10 Most Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Tonga

1. Ha’atafu Beach, Tongatapu

On the west coast of Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, Ha’atafu Beach is a popular place to check out the sunset. The western-facing beach captures stunning views of the sunset. Unfortunately, there are no longer any accommodations basking in the sunset here, but the reviving beach with decorated stone pathways and typically tranquil still makes for a worthy sunset stop. For more beaches to check out across the islands, see the 20 Best Beaches in Tonga.

Best for: Sunset.
Location: Ha’atafu (access road off Hihifo Road at the southern end of Ha’atafu village), west side of Tongatapu.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

2. Houmale’eia Beach, Ha’apai

On the northern tip of Foa Island, Houmale’eia Beach is arguably good for both the sunrise and sunset as it curves on the northernmost point. However, its western-facing resorts, the Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge, certainly capture the sunset best, making for a stunning place to relax with a glass of wine at the end of the day, either at the resorts’ restaurants or from your private deck.

Best for: Sunrise and sunset.
Location: The northern end of the main road, Loto Foa Road, Foa Island, Ha’apai.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

3. Uoleva Island, Ha’apai

Another island in the Ha’apai group, this island is uninhabited except for a small selection of boutique resorts and fales. Beachfront accommodations on the northwestern side of the island, such as Sea Change Eco Retreat, Kitesurf Tonga and Diana Beach Resort are the best places for watching the sunset across the ocean, while Serenity Beaches Resort has access to both north and south-facing beaches on the eastern side of the island, which are perfect for watching the sunrise. Even if you want to cross to the other side of the island for the sunrise/sunset, there are many short walking trails across the island to take advantage of.

Best for: Sunrise and sunset.
Location: Uoleva Island, Ha’apai. Resorts provide transfers for guests. Otherwise, boat charters to Uoleva depart from both Taufa’ahau Wharf and the jetty just south of the Visitor Information Centre, Pangai, Lifuka Island.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

4. Tufuvai Beach, ‘Eua

On the ancient island of ‘Eua, the west coast is awash in stunning hues at sunset which you can admire from resorts on or near Tufuvai Beach. Blue Water Retreat, in particular, is a good go-to for epic sunset viewings thanks to its beachfront restaurant looking out across the Pacific Ocean. For more wonderful sunset beaches to explore on the island, check out the 5 Best Beaches on ‘Eua.

Best for: Sunset.
Location: Tufuvai, central west coast of ‘Eua.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

5. Port of Refuge, Vava’u

The layering arms of ‘Utu Vava’u along with the sailing yachts dotting the harbour make the Port of Refuge a stunning setting for watching the sunset in Tonga. Good places to enjoy the sunset in the Port of Refuge include The Harbourview, Tongan Beach Resort and Mystic Sands. Alternatively, just head to the south end of Neiafu town and up the hill a little to watch the sunset across the still waters of the Neiafu Harbour. For more interesting places to discover in Vava’u, check out Sightseeing in Vava’u: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions.

Best for: Sunset.
Location: Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u and ‘Utungake Island, Vava’u.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

6. Matamahina Hopo Lookout, ‘Eua

For a magnificent sunrise or sunset from a height, look nowhere else than the mountainous island of ‘Eua. Due to its position close to the International Date Line, Matamahina Hopo Lookout is one of the first places to see the sunrise of the new day. Not only that, but the lookout offers an elevated clifftop platform to bask in some of ‘Eua’s most magnificent coastal scenery.

Best for: Sunrise.
Location: Matamahina Hopo Lookout is located along a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) rough dirt road starting from the graveyard at the northern end of Houma village, ‘Eua. Continue past the Fangatave Beach sign to a lookout platform. The journey from the main road takes approximately 35-45 minutes on foot one way.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

7. Funga Te’emoa (Soldier’s Grave), ‘Eua

Can you tell that we love ‘Eua?! Another high point that we can’t resist mentioning is the highest on the island, Funga Te’emoa. At 312 m (1,024 ft), this mountain in the ‘Eua National Park offers breathtaking views of both sunrise and sunset from its elevated position. ‘Eua’s highest point is also the home of the lonely “Soldier’s Grave” where a plaque here tells the story of how this New Zealand corporal came to be here.

Best for: Sunrise and sunset.
Location: Funga Te’emoa on the east coast of ‘Eua. The grave is only accessible by 4WD using the logging roads through the ‘Eua forestry area. Due to the poor state of the road, it takes approximately 1 hr 30 mins from the main road including time to take photos.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

8. ‘Ene’io Beach, Vava’u

One of Tonga’s most accessible easternmost beaches, ‘Ene’io Beach is a private beach in Vava’u that’s open for visitors for free except on Sundays. Relax on the sand and enjoy the manmade “swimming pool” area where rocks and coral have been cleared for safer swimming, especially for kids. While you’re there, join the reputable ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden tour, as described in the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Vava’u.

Best for: Sunrise.
Location: East side of ‘Utu Vava’u (the main island of Vava’u), south of Tu’anikivale. Keep left at the fork in Tu’anikivale and ‘Ene’io is approximately 900 m (980 yards) down this road.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

9. Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu

We’ve gone through a lot of beaches and coastal areas to enjoy the sunrise and sunset in Tonga, but even the capital captures stellar sunrises and sunsets. Providing alternative silhouettes for both the beginning and the end of the day, such as the Victorian-style building of the Royal Palace to towering coconut trees, Nuku’alofa is yet another amazing place to watch the sun do its thing in Tonga.

Best for: Sunrise and sunset.
Location: Nuku’alofa, north coast of Tongatapu.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

10. Fanga’uta Lagoon, Tongatapu

Finally, the placid waters of the Fanga’utu Lagoon in Tongatapu make for a stunning photo opportunity at both sunrise and sunset. It’s a good place to watch wading birds, see fishermen on their canoes and see the silhouette of Tonga’s towns and villages in the distance.

Best for: Sunrise and sunset.
Location: Fanga’utu Lagoon, central Tongatapu.

© Tonga Ministry of Tourism

[CLOSED] Keitahi Beach, Vava’u

[Update: Keitahi Beach is a private beach that is no longer open to the public]. 
Tonga’s easternmost beach is an ideal place to wake up early and watch the sunrise. This rugged beach on ‘Utu Vava’u (the main island of Vava’u) with rocks and tiny “islands” just off the coast and a sweeping coastline backed with trees makes for a stunning silhouette against the early morning sun.