Tonga Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks

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How to Get Around Tonga in Two Weeks

For a real South Pacific Island adventure, we have you exploring three of the five island groups of Tonga. While we give you some transport tips within the itinerary, here’s a quick overview of how to get around Tonga on your honeymoon.

Road Transport in Tonga

Upon arrival to each island group in Tonga, accommodations typically offer airport transfers or car rental companies can deliver vehicles to the airport. Tongatapu also has taxis. Check out How to Get an Airport Transfer in Tonga for more on the subject.

For travelling on each of the islands, car hire offers the most flexibility, convenience and privacy. Get advice on car hire from What You Need to Hire a Car in Tonga. Alternatively while on Tongatapu, this itinerary is doable with a mix of taxis (see The Complete Guide to Taxis in Tonga), hiring private drivers (see How to Hire a Driver in Tonga for more advice), as well as taking guided tours such as the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Tonga – the latter is also available on ‘Eua. For Ha’apai, rely on your resorts to get around (some have bicycle hire) or rent a car.

Overwater Transport in Tonga

In this itinerary, we mostly recommend taking domestic flights between the island groups, which is the fastest and most convenient for most travellers – see Domestic Flights in Tonga: A Guide to Interisland Flights. We only suggest the ferry when crossing between Nuku’alofa and ‘Eua, should you want the experience – see Tonga Ferry Guide: How to Use Ferries for Interisland Travel. Note that no flights or ferries operate on a Sunday and both transport services are prone to cancellations due to bad weather; that’s why this itinerary allows for extra days at each destination, as well as leaves a day between domestic and international flights.

For getting to island resorts, resorts offer their own boat transfers, which need to be arranged before arrival. Otherwise, check out A Guide to Boat Transfers & Water Taxis in Tonga for alternatives.

For all of your transport options across the islands, check out our Tonga Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around Tonga.

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Day 1 – Arrival in Tonga

Travel time: 15-20 mins airport transfer.

Your honeymoon begins in Tongatapu! For your first couple of nights, we recommend indulging in one of the beachfront or rainforest resorts to put yourselves in an idyllic setting to set the right tone for your romantic getaway. Settle into your fale and enjoy a romantic meal at your resort. Tomorrow, the real fun begins.

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Day 2 – Explore Tongatapu

Travel time: 1-3 hours drive for sightseeing (see The Driving Times & Distances in Tonga).

Your first full day in Tonga is teeming with possibilities. How about exploring Tongatapu together, delving into hidden caves and pools or finding yourselves alone on one of Tongatapu’s beaches? For something more active, buddy up on a scuba diving excursion or share a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with whales (available between July and October)!

Day Tour of Tongatapu

Explore sights, such as the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, Mapua ‘a Vaea Blowholes, Tsunami Rock, ‘Anahulu Cave and much more by either taking a self-guided driving tour of Tongatapu (see A Self-Guided Day Trip of Tongatapu) or one of the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Tongatapu.

Romantic Activities in Tongatapu

• Share a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with whales
• Buddy up on a scuba diving trip
• Go for a long walk on the beach
• Discover secret cave pools together
• Escape to an off-shore island for the day
• Rent a car and explore the sights of Tongatapu
• See the sights of Nuku’alofa by bike.

Get more information and ideas in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do on Tongatapu.

Dining Recommendations

If out sightseeing, lunch stops along the road include the Garden Cafe (Vaini) and Siva’s Dream Cafe (Te’ekiu). Otherwise, check out cafes in town listed in the 10 Best Cafes in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

For dinner, your chosen resort provides meals/has a restaurant for guests. Alternatively, check out one of Tongatapu’s cultural shows and Tongan buffets, as listed in the 10 Best Cultural Shows in Tonga.

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Day 3 – Tongatapu to ‘Eua

Travel time: 15-20 mins airport/wharf transfer + 10 mins flight/2 hrs ferry + 5-10 mins ‘Eua airport/wharf transfer (see Tonga Travel Times & Distances).

Transport yourself from the developed Tongatapu to the rugged piece of paradise, ‘Eua. The island sits less than 20 km (11 mi) southeast of Tongatapu and is Tonga’s oldest island, offering weathered coastlines and verdant forests for an alternative romantic setting to your honeymoon/romantic getaway.

How to Get to ‘Eua

For a scenic and intimate experience, we recommend taking the 7-10-minute flight from Fua’amotu Airport’s domestic terminal to ‘Eua. In ‘Eua, you should be able to arrange for your accommodation to pick you up or a car rental company to deliver the vehicle to the airport/wharf, as there is no public transport on the island.

Romantic Accommodation on ‘Eua

‘Eua is an island of basic budget accommodation, which is ideal for the non-fussy couple. Nevertheless, some of the most romantic stays for couples include:

• Blue Water Retreat
• Talei’s Guesthouse
• Tukia Complex
• Seta’s Guesthouse
• Toafa Lodge
• Pacific Sila Lodge

Learn more about these stays and more in the 5 Most Romantic Accommodations on ‘Eua.

Dining Recommendations

Hum, on ‘Eua there isn’t much. Either enjoy meals provided by your accommodation, self-cater with advice from A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Tonga, or check out The Complete Travel Guide to ‘Eua for the limited restaurant options.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

Days 4 & 5 – Explore ‘Eua

Travel time: 30 mins – 1 hr drive for sightseeing (see The Driving Times & Distances in Tonga).

