Ha’apai’s Most Romantic Experiences
Ha’apai is a remote island group in the centre of Tonga where couples can reconnect with nature and each other. The landscape is utterly romantic with vibrant waters, secluded sandy shores and swaying palms, while the activities here are unforgettable. Spend your days swimming with whales, being whisked away to an island all to yourselves, doubling up in a kayak to explore the azure waters, and oh-so-much more! Get an idea of how you could be spending time in paradise with your loved one with this list of romantic things to do in Ha’apai for couples.
While you’re here, get more romantic getaway ideas in The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Ha’apai.
1. Be Treated to a Private Island Experience
Ready to be whisked away with your loved one to your own private island? Sea Change Eco Retreat on Uoleva Island offers the opportunity for couples to spend the day on one of the nearby tiny islands fringed by stunning coral reefs. On the island, it will be just the two of you, some snorkelling gear, beach towels and a picnic lunch to make the most of the experience. All you need to do is radio call the crew when and if you’re ready to leave.
Location: Sea Change Eco Retreat, Uoleva Island.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Experience Whale Swimming
Nothing strengthens the bond quite like experiencing something life-changing together. Swimming with humpback whales is definitely one of those experiences. Jump on one of the very few whale swimming tours in Ha’apai that operate between July and October and see the whales in their element. Join mothers and playful calves in the water or see juveniles “showing off”. It’s sure to give you a whole new level of respect for life in the ocean.
Location: All over Ha’apai! See operators in the 7 Best Whale Swim Tours in Ha’apai.
(c) tongapocketguide.com3. Explore an Island on Horseback
There’s something quite romantic about seeing your loved one riding a majestic horse, right? Horse riding might be a way of life on the islands of Ha’apai, as a way of getting around, but it’s also a romantic way to explore some of Foa Island. Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge offer guests the opportunity to for an island-style horse trek (i.e. bareback) or they have saddles if you prefer. Embark on a journey through tropical forests or across sandy beaches, even taking your horse for a swim. Learn more about the experience in The Guide to Horse Riding in Tonga.
Location: Trips depart from Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge, north of Foa Island.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism4. Have a Private Beach Dinner or an Island Picnic Lunch
Sea Change Eco Retreat offers guests the opportunity to amp up their dining experience on Uoleva Island, free of charge! Dine under the stars as they organise a private candlelit dinner for you on the beach. Alternatively, both Sea Change and neighbouring Kitesurf Tonga can prepare a picnic for you to enjoy while exploring the island on foot among the myriad of trails and discovering secluded beaches. See more experiences like this in the 5 Things to Do in Ha’apai for Foodies, while more details about the walk around Uoleva can be found in the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in Tonga.
Location: Sea Change Eco Retreat and Kitesurf Tonga, Uoleva Island.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Be Each Other’s “Buddy” in a Scuba Diving Trip
Experienced divers have an amazing array of tunnels to swim through and reefs to explore, while newbies have the opportunity to learn a new skill together when scuba diving in Ha’apai! PADI-affiliated dive courses and trips are available, providing amazing dive experiences to see vibrant marine life in virtually untouched coral reefs. Learn more about diving in Ha’apai in The Best Scuba Diving in Ha’apai: 5 Best Dive Sites.
Location: Matafonua Lodge and Sandy Beach Resort, Foa Island. See The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours in Ha’apai to find out more.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism6. Refresh and Rejuvenate with a Yoga Session
Get into the same state of mind and let the islands of Ha’apai rejuvenate you through one of the yoga sessions. Both Serenity Beaches Resort and Sea Change Eco Retreat have their own yoga pavilions with yoga mats nestled in coconut palms and steps away from the beach, providing the ideal environment for relaxation. Learn more about the set-up in the 5 Best Yoga Resorts in Tonga.
Location: Serenity Beaches Resort and Sea Change Eco Retreat, Uoleva Island.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. See the Sights by Bike
A fun way for couples to explore the islands independently is by hiring a bicycle. Resorts on Lifuka and Foa Islands have complimentary bike hire for guests. Then you have a whole two islands to ride across, which is thankfully flat and full of interesting sights. See historical monuments and breathtaking lookouts and discover glorious beaches and quaint villages as you peddle around the islands. See what attractions are worth hitting by bike in the Top 10 Sights in Ha’apai or follow our cycling itinerary in The Best Bike Trails in Tonga.
Location: Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge, Foa Island. Ha’apai Beach Resort, Lifuka Island. For more bike rental options, see Where to Rent Bicycles in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Test Your Relationship in a Double Kayak
Ha’apai’s waters are often tranquil protected lagoons, crystal clear and ideal for kayaking. Double up in a kayak and explore the shores and reefs together, often much more efficiently if paddling well together! Alternatively, keep the peace by hiring out single kayaks… Most resorts hire kayaks for free, which your honeymoon budget will certainly thank you for.
Location: All over Ha’apai! See a list of resorts with kayaks in The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Stargaze Among Some of the Darkest Skies
Isolated in the vast South Pacific, Ha’apai certainly doesn’t suffer from too much light pollution and therefore offers a breathtaking location for stargazing. Looking up from anywhere on the islands on a dark and clear night is bound to mesmerise with the view of the universe, but getting away from the village lights to any one of the beaches is sure to enhance the experience. If you’re staying at Matafonua Lodge, ask to use their telescope!
Location: Anywhere on Ha’apai! Check out the 5 Best Places for Stargazing in Tonga for specific locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Snuggle Up in a Hammock
Let’s be honest, you’re going to want to relax at some point, soak in the sun and feel the balmy island breeze wash over you. All of Ha’apai’s resorts have places to unwind, whether it’s on your fale’s private deck or from a secluded hammock in the trees. Snuggling up in a hammock and embracing the here and now is not a bad way to spend a romantic getaway in Tonga.
Location: Anywhere in Ha’apai!
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore Romantic Things to Do in Ha’apai for Couples
That’s it for the most romantic things to do in Ha’apai for couples. For more ideas, take a look at the following:
- 10 Luxury Activities in Ha’apai
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ha’apai
- 10 Adult-Only Activities in Ha’apai
Finally, you might also like to check out The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Tonga and 10 Romantic Things to Do in Tonga for more honeymooning tips.
