Tonga is a stunning Kingdom in the South Pacific comprising of more than 170 islands. In the capital of Nuku’alofa and on the main island of Tongatapu, there are plenty of things to do in Tonga to make it a fantastic island destination to explore.
The highlights of Tonga include some of the best in the Pacific, with breathtaking blowholes, underground caves to swim in, bustling markets and outer islands to relax on that are within a short boat trip.
Here are 10 Things To Do in Tonga and tips for travel, transport and where to stay in Nuku’alofa.
- About Tonga
- Things To Do in Tonga
Anahulu Cave
Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes
Tsunami Rock
Pangaimotu Island
Talamahu Market
Haʻamonga ʻa Maui
Royal Tombs
Sai’one Centenary Church
Three Headed Coconut - Accommodation
About Travel to Tonga, South Pacific
As New Zealander’s, Tonga is the closest international country we can fly to from Auckland, New Zealand. The flight time is just under three hours – and unlike some of the other South Pacific Islands, it is in the same time zone as well.
We’ve visited Tonga twice in the last few years.
Tonga became known worldwide as the Friendly Islands for the reception given to Captain James Cook on discovery in 1773.
It is an awesome place to visit. Plus, modern day travel to Tonga definitely lives up to those original friendly and tropical assumptions!
10 Highlights & Things To Do in Tonga
In no particular order, here are 10 Things To Do in Tonga that we reckon make it absolutely worth a visit!
1. Anahulu Caves
These are cavernous limestone caves with freshwater pools inside. The path down into the caves is lit dimly, so bring a torch light of some sort.
The pools are deep at the inner end of the cave and suitable for swimming. Or jumping off into if you are keen!
Anahulu Cave is situated in the village of Haveluliku on the Eastern Side of Tonga and only about a 30 minute drive from Nuku’alofa.
Trust me, it’s worth a swim there!
2. Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes
Commonly known as the “Chief’s Whistles,” the Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes are a breathtaking natural spectacle on the island of Tongatapu.
Located near the village of Houma, these volcanic rock formations create a dramatic display as the Pacific tide rushes in.
The ocean surges into natural channels in the rock, forcing plumes of seawater high into the air with a powerful “whistling” sound. It is a truly mesmerising experience to watch the coastline erupt in a rhythmic dance of spray and mist—nature at its most impressive!
3. Royal Tombs – Things To Do in Tonga
One of the most important historic things to do in Tonga is to stop and see the Royal Tombs in the ancient capital of Muʻa.
Located near Lapaha on the eastern side of Tongatapu, you will find between 22 and 28 Langi—extraordinary stone vaults that serve as the final resting places for Tongan royalty. These tombs are architectural marvels, featuring tiered earth platforms and a stepped-pyramid design held together by precision-placed coral limestone walls.
Recognized as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the South Pacific, they offer a powerful glimpse into the island’s regal past.
Important Visiting Etiquette
- Pro Tip: These sites are deeply sacred to the Tongan people. If you are exploring on your own, please remain outside the perimeter to show respect. However, if you are accompanied by a local guide or are part of an official tour, you may ask for permission to enter the tomb grounds.
4. Maui Rock (Tsunami Rock) – Things To Do in Tonga
One of the most intriguing landmarks on Tongatapu and one more of the fascinating things to do in Tonga is to check out the massive coral boulder known as Maui Rock.
This site is a double-header for travellers: it’s both a geological wonder and a centerpiece of Tongan mythology.
Scientists believe this giant rock—and a line of similar boulders along the coast—is evidence of one of the most powerful volcano-triggered tsunamis in prehistoric history. They theorise that a massive wave threw this 1,600-tonne boulder nearly 100 meters inland!
Local legend, however, tells a much more colorful story. It is said that the demigod Maui, frustrated after being woken up too early by the incessant crowing of one of his father’s roosters, hurled this giant rock at the bird to silence it.
Whether you believe the science or the legend, it is a staggering sight and an essential stop on your Tongatapu circuit!
5. Pangaimotu Island – Things To Do in Tonga
No trip to Tonga is truly complete without a dose of tropical relaxation, and Pangaimotu Island is the ultimate place to find it. If you’re looking to soak up the sun and escape the bustle of Nuku’alofa, this little slice of paradise is just a 10-minute ferry ride away.
It has a great restaurant, bar, and swimming beach. Plus there is a now-famous sunken shipwreck which you can swim out to, climb up and dive off!
6. Haʻamonga ʻa Maui – Things To Do in Tonga
Haʻamonga ʻa Maui is a stone trilithon located in Tonga, on the eastern part of the island of Tongatapu.
