Tonga June/July 2010

Hi all,

Have had great success with advice from Thorntree before so trying again before another South Pacific Adventure...

Myself and my girlfriend are heading over the last week of June and first week of July. Looking to spend five days in Vavu'a and four days in Ha'apia. Then the remainder in Tongatapu/Eua.

Some quick questions..

1) any recommendations of Whale Tour/Diving boats in Vavu'a? Anyone been with someone they thought was great, or anyone had any bad experiences?

2) Accommodation recommendations in Vavu'a? Have looked to maybe spend a couple of days at the 'Blue Lagoon' and then a couple of budget nights at Lucky's or another suitable Fale on the beach kind of place. Any opinions?

3) Accommodation at Matafonua lodge when in Ha'apia, any opinions? As yet they haven't got back to me... but it looks amazing!

Any other advice? Where's better to dive and with which crew? We are really excited!!

Cheers,

Jon

Hi Jon,

How awesome that you are coming to Tonga. Glad to hear that you will be making it to Vava'u, Ha'apai, & 'Eua. Even for those of us who live here, the beauty and diversity of our country continues to amaze us. I will leave it to my colleagues who live in those areas to best direct you to what is available/recommended. I live on the main island of Tongatapu, and will give you a list of great things to consider while you are here on the main island:

1) Take an Adventure Tour with Fatai Kayak Adventures in Holonga Village. You can rent a kayak on the lagoon, or take a kayak/snorkeling adventure tour to the outer islands. They also have fun tours on the lagoon. It is located in a traditional village and can easily be reached by bus or taxi.
2) If you are a surfer, bring your board and don't miss the breaks at Ha'atafu Beach. If you stay at Ha'atafu Beach Resort, Steve takes his guests out to some amazing breaks.
3) Go scuba diving with Deep Blue. They also take people diving at the famous "cathedral" on 'Eua.
4) If you like to fish, bring your fishing pole and try your hand a cliff fishing on the Eastern side. There are some amazing cast off points near Keleti, and a favorite for locals.
5) Rent a car or scooter and spend a day driving around the island. Check out the Ha'amonga, Captain Cook's Landing, Lapaha Langi, Nukuleka (oldest settlement in Polynesia), Blowholes, etc. Or take one of the many great day tours. Toni's Guest house has one, and there are several others.
6) Stop by Keleti Beach Resort for lunch with a view of the waves breaking on the reef.
7) Do not miss Hufangalupe Lookout. It is absolutely amazing at sunset - bring a bottle of wine to make the most of your sundowner.
8) On Sunday, visit a local church to take in the signing & culture.
9) Get to know some locals and visit a traditional kava club, as well as try out the nightlife in Nuku'alofa. If you enjoy pub crawling, stop by Reload, Steak & Rock, and definitely do not miss Billfish (a must in Tongan nightlife). It will give you a flavor of the Tongan youth culture (as well as other aspects, like our beautiful fakaleitis) It is all a great experience.
10) Another Sunday favorite is to take a boat out to one of the outer islands for a day trip; Pangaimotu, Fafa, or 'Atata.

11) Do a dinner show. On the Western side there is Vakaloa, Liku'alofa, and a few others in town. A favorite is 'Oholei because they perform the entire show in a cave. It creates an amazing ambiance.

A few good websites to check out on Tonga (in addition to the awesome Lonely Planet) are:

www.thekingdomoftonga.com

www.tongaholiday.com

Anyways, have a fantastic time!

Tonga rocks!

Cheers!

We spent two weeks on Ha'apai in februar. We never stayed at Matafonua but we ate lunch and spent some hours on the beach there.
The owners were on holiday in NZ and had been for some time. That's might be why they haven't replied to you. The caretakers we met were friendly but I think the place is highly overpriced. We only saw the bungalows from outside but they seem basic. The beach is truly scenic and made for taking nice holidayphotos. But if I were you and you don't mind budgetaccomodation I would go to Uoleva Island just south of Lifuka. We stayed at Captain Cooks and paid 30 pa'anga/night for the hut. They serve great food! Fantastic beaches round the whole island. There are another budgetoption nearby named Diana's or Tiana's which is also popular. The third place to stay at this uninhabited (apart from the resorts) Island is Serenity. Seems overpriced and deserted when we were there.

Hope you will enjoy Tonga as much as we did!

Lucky's is in a great spot. Connected to Neiafu, but across a causeway or two. You might want to rent a car or motorscooter for a few days to see the sights of Vavau. Beach is just OK, but calm and serene etc.