Tongan Itinerary Late March/Easter

Hi,

I will be in Tonga from March 21 to April 2.
I’m flying straight to Vava’u on the 22nd and am looking for a few accommodation options.
So far I’m looking at spending 2 or 3 nights at Mafana Beach Backpackers, Ofu Island back packers and am open to a 3rd option at this stage. I was going to stay at Tapana Island (the Spanish restaurant) but its fallen through unfortunately. If no other options ill just keep it at these 2.

I’m trying to decide whether it’s worth squeezing in a few nights in Ha’apai or not. Or am I better off spending this time in Vava’u? (i.e. the 3rd accommodation option)

Rough Itinerary at this stage is

Mar 21 (Thur) – Fly in 9pm – Tongatapu
Mar 22(Fri) – Fly to Vava’u. Stay in Neiafu to get bearings maybe?? Any recommendations for the night?
Mar 23 (Sat) – Ofu Island
Mar 24 – (Sun) Ofu Island
Mar 25 (Mon) – Mafana Island
Mar 26 (Tues) – Mafana Island
Mar 27 (Wed) – Fly to Ha’apai – Any accommodation recommendations? Or stay in Vava’u
Mar 28 (Thur) – Ha’apai. Or stay in Vava’u (no flights leave Vava’u today)
Mar 29 (Fri) – Fly to Tongatapu. Or stay in Vava’u (no flights leave Vava’u today)
Mar 30 (Sat) – Tongatapu
Mar 31 (Sun) - Tongatapu
April 1 (Mon) - Tongatapu
April 2 (Tues) – Fly out 3:45

I’m after Fales on the beach/cliff style of accommodation. Nothing too expensive but am open to all.

Also, Is it a good idea to be back in Tongatapu for Easter? Or does it not matter? Will everything be closed anyway? Will this just be for Sunday or the whole Easter break?
Is Tongatapu worth3 or 4 nights or not really?

Me and my gf are basically into eating, drinking, relaxing, and hanging with the locals. No tourist resorts full of Australians/Kiwis/Poms etc etc

Any tips appreciated :)

Thanks

Ed

So basically im asking if Tongatapu is worth 3 nights? -

Option 1
7 Nights in Vava’u
2 nights at Ha’apai
1 night in Tongatapu

Option 2
5 nights in Vava’u
3 Nights in Ha’apai
3 nights in Tongatapu

:)

"So basically im asking if Tongatapu is worth 3 nights?"

No one is plenty.

Tongatapu is a hot flat dusty place often stinking of garbage fires-there are a few sites to see and all of those can be covered in an afternoon.

As to Vavau I imagine you're heading to the so called backpacker accommodation on Ofu & Mafana islands.

Bear in mind that Vavau is a small place yet getting things done can seemingly take forever-moving from one accommodation could take up to half a day and cost all kinds of money- I'm not kidding.

I'd pick one place to stay and plan to see what's on offer from there.

Been to Haapai it's just a big sandbar but that's your call.

I stayed on Tongatapu last year for 5 nights over Easter and had a fantastic time. I hired a scooter and happily explored the island discovering lovely beaches down unmarked dirt roads, meeting locals having familyl picnics (all friendly and welcoming, even if shy at first). The main town Nuku'alofa will be closed over the Easter weekend, but open on Saturday morning. There's not a lot there, but it's still worth a short visit. There is not a lot there to see in the touristy sense - which was fine with me. I stayed at Heilala Resort which I highly recommend (I've posted about it elsewhere here) - it was a long way away from the main town, but didn't cause me a problem being on the scooter. Others at the resort went on an organised day tour of the island to see the key sites and enjoyed it.

I'm considering going back this year....

I haven't yet been to the other islands that you mention, so it's hard to recommend one or the other. All I can say is that I found Tongatapu worth the 5 days that I spent there - but having the scooter made the difference for me.

"As to Vavau I imagine you're heading to the so called backpacker accommodation on Ofu & Mafana islands.".......
So called??
Is this a warning of some sort?
Ed

"Is this a warning of some sort?"

No they have good reviews on Trip Advisor but don't appeal to me personally.

I can never understand why so many