The Cheapest Resorts in Tonga
A stunning island stay isn’t reserved for the wealthy. Those with a sense of adventure will find a pretty magical place to stay in Tonga even on a budget. Sure, Tonga’s budget resorts are pretty basic, some even don’t have electricity or hot water, but you’ll surely get the “stranded on an island” vibe that will help you realise that you don’t need much to enjoy life (or, at least life on a stunning uninhabited island). So check out some of our recommended budget resorts in Tonga in the list below!
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country, especially when it comes to accommodation. With that in mind, some of the services accommodations provide are known to change without notice. If there is any information needing an update in the listings below, feel free to reach out!
1. Diana Beach Resort (Ha’apai)
Enjoy tranquillity, culture and a beautiful beach setting at Diana Beach Resort (formerly Taiana’s Resort) on Uoleva Island. The resort in Ha’apai has three Tongan-style fales which are simple but add to the island adventure! Each fale is lined with beautifully woven walls and contains a double bed, mosquito net, a box to put food in, and a bedside table with a solar lantern – think of it like beach glamping! Guests share a shower and toilet in a separate block, while there’s also a communal kitchen and dining room building where you can also charge your devices. Families can stay too thanks to the resort also offering a larger beach house. Backpackers have the option to camp on the grounds in one of the tents available if the other fales are occupied.
As for entertainment, well, you better enjoy snorkelling, lazying on the beach and whale swimming during the whale season! Breakfast and dinner are also available to order, so give your hosts notice. Airport/ferry transfers to the island are also offered (and mandatory to get to the resort) for a fee. Discover more places to stay nearby in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Ha’apai.
2. Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers (Vava’u)
For that island getaway experience in Vava’u, head to the Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers! Set on the sandy shores of Ofu Island, a short boat ride from Neiafu’s old harbour – Houmelei Wharf, the Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers offers basic but ultra-affordable private fales (bungalows) with power outlets sourced by solar power and ensuite bathrooms with cold water. Alternatively, backpackers can stay in one of the three rooms in the main house with a communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. Meals are also available with the highlight being a Tongan feast and floor show once a week. See more accommodations to keep the costs low in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Vava’u.
3. Lucky’s Beach Houses (Vava’u)
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Neiafu and experience a more laid-back side of Vava’u at Lucky’s Beach Houses. The boutique accommodation’s most affordable rooms are their duplex units with a double bed or twin bed, screened window and a ceiling fan. There is also a shared bathroom block. Make use of the shared kitchen facilities including a barbecue, or upgrade to one of the fully self-contained bungalows. The beachfront accommodation in Talihau village has complimentary kayaks and snorkelling spots (bring your own gear) and offers airport transfers, which include stopping in town for supplies, for a fee.
4. Blue Water Retreat (‘Eua)
With the sandy Tufuvai Beach on its doorstep, Blue Water Retreat presents a dreamy location for a budget price. The closest thing to a resort on ‘Eua offers a small selection of ocean-view ensuite bungalows; four with a queen/twin bed with double and single occupancy rates and three family bungalows. The bungalows are recently renovated and feature a private deck where you can watch the sunset and see whales on the horizon during the whale season. Ferry/airport transfers are included in the accommodation rates, while whale watching, spearfishing and island tours, as well as creative buffet-style meals at the onsite restaurant, can all be organised with the resort for an effortless stay. Glamping is also available at a higher price. For more places to stay on the island, check out Where to Stay on ‘Eua: The Best ‘Eua Accommodations.
5. [CLOSED] Heilala Holiday Lodge
Make it easy by staying on Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, at the stunning Ha’atafu Beach. Stay in one of the standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities in the main lodge for an ultra-cheap option or upgrade to one of the stand-alone fales with an ensuite bathroom. What’s more, the lodge offers a whole list of free inclusions, such as airport transfers, an introductory tour of Nuku’alofa, daily breakfast, snorkelling gear and bike hire. Check out more options nearby in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Tongatapu.
More About Budget Resorts in Tonga
That’s it for the best budget resorts in Tonga. For more about planning an affordable getaway to The Kingdom, take a look at more of our essential guides:
- How to Pick the Best Budget Accommodation in Tonga for You
- 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Tonga
- Tonga Budget Itinerary: 7 Days
Finally, see more amazing stays in Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Travel Guide to Tonga on a Budget.
Author
Robin (Lopini) C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.