‘Eua is all about embracing nature, making it the ideal place to disconnect from the world and connect with each other. For the active couple, do one of the breathtaking hikes in and around the ‘Eua National Park where exploring limestone caves, seeing huge banyan trees and looking for parrots are all part of the experience. You can also see the sights by following A Self-Guided Day Trip of ‘Eua or joining one of The Best Guided Island Land Tours of ‘Eua.

Furthermore, there are some exciting opportunities to freedive in the South Pacific’s largest sea cave or, again, with majestic humpback whales.

Romantic Activities on ‘Eua

• Enjoy long walks and explore tidal pools along ‘Eua’s secluded beaches
• Tackle one of ‘Eua’s glorious hikes together
• Share a life-changing experience swimming with whales
• Look out for the red shining parrot with some bird-watching
• Experience ‘Eua’s magnificent sunrises…
• … Or stay out to stargaze under a fantastical display
• Try out glamping at Blue Water Retreat.

Get details on each experience and more in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do on ‘Eua.

Dining Recommendations

Whatever you decided to do today, no doubt you worked up an appetite so treat yourself to one of the island’s very few restaurants such as Talei’s Restaurant (Angaha).

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Day 6 – ‘Eua to Nuku’alofa

Travel time: 5-10 mins ‘Eua airport/wharf transfer + 10 mins flight/2 hrs ferry + 30 mins Nuku’alofa airport transfer or 5 mins Nuku’alofa wharf transfer.

The island-hopping continues, back to Tongatapu where this time you’ll stay in the nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa! Here, you’ll be able to check out some of the city sights, like the Royal Palace and the Royal Tombs, as well as browse amazing handicrafts at the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre and the Talamahu Market – check out A Self-Guided Day Tour of Nuku’alofa. Once you’ve walked your feet off or done one of the alternative experiences listed below, indulge in one of the city’s finest restaurants, as recommended in the 20 Best Restaurants in Nuku’alofa.

Romantic Activities in Nuku’alofa

• Indulge in a couples massage at Island Glow
• Have a life-changing experience swimming with humpback whales
• Enjoy an island escape to Pangaimotu Island
• Buddy up on a scuba diving trip
• See the sights by bike
• Sit down to a romantic dinner in one of the city’s restaurants
• Get her/him a personalised Tongan gift
• Learn a new skill together like crafting your own Tongan souvenir.

Get more details on each activity in the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Nuku’alofa.

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Day 7 – Nuku’alofa to Ha’apai

Travel time: 30 mins airport transfer + 50 mins flight + 20 mins – 1 hr Ha’apai airport transfer.

Arrange for your accommodation to transfer you or book a taxi for you to the domestic terminal of Fua’amotu Airport. This time, you’re heading to the central island group in Tonga, Ha’apai!

Ha’apai is much less developed than Tongatapu, making it feel like a real hidden gem of the South Pacific. It also means that you will need to rely on your chosen resort to pick you up from the airport and take you to your next romantic stay in the islands.

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Days 8-12 – Relax and Explore in Ha’apai

With glistening waters lapping up onto white sandy beaches backed by swaying palm trees, Ha’apai is a place to relax and enjoy the feeling of being marooned together in paradise. Resorts offer several ways to unwind between yoga classes, sunset paddleboarding and having plenty of hammocks on the beach. Otherwise, the more active couple can enjoy scuba diving over unspoiled reefs, exploring the islands by bicycle or horseback, or, once again, swimming with beautiful whales. There’s so much to do in Ha’apai (or not do, if you prefer) that we recommend you truly soak it all in with five full days in paradise!

Romantic Activities in Ha’apai

• Be treated to a private island experience
• Experience a life-changing whale-swimming tour
• Explore the islands on horseback
• Have a private dining experience
• Be each other’s “buddy” on a scuba diving trip
• Relax and rejuvenate in a yoga session together
• See the sights by bike
• Test your relationship in a double kayak
• Stargaze at some of the darkest skies
• Snuggle up in a hammock.

For more details on each experience, see the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Ha’apai.

Dining Recommendations

For something a little different, it’s well worth making your way to the sandy south of Lifuka Island to Leleno ki Moana (Hihifo) for beachfront dining on impeccably presented plates. Otherwise, more recommendations can be found in The Food Guide to Ha’apai: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

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Day 13 – Ha’apai to Nuku’alofa

Travel time: 20 mins – 1 hr airport transfer + 50 mins flight + 30 mins Nuku’alofa airport transfer.

Although it’s going to feel impossible to leave the stunning islands of Ha’apai, we recommend leaving the day before your flight out of Tonga, as domestic flight schedules often change in Tonga due to less-than-ideal weather conditions. Nevertheless, you’ll hit the skies once again with glorious views of the island archipelago before landing back in Tongatapu. We recommend staying in Nuku’alofa again for just a one-night stay, where you’ll be able to share one last romantic dinner in paradise.

Dining Recommendations

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Day 14 – Departure Day

Travel time: 30 mins.

Perhaps you have time to do some sightseeing or one of the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Nuku’alofa if you are taking one of the evening flights out of Tonga. Otherwise, treat yourself to an indulgent breakfast at the Friends Cafe, Cafe Escape or Coffee Post before getting a taxi to Fua’amotu International Airport for the final time on your honeymoon.

Your accommodation should be able to transfer you to Fua’amotu Airport from Nuku’alofa. Otherwise, book a taxi from the information centre or the taxi ranks in town.

Remember to arrive at the airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure so that you have enough time to check in, go through security and browse the small selection of retail offerings. For anything else you need to know about leaving Tonga, it’s all listed in our guide, Leaving Tonga: Departure Tips & Checklist.

And it’s “Nofo ā” (goodbye) to Tonga!