The Top Walking and Hiking Trails in Tonga
There’s never a lack of sandy beaches, quaint villages or small towns to explore in Tonga on foot. However, if you’re looking for a real walk or hiking mission, then there are a few we can suggest, from the clifftop rock gardens of ‘Eua to the mountain-top missions in Vava’u. Take a look at the list below of the walks and hikes in Tonga to challenge yourself with and experience some of the best scenery in The Kingdom.
1. Rock Garden Hike, ‘Eua (Allow 2 Hours)
The first of many great hikes on the island of ‘Eua, the Rock Garden Hike features unusual rock formations, wild horses, red shining parrots, the Lianga Huo ‘a Maui Natural Archway, the dramatic Lakufa’anga Cliffs and more. The walk can be tackled independently by parking up on the roadside near the access gate (make sure to close it behind you). Alternatively, you can navigate the Rock Gardens in a high-clearance rental vehicle. Check out the details of this walk in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua.
Location: South coast of ‘Eua. Take the main road all of the way south until you reach a gate that you’ll need to open (and close behind you). The road turns into well-established grass trails that are easy to explore on foot (or by a high-clearance vehicle).
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Toloa Rainforest Reserve, Tongatapu (10-20 Minutes Loop)
Well-maintained forest trails wind their way through the 6 ha (14-acre) Toloa Rainforest Reserve on Tongatapu. Located on the grounds of the Tupou College near Fua’amotu Airport, the rainforest is one of the last remaining natural forests in Tonga. There are interpretation panels along the trail to indicate particular plant species, some of which you can’t find anywhere else. You’re also likely to see butterflies and flying foxes along the trail.
Location: Follow signs for Tupou College from Tuku’Aho Road between Fua’amotu Airport and Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu
(c) tongapocketguide.com3. Uoleva Island, Ha’apai (3 Hours Loop)
There are many small islands across Tonga with accommodation and plenty of opportunities to walk across or around the island. Just one example is Uoleva Island in the Ha’apai group. Not only does this island have around four different accommodations to base yourself but there are several options to cut across the island to experience its interior forest. A popular walk is around its sandy perimeter which is approximately 10.2 km (6.3 mi). Most resorts can organise a packed lunch to take with you.
Location: Uoleva Island, accessible by resort boats and private charters from Lifuka, Ha’apai. See The Guide to Interisland Ferry Travel in Tonga to learn more.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Fangatave Beach and Caves, ‘Eua (Allow a Full Day)
Another fantastic hike on ‘Eua, the Fangtave Beach and Caves hike is an adventurous scramble down rocks until you reach the beach. First, you’ll reach a view of Kahana Spring, before exploring some 11 caves on your way down to the beach. While some attempt this hike independently, it’s easy to get lost so a guide is recommended – see The Best Guided Tours in ‘Eua. Again, get more in-depth information on this walk in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua.
Location: Signposted along the dirt road heading east at the northern end of Houma village, northeast coast of ‘Eua. A guide is highly recommended.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism5. Mt Talau, Vava’u (10-40 Minutes One Way)
This is a short walk if you drive or a longer walk from the town of Neiafu in Vava’u. Mt Talau is a towering peak at 131 m (430 ft) and an established national park. Either walk from the town centre, which is approximately 30 minutes one way or drive/take a taxi to the start of the official walk which is a 10-minute climb up some steep concrete steps to the top. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with two viewing decks overlooking Neiafu, the Neiafu Harbour, the Port of Refuge and the islands beyond!
Location: From Neiafu, follow Tapueluefu Road (just past the Police Station) for approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) until you see the entrance signs for the Mt Talau National Park. ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com6. Katea Medicine Walk, Tongatapu (2 Hours)
Katea Retreat might be more known for its cultural shows and umu buffets, but the beach resort on Tongatapu also offers a unique guided walk. The walk begins on the resort’s breathtaking beach backed with caves before delving into the forest where you’ll learn about the vegetation and how they are used in traditional Tongan medicine. Along the way, you’ll also check out sacred landmarks and learn more about Tonga’s unique history from your knowledgeable local guide. The experience concludes with a fabulous lunch.
Location: Katea Retreat, Nakolo (access road off Liku Road, just south of Nakolo village), southeast coast of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Kapa Island, Vava’u (20 Minutes One Way)
One of the joys of staying on Vava’u‘s outer islands is exploring on foot. For those staying at The Reef Resort on Kapa Island, there are a myriad of bush trails leading to gorgeous forests and villages across the island. Our favourite walk, however, is the approximately 1.3 km (0.8 mi) bush trail between The Reef Resort and the sweeping beach of Port Mourelle. From the resort, follow the trail south (keeping right) until you emerge on pristine white sands and typical views of sailing yachts.
