vuna Road and inland in Kolofo’ou and Fasi mo e afi ‘a Tungi suburbs/villages. This area boasts the best of both worlds by being ideally located within walking distance of town, as well as boating activities at Faua Wharf.

More About Staying on Vuna Road (Kolofo’ou)

What’s Vuna Road (Kolofo’ou) good for? Waterfront locations, roadside market stalls and proximity to both the city centre and Faua Wharf.
What to do there? Royal Palace, dining, Tourist Information Centre, Fa’onelua Park and more.
Where to eat? Tanoa Hotel Restaurant, Mum’s Cafe, Moli Green Cafe, Simon’s Place Cafe, Lunarossa Deli, Lava Cafe, 3 Men’s Pizza and more. See The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa for more details.

The Best Motel in Kolofo’ou

• Simon’s Place – Spacious ensuite rooms with an on-site cafe.

For more details on this accommodation, check out the 10 Best Guesthouses in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

The Best Hotels on Vuna Road and

Kolofo’ou

• Tanoa International Dateline Hotel – The largest hotel in Tonga with a pool and restaurant
• JeZAmi Hotel – Boutique hotel with double twin ensuite rooms and free WiFi
• Emerald Hotel & Restaurant – Standard hotel with a Chinese restaurant.

More information on these hotels is listed in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

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Nuku’alofa Accommodation in Ma’ufanga and Touliki

Head further east on Vuna Road and you’ll come across Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Wharf for interisland ferry travel, as well as Faua Wharf where small boats depart for snorkelling, scuba diving, whale swimming and island day trips. Other highlights include the Tu’i Mata Moana Market to try Tongan street food, while the city’s best place for swimming, Touliki Ocean Pool, sits all the way in Touliki where Vuna Road ends and becomes Taufa’ahau Road again. All in all, staying on the waterfront of Ma’ufanga and Touliki is not so good for sightseeing but perfect for adventure and water activities.

More About Staying in Ma’ufanga and Touliki

What’s Ma’ufanga and Touliki good for? Waterfront locations and proximity to the wharf for boat tours and ferry travel.
What to do there? Tu’i Mata Moana Market and Fish Market, St. Mary’s Cathedral, whale swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling tours, island day trips, Touliki Ocean Pool, dining and more – see the 30 Best Things to Do in Nuku’alofa.
Where to eat? Waterfront Restaurant, Builder’s Burger, Mi-Cafe and more. See The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa for more details.

The Best Hotels in Ma’ufanga and Touliki

• Waterfront Lodge – Boutique lodge with ensuite rooms and restaurant
• ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast – Hotel-style rooms with breakfast, restaurant and cooking facilities
• Villa Ishadora – Boutique lodge with private bathrooms.

More information on these hotels is listed in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

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Nuku’alofa Accommodation in Fangaloto, Popua and Umusi

On the far-flung east side of Nuku’alofa are the villages of Fangaloto, Popua and Umusi, which most just refer to as Popua. While you’ll benefit from a rental car or bicycle for staying this far from town, note that you’re also near some of the city’s most endearing cafes and attractions.

More About Staying in Fangaloto, Popua and Umusi

What’s Popua good for? Taste of village life, dining and culture tours.
What to do there? Ancient Tonga, Tina’s Workshop, Popua Park and more – see the 30 Best Things to Do in Nuku’alofa.
Where to eat? Chef Zero, Tupu’Anga Cafe, 12 Seafood Restaurant and more. See The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa for more details.

The Best Guesthouses in Popua

• Tonga Cottage, Siale Tonga and Tonga Holiday Villa – Collection of guesthouses with private rooms and some shared facilities
• Paea’s Guesthouse – Private room in a homestay operated by the accommodations listed above.

More information on these guesthouses is listed in the 10 Best Guesthouses in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

The Best Apartments and Holiday Homes in Popua

• Sky Lodge – Waterfront self-contained apartments for couples and solo travellers
• JeZAmi Hideaway – Four-bedroom holiday home in Fangaloto
• Tonga Cottage and Tonga Holiday Villa – Guesthouses that can be hired out as holiday homes.

Learn more about these accommodations in the 10 Best Holiday Homes on Tongatapu.

The Best Hotel in Umusi

• Paradise First Hotel – Boutique hotel with spacious ensuite double rooms, breakfast and kitchen.

More information on these hotels is listed in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

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Nuku’alofa Accommodation in Southern Nuku’alofa

Finally, when looking for accommodation in Nuku’alofa, you’ll find plenty of options among the southern suburbs/villages. With the exception of perhaps House of Tonga, you’ll probably want a rental vehicle to be able to get into town. Otherwise, buses run back and forth. Although southern Nuku’alofa doesn’t offer much in the way of attractions, at least you’re in a good position to explore the rest of Tongatapu.

More About Staying in Southern Nuku’alofa

What’s Southern Nuku’alofa good for? Taste of village life and proximity to the hospital.
What to do there? Road trip around Tongatapu – see A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Tongatapu.
Where to eat? Meiletaha Cafe, Little India, Precious Stone Restaurant and more. See The Food Guide to Nuku’alofa for more details.

The Best Guesthouses and B&Bs in Southern Nuku’alofa

• Winnie’s B&B – Affordable yet high-standard B&B with twin and double ensuite rooms.
• Toni’s Guesthouses & Apartments – Private rooms and dorms with some shared facilities in Tofoa and Puke
• Daypring Lodge – Private rooms with shared facilities in Tofoa.

More information on these guesthouses is listed in the 10 Best Guesthouses in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

The Best Holiday Homes in Southern Nuku’alofa

• Fale Tonga Guesthouse – Design-driven two-bedroom holiday homes among plantations
• Green Lodge Holiday Homes – Budget holiday homes with cultural activities on offer
• Fiefia Fale – Modern self-contained unit behind Koko Designs.

Learn more about these accommodations in the 10 Best Holiday Homes on Tongatapu.

The Best Hotel in Southern Nuku’alofa

• House of Tonga – Boutique hotel with spacious ensuite double rooms, breakfast and cafe.

More information on these hotels is listed in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

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The Best Accommodations on Tongatapu: Accommodation Categories

By now, you’ve probably realised that Tongatapu has accommodations appealing to all types of travellers and that here, at Tonga Pocket Guide, we’ve ranked all the best! Browse Tongatapu accommodation by category using the following links:

• 20 Best Resorts & Hotels
• 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations
• 10 Best Holiday Homes
• 5 Best Luxury Accommodations
• 5 Best Backpacker Hostels
• 10 Best Budget Accommodations
• 10 Most Romantic Accommodations
• 10 Best Family Accommodations.

Plan more of your trip according to different travel styles using The Complete Travel Guide to Tongatapu.