The name translates to ‘The Burden of Maui’. There are many legends that it was made by Maui, an important figure in Pacific mythology. Though it is estimated likely it was built sometime around the 13th century as part of a royal compound.
What makes this stone structure so unique is that many things about the Ha’amonga are a mystery. Nobody knows for sure when it was built, who built it, why it was built, or how it was built!
7. Talamahu Market – Things To Do in Tonga
The Tonga Talamahu Market in town is a hub of colour and activity. There are rows of fresh fruit and vegetables and all kinds of handicrafts to choose from.
Beautifully woven fans, bags, mats, baskets, hats and Tongan Ngatu art pieces. Definitely worth a visit!
8. Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga – Things To Do in Tonga
For a true immersion into Tongan life, a visit to the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga—often called the Centennial Church—is an absolute must.
As the largest Christian denomination in the Kingdom, the church is the beating heart of local culture. While there are many beautiful chapels across the islands, the Sai’one Centenary Church in Nuku’alofa is particularly special.
Known affectionately as the “King’s Church,” this striking white landmark dominates the main road near the Royal Palace. It serves as the official place of worship for the Tongan Royal Family. Attending a service here is widely considered one of the most moving experiences you can have in Tonga, offering a front-row seat to the nation’s deep faith and breathtaking choral traditions.
9. Attend a Church Service – Things To Do in Tonga
Even if you aren’t a regular churchgoer, attending a Sunday morning service in Tongatapu is an experience I cannot recommend enough. It was, without a doubt, one of the most uplifting and memorable highlights of my entire time in Tonga.
There is nothing quite as impressive as the voices and music of a Pacific Island congregation, the harmony of the choir and the resonance of the brass church band are nothing short of breathtaking. Then, beyond the music, the scene is a kaleidoscope of colour—everyone is dressed in their Sunday best, from vibrant island dresses to traditional Tupenu (kilts) and Ta’ovala (woven mats worn around the waist).
It is a beautiful, inspiring display of faith and community that stays with you long after the final note.
10. Three Headed Coconut Tree – Things To Do in Tonga
One of the most unique things to do in Tonga is to stop by the famously signposted ‘Three Headed Coconut Tree‘.
This is exactly as it sounds – it is a coconut tree with three seperate heads of fronds and coconuts!
Locals swear that this is the only coconut tree with three separate crowns in Tonga. Some say it is the only one of its kind in the whole South Pacific!
That’s got to be worth a stop, right?
Getting Around Tongatapu, Tonga
Getting around Tonga is surprisingly straightforward. Upon landing at the airport, you’ll find it easy to hop in a taxi for the drive into Nuku’alofa. Once you’ve settled into town, your own two feet are the best way to explore!
To see the sights further afield, you have two great options: booking a guided tour or hiring a rental car.
Having tried both, I reckon that renting a car is the most economical and flexible way to explore. We split our road trip into two days—dedicating one day to the eastern side and the next to the west.
However, if you prefer someone else to take the wheel, I highly recommend Teta Tours. On my first trip, their day tour was a fantastic introduction to the island, covering highlights like Anahulu Cave, Maui Rock, and the blowholes, while even giving us a hands-on lesson in traditional tapa cloth making.
Accommodation: Where To Stay in Nuku’Alofa
We stayed at two different places in Nuku’Alofa on Tongatapu. Both were different, and both on the lower end of the budget scale.
I would recommend either:
- AirBnb: Misrica’s Guesthouse
Great location in Mataika. Safe parking, spacious compound with 2 Guesthouses. A basic but user-friendly kitchen, very friendly family run property.
- Hotel: Little Italy Hotel
This is a 22-room hotel in suburban Nuku’Alofa just a 15 minute walk to town; 2 minute drive. Popular restaurant onsite; spacious and very clean rooms; friendly staff.
Planning for Sunday: Things To Do in Tonga
Like Samoa, Rarotonga and many of the South Pacific Islands; Tonga is a religious Christian island country. Sunday is observed as a sacred day where church and family are the priority.
Shops in Nuku alofa are shut on a Sunday with only the bare minimum of a few select tourist restaurants open.
The best option (like most tourists) is to make an afternoon trip out to Pangimotu or one of the other nearby islands.
Read More About Travel in the South Pacific
- 15 Things To Do In Samoa: Upolu and Savai’i.
- A Different Side Of Fiji: Holidaying In Fiji Without Resorts.
- Vanuatu: A Kid-Friendly Week In Vanuatu.
- Rarotonga: A Family Christmas In Tropical Paradise.
- Everything You Need To Know About Moving To Rarotonga.
- All About Schools In Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
- Rarotonga With Kids: The Ultimate Travel Guide.
Useful Links for Planning Travel to Tonga & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on all the things to do in Niue!