Location: Northeast coast of Kapa Island, Vava’u. Boat transport can be arranged from Neiafu to Kapa Island through the Visitor Information Centre or The Reef Resort.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Eueiki Island, Vava’u (40 Minutes Loop)
Another island resort with plenty to explore is at Treasure Island Eco Resort on Eueiki Island. The 19 ha (48-acre) island is large enough to be interesting yet small enough to get to know with two walking trails that make navigating its forest-filled centre a lot easier. There’s the “Upper Plateau” trail that leads to an ancient tomb and a stunning viewpoint and the “Lower Plateau” trail leads to a cave where it’s possible to see coconut crabs. Learn more about the resort in The Top 25 Resorts in Tonga.
Location: Eueiki Island, Vava’u. Boat transport can be arranged from Neiafu to Eueiki Island through the Visitor Information Centre or Treasure Island Eco Resort.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Tofua Island, Ha’apai (Allow a Full Day)
The most adventurous hikers can hire boat transport to get to the western Ha’apai island of Tofua, which is incidentally Tonga’s most active volcano. With a guide, it’s possible to hike to the caldera of this large island and take in the wonderful surrounding views. Allow a full day for the journey and to explore around the 5 km (3.1 mi) caldera.
Location: Boat charters to Tofua Island depart from the jetty just south of the Visitor Information Centre, Pangai, Lifuka Island, Ha’apai. Inquire about organising a return boat trip to the island at the Visitor Information Centre. Learn more about chartering boats in A Guide to Boat Transfers & Water Taxis in Tonga.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism10. Kao Island, Ha’apai (Allow a Full Day)
Neighbouring Tofua, Kao Island is Tonga’s highest peak at 1,030 m (3,379 ft). It makes for a difficult hike to the top, but those who make it are rewarded with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the neighbouring Tofua Island. Special boat transport and a guide are recommended for this excursion.
Location: Boat charters to Tofua Island depart from the jetty just south of the Visitor Information Centre, Pangai, Lifuka Island, Ha’apai. Inquire about organising a return boat trip to the island at the Visitor Information Centre. Learn more about chartering boats in A Guide to Boat Transfers & Water Taxis in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com11. Hafu Pool and Big ‘Ovava Tree #1, ‘Eua (Allow 3 Hours)
This hike on the eastern side of ‘Eua takes you deep into a planted forest with a huge variety of trees, from pines to cedars, gum trees to sandalwood. There are also pockets of original forest to admire. The giant ‘Ovava Tree #1 and Hafu Pool are some of the interesting features of this walk. Once again, see the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua for more details on this walk.
Location: Signposted between Mata’aho and ‘Esia villages down a narrow 1.8 km (1.1 mi) dirt road. To drive this road, a high-clearance vehicle is advised. East side of ‘Eua.
© TongaPocketGuide.com12. Lokupo Beach and ‘Eua National Park, ‘Eua (Allow a Full Day)
A full-day hike and something a bit more challenging than the other walks we’ve mentioned for ‘Eua so far, the walks in ‘Eua National Park are simply stunning. A guide is a must to keep you on the right rough trails through the forest, which features several breathtaking viewpoints, a cave and a trail down to the remote Lokupo Beach. Get a full description of the walk in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua.
Location: East coast of ‘Eua. Access to the ‘Eua National Park is via the signposted logging road at the intersection from the main road in Kolomaile/Ha’atu’a villages.
© TongaPocketGuide.com13. Hilltop Hike, Niuatoputapu (30 Minutes One Way)
And for the traveller who wants to see the “real” South Pacific, travel to the far-flung island of Niuatoputapu with traditional villages, pristine sandy beaches and more. You can walk to the 157 m (516 ft) peak of the island, which is an eroded volcano, to get some awesome views of the surrounding island, Pacific Ocean and the nearby Tafahi Island. Speaking of which, you can take a fishing boat over to Tafahi and ask the villagers to show you where to hike to the top of that island, which is 560 m (1,840 ft) high! Find out more about this intriguing island group in The Complete Guide to The Niuas.
Location: Behind Hihifo and Falehaufo’ou villages, central Niuatoputapu, The Niuas.
(c) Eunice PongipongiMore About Walks and Hikes in Tonga
That’s it for the best walks and hikes in Tonga. For more ways to experience nature, take a look at these guides:
- 10 Best Caves in Tonga
- 10 Best Natural Attractions in Tonga
- The Most Beautiful Swimming Holes in Tonga
Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
