Tonga has no frills and is unapologetically laid back. You won’t find an array of upmarket stores anywhere, nor will you stumble across a Michelin star restaurant (or any kind of elegant dining). Instead, take a wad of cash with you – cash machines are hard to come by, and many places would rather take paper money, or are not set up for your array of credit cards. Be prepared for a technology free, step back to a world of yesterdays, with the only concept of time being the sun going down.  

Sitting by the pool sipping Pina Coladas while your little ones have fun in the children’s program at your all-inclusive resort is not an option during your stay in Tonga. Firstly, you will not find a 5-star hotel anywhere, actually, 4 stars are off your wish list too. There are some lovely places to stay, don’t get me wrong, but they are low key and homely rather than the 24 hour, room serviced luxury you might be used to. So without the glitz and glamour of some other island getaways, why would you go to Tonga with your family, rather than other popular islands such as Bali or Fiji?  

Tonga is unpretentious and unspoiled. Made up of over 170 islands, many of these are scarce and untouched. Gaining access to a boat will give you the power to take your pick of these many uninhabited and idyllic havens. Tonga can be a little like stepping back in time. But if you allow yourself to look beyond the lack of flashy, newly paved streets, you will encounter an abundance of child-friendly sandy beaches, and the peace and tranquility unlike any other.   
 ACTIVITY GUIDE 

 Talamahu Market 

Saturday is always the best day for a market in town, but Talamahu is open Monday to Saturday, and there is always plenty going on. Fresh fruit and vegetables are meticulously lined up like little soldiers, and crafts are fanned out on display. A great place to stock up on essential healthy snacks. 

 Mapua’a Vaea Blowholes 

Water spurting 30 meters into the air is going to make any little kid smile. Holes along the rocks produce spectacular blowholes as the current forces the water through, particularly active on a windy day. 

Small Island Getaway 

Tonga is made up of many many many islands, so don’t spend all your time in the same place, go explore! It can be as little as a 10-minute boat ride to reach a desolate (or occupied) Paradise Island, waiting for exploration.
My top picks are Pangaimoto and Atata Island. Both have regular boat services from Nukualofa wharf. Pangaimoto gets very crowded on Sunday when nothing else is open.  

Snorkelling and Whale Watching 

Some of Tonga’s most captivating scenes are under the surface, not above. The waters of Tonga are filled with fish, and you don’t have to swim out far to see them. There are tours, to some of the most populated coral reefs, where you will encounter a stunning array of tropical fish, and they cater for children as well – the water is still, and the sea vast, tours usually are a maximum of six people. If you are wanting something more extravagant, and it the breeding season for whales, then whale watching is a must do event. There are several different types of tours – some include flights and accommodation, food and a day or two with the whales. Other tours are simply an excursion on a small boat, viewing and swimming with the whales, then returning to the port a couple of hours later. It all depends on your budget and aspiration.  Make sure you book with reputable and official tour agencies. 

 SURVIVAL TIPS 

 When is the best time to go? 

June to October is peak season, and the most stable and predictable weather. Although November to February is Summer, it can be very wet, humid, tropical weather. July to October is also when the whales are frolicking, attracting many spectators.   

 Getting around 

I wouldn’t rely on public transport, though the bus is a true Pacific experience, and dirt cheap, getting anywhere quickly is not something that should be expected. 

Hiring a car is fairly inexpensive. You do, however, need to gain a visiting drivers license to drive in Tonga. This is done fairly easily, from the ministry of Infrastructure which is in the centre of town in Nuku’alofa (Bypass road). These cost $40T, and you will need your current drivers’ license, and passport. There is a speed limit of 50km/h, and some fun obstacles you may not be used to such as children, pigs, chickens, and anyone and anything else seeking a wonder on the roadside. 

Catching a taxi is my preference, though it can be easy to get played if you get the wrong taxi driver. Ask the concierge at your hotel if they know anyone reliable, Or when you are in town ask a couple of taxi drivers what they charge to get to a certain destination. If you manage to find someone inexpensive and reliable then stick with them for your entire time. Most are happy to wait for you, even if you are going to be an hour or two, or can happily pick you up from somewhere if you give them a return time. You can even negotiate a daily rate. We were taken to several places, in different parts of the island for a daily charge of $50T.  

 WHERE TO EAT 

Leihuni Waffle Bar
If you like ice cream I would recommend a quick stop at Leihuni Waffle Bar On Taufa’ahau road. I have a thing about ice cream while on holiday, and while on a tropical island, this hits the spot. A large ice cream is $4T. 

Little Italy
Vuna Rd, Nuku Alofa, Tonga, Tonga
Little Italy is a restaurant and hotel. We didn’t stay here, but we ate here often. The pizzas and pasta are delicious and affordable. I have heard the rooms are nice, so always an option to stay here as well, as it is close to the centre of town, and the staff are wonderful. 

Friends Café
Taufa’ahau Rd, Nuku’alofa
Great food, which is affordable and fresh. Friendly staff and free wifi. 

 Roadside Stalls and Shops 

You will quite often pass either a roadside stall or shop. The small shops, which usually have bars in front and look uber dark inside sell basic everyday items. There are a couple of supermarkets on Salote Road, and Taufa’ahau Road, neither the roadside shops or the supermarket are very cheap. Roadside stalls are set up by locals, selling fruit and vegetables, which are organic, usually from their backyard, super delicious and inexpensive.  

 WHERE TO STAY 

 Tropical Villa
Hihifo Road | Puke, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu Island 2891 

The downside to this cute and kitsch hotel is that it is off the main road, not the easiest place to find, and about 10 minutes drive into town. Breakfast is held at the Little Italy Hotel, and although it isn’t laden with a diverse amount of food options, there is enough to keep even picky eaters happy. You can ask for fresh coconuts to drink as well. The pool at The Tropical Villa kept our little boy happy for hours and is definitely the reason I would return. 

 Tanoa International Dateline Hotel
Vuna Road, Nuku’alofa, Nuku‘alofa, Tonga 

A lovely hotel, next to the waterside. Rooms are spacious, but what sets this hotel apart from others in the area, is the pool. Super refreshing in the heat! Staff are very friendly, and always willing to help. Next to the hotel is a place you can hire bicycles for the day.