Island Information

Moon Handbooks
South Pacific (8th Ed.)

Tonga Vacation Guide

The Kingdom of Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean just east of the Fiji Islands. It has approximately 170 islands spread out over 700,000 square km of the South Pacific. Its islands are fairly low-lying and where it lacks in high majestic volcanic peaks, it is endowed with many beautiful white sandy beaches. The capital of Tonga is Nuku'alofa, located on Tonga's largest island of Tongatapu. Tongatapu's population is approximately 70,000 people and is Tonga's main commercial and political center, with the King's residence as well as the Parliament of Tonga located here.

It is the only island nation in the South Pacific that resisted colonial rule, so has maintained a long history of self-rule and self-governance. Captain Cook visited Tonga in the 18th century and was enchanted by the friendliness of the Tongan people. This led to Tonga's nickname - 'the Happy Isles'.

Tonga's Main Attractions

So what makes Tonga special?

• Diversity - each region within Tonga has unique characteristics
• Great beaches, especially in the Ha'apai group
• Culture - Tonga was never conquered and retains a strong heritage
• Not over-commercialised. Small population.
• Vava'u is a haven for yachts and sailboats

Tonga is a popular tourist destination in the South Pacific and there are a number of accommodation options for travellers wishing to vacation on these tropical islands. One of the most popular is staying in a traditional house called a 'fale'. These are open aired structures, mostly located on the beach and popular with budget travellers and backpackers. An excellent way to see the real Tonga. The luxury resorts also describe their accommodation units as 'fale' but in that case they are more stylishly appointed, with traditional design and contemporary convenience providing comfortable upper-range accommodation.