Tonga Adults-Only Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks

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How to Get Around Tonga in Two Weeks

The itinerary below has you visiting all of Tonga’s major island groups (except The Niuas which you only need to read The Complete Guide to The Niuas to see why). With that, you’ll need to do some travelling over land and water. While we give some tips in the itinerary, here is an overview of how to get around Tonga in two weeks.

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 and Vava’u also have 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, 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.

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 Vava’u and Ha’apai and 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 + Nuku’alofa

Travel time: 30 mins drive.

Arrival at Fua’amotu International Airport (Tongatapu)

You’ve arrived in Tonga! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals area to where your airport transfer to the capital, Nuku’alofa, will be waiting, whether it’s organised through your accommodation or simply a taxi transfer (see your options in How to Get an Airport Transfer in Tonga).

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Day 2 – Explore Tongatapu

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

Now your adults-only getaway can get into full swing, whether you prefer to be out on the water or exploring the sights on land. Check out some of the suggestions on how you can spend your time with your loved one or mates in the list below!

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.

Alternative Activities on Tongatapu for Adults

• Surf the epic reef breaks at Ha’atafu Beach
• Rent a car and explore the sights of Tongatapu
• Indulge in a relaxing island spa treatment
• Drink and be merry at Nuku’alofa’s bars and nightclubs
• Scuba or freedive among caves and corals.

Find out more about each activity in our list of the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

Dining and Drink 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, check out one of Tongatapu’s cultural shows and Tongan buffets. Otherwise, The Top Restaurant (Taufa’ahau Road) and Chef Zero (Popua) rarely fail to impress. For more dining recommendations, head to The Food Guide to Tongatapu, while more about the capital’s nightlife can be found in The Guide to Nuku’alofa Nightlife.

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Day 3 – Nuku’alofa to ‘Eua

Travel time: 2 hrs ferry, 10-min flight (see Tonga Travel Times & Distances).

It’s time to experience more of Tonga, with your next destination being the rugged piece of paradise of ‘Eua Island! The island that sits less than 20 km (11 mi) southeast of Tongatapu is Tonga’s oldest island and offers a wealth of amazing weathered landscapes to explore.

How to Get to ‘Eua

Get there by either taking one of the ferries from the Taufa’ahau Tupou VI Domestic Wharf in Nuku’alofa or grabbing a cab to the domestic terminal of Fua’amotu Airport where you’ll catch a super quick flight to the island. The latter is a much more intimate and appropriate option for an adults-only holiday.

On arrival to ‘Eua, either pick up your rental vehicle from the wharf/airport if prearranged or your accommodation provider will transfer you to your ‘Eua abode.

Accommodations on ‘Eua

While there is no official adults-only accommodation on ‘Eua, there is the odd holiday home/self-contained accommodation where guests can choose who they share the home with. So by all means, make it adults-only! Recommendations include:

• Tukia Complex
• Pacific-Sila Lodge
• Seta’s Guest House
• Falakiko Guesthouse

Find out more about these accommodations in our guide, Where to Stay in ‘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.

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Day 4 – Explore ‘Eua

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

Day Tour of ‘Eua

The tranquillity and nature of this small island is definitely an appeal for an adults-only holiday. Disconnect from modern life and connect with nature on one of the island hikes in or around the ‘Eua National Park. 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.

Activities on ‘Eua for Adults

Alternatively, do something adventurous that you would never be able to do with the kids, like spearfishing or sports fishing, swimming with majestic humpback whales in the open water, drinking kava with the locals, and more!

• Hike in the lush forest of the ‘Eua National Park
• Swim with humpback whales
• Fish or spearfish for big ones with the local fishermen
• Rock climb at Fangatave Beach
• Join the local lads for a round of faikava.

Find out more about each experience in The Adults-Only Travel Guide to ‘Eua.

Dining and Drink 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). Afterwards, join one of the local faikava groups for kava – see Where to Try Kava in Tonga.

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Day 5 – ‘Eua to Nuku’alofa

Travel time: 2 hrs ferry, 10-min flight.

And the journey continues! Arrange for your accommodation to transfer you to the airport or wharf where you’ll enjoy a scenic journey back to Nuku’alofa. We recommend spending another night in Nuku’alofa not only to do some of the activities you might have missed but also to allow for possible flight/ferry cancellations from ‘Eua. Also, it’s important to relax between days of travel – you’re on holiday, after all!

Either check back into Waterfront Lodge or check out alternatives in Where to Stay in Nuku’alofa: The Best Accommodations.

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Day 6 – Explore Nuku’alofa

You have the whole day to relax (or not relax depending on what type of traveller you are).

Day Tour of Nuku’alofa

Potter around the capital soaking in the sights of grand churches, the Royal Tombs, the Royal Palace and more. Check out A Self-Guided Day Tour of Nuku’alofa. We even have a cycling itinerary in The Best Cycling Routes in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

Alternative Activities in Nuku’alofa for Adults

• Check out Nuku’alofa’s awesome nightlife and bar scene
• Relax with a soothing spa treatment
• Dive among caves and corals on a scuba diving excursion
• Take a private tour of Nuku’alofa and Tongatapu
• Get a Tongan-inspired tattoo.

Learn more about each experience in the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu or tick off the activities in the 30 Best Things to Do in Nuku’alofa.

Dining Recommendations

Make it an upmarket night-in experience by indulging in the high-end Italian cuisine of Lunarossa Deli (Salote Road). We recommend the sashimi! Otherwise, you know the drill; check out the 20 Best Restaurants in Nuku’alofa!

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Day 7 – Nuku’alofa to Vava’u

Travel time: 1-hour flight.

How to Get to Vava’u

Arrange your accommodation to transport you to the domestic terminal of Fua’amotu Airport. Today, you fly to Vava’u! Vava’u is a watersports paradise, a top sailing ground of the South Pacific and home to around 61 islands.

After a 1-hour flight, you’ll arrive at Lupepauʻu Airport. Your chosen adults-only resort will arrange transfers from the airport and overwater to your new home on an island paradise for the next few days. Get settled into your fale (beach hut), indulge in a Tongan-inspired meal, and take a deep breath – you’re in paradise.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

Days 8 & 9 – Explore Vava’u

Vava’u is a destination that provides the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation – both options you can enjoy undisturbed by little ones.

See why they call Vava’u the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific on the adults-only TradeWinds yacht, tackle GTs and blue marlin on an exciting fishing charter, and yes, you have more opportunity to swim with whales between July and October. Otherwise, keep your feet on dry land with a rejuvenating yoga session or an island massage.

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Day 10 – Vava’u to Ha’apai (via Tongatapu)

Travel time: 7-9 hours ferry/2 hours flight via Tongatapu.

How to Get to Ha’apai

It’s time to start making your way down south taking the ferry to Ha’apai, which has a direct route between the two island groups unlike flying where you’ll need to fly back to Tongatapu to get to Ha’apai. Ferries arrive on Lifuka Island where your chosen accommodation provider should be able to pick you up and transport you to your glorious resort.

Adults-Only Accommodations in Ha’apai

• Ha’apai Beach Resort (no under 12s)
• Sandy Beach Resort (families can only book with permission, but the main clientele are adults)

Alternatively, the other resorts in Ha’apai, which are all boutique, mostly consist of double-bed fales and limited options for families. Find out more in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.

Dining Recommendations

Make your first night in Ha’apai effortless by dining at one of the recommended resorts.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

Days 11 & 12 – Explore Ha’apai

Travel time: 35 mins for sightseeing (see The Driving Times & Distances in Tonga).

The activities on offer here are ideal for an adults-only escape, while the surroundings are serene with white sandy beaches and beautiful azure waters. Ha’apai is certainly a place to unwind and relax, but there really is a range of offerings for an adults-only escape…

Activities in Ha’apai for Adults

• Explore the unspoiled reefs in a scuba diving trip
• Glide across the shallow lagoons in kitesurfing
• Surf awesome reef and beach breaks straight from your resort
• Catch some big ones on a fishing charter
• Indulge in a relaxing island massage
• Join a yoga class or a yoga retreat
• Treat your loved one to a private island picnic
• Explore the islands by bike.

Find out more about each experience in the 10 Adult-Only Activities 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 Tongatapu

Travel time: 50-minutes flight.

With flights between Ha’apai and Tongatapu being much more frequent and less time-consuming than the ferry, we recommend flying out of Ha’apai! Not only does this give you stunning views of the islands, but it also allows you more time to enjoy the idyllic islands before your flight (as there are often flights in the afternoon).

You’ll, again, need to arrange transfers to your accommodation from Fua’amotu Airport. As you have spent some time in Nuku’alofa, you might enjoy one of the quirky treehouse or beach resorts close to the airport. They are not adults-only but are hardly “swarming” with kids either.

Accommodations on Tongatapu

• Tukulolo Grounds & Treehouses
• Katea Retreat

Find out more about these resorts in the 20 Best Hotels & Resorts on Tongatapu.

Dining Recommendations

The recommended resorts provide meals/have a restaurant for guests.

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Day 14 – Departure Day

Travel time: 15-20 mins.

It’s your final day in Tonga, where you might have the chance to do one last activity from the 50 Best Things to Do on Tongatapu.

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!