Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Expensive vs. Cheap accommodation in Ha'apai, Tonga Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
pzleric 04:41 UTC 29 Nov 2013 | I am arriving in Tongatapu on a Saturday (10am) and am considering connecting with a Real Tonga flight to Ha'apai on that same Saturday (at 2pm). Given all the problems I've heard about Real Tonga, do you feel this is a good idea or should I wait til Monday? While on Ha'apai, I am considering staying at the following places: Esi O Ma'afu on Uiha, Serenity Beaches and Taiana's on Uoleva, and Matafonua on Foa. I've noticed there is a huge price difference between them. Is it worth paying 4-5 times more for Serenity Beaches and Matafonua? What is the difference between them and do they really offer that much more value? Is there anything I should watch out for at the moment with any of these places? How do I even get a hold of Esi O Ma'afu to try and book a place to stay (aside from calling them)? Ideally, I would like to try and go to church on Sunday on Uiha, but if I'm staying on Uoleva, would there be any way to accomplish this fairly easily? Is it wise to stay on Uoleva the night before trying to catch a midday flight off of Ha'apai? I'd hate to miss my flight because of a (possibly) unreliable boat service. How does the off shore snorkelling on Uoleva compare with Foa? I've only got a few days in Ha'apai unfortunately, but given that I'd like to do some snorkeling, kayaking (perhaps to another island even?), and experience some local culture/village life, which area(s) would you recommend to stay? I'm sorry for all the questions, and I thank you in advance for any advice you can give! |
swanseagirl99 07:49 UTC 29 Nov 2013 | Hi We just left Haapai this morning on a 12 hour ferry ride, (which I wouldn't recommend ) after being there for 4 months!!!! I,d suggest book the real tonga flight for the Saturday, as If they move it or cancel the flight they usually put you up in an hotel at their expense!!! But if they do cancel it you won't get to Haapai until the Monday. I,ve not heard of the first one, but for us, serenity was lovely but way too expensive, we didn't stay overnight just had food, tianas is great a real Robinson Crusoe experience, we!ve stayed over there twice! first time was great, second time we could hear mice etc in the room! but take your own cereal, snacks etc and they charge 30 top to pick you up from the airport to Uoleva. Matafonoa,s pick up is included, for me they have the best snorkelling site, it's great up there they really look after you, I don't think they go to church but sandy beach down the round do and I!my sure they wouldn't mind you catching a lift with them! they take you to the Christian church next to the rugby field! worth a visit and matafonoa have the cheapest kayaks to hire too, hire a bike and cycle in to Pangai, have lunch at mariners cafe, but nothing else really in Pangai only when the ferry is in dock. Hope that helps!!! Enjoy | 1
pzleric 09:43 UTC 29 Nov 2013 | Thanks for the reply! how much was it to hire the bikes and kayaks from Matafonoa? and mice in the room?! hmm, doesn't sound all too pleasant, but something tells me that could happen at any place on the island, including matafonoa | 2
swanseagirl99 17:03 UTC 29 Nov 2013 | Not much I think 15 top for the bike end 20 for the kayak p, I know fins n flukes charge 110 top for a kayak!!!!!! Difference with the mice, is the mattress is on the floor at Tiranas and most other places are built on stilts with the fale on top. You,ll enjoy wherever you go . Thanks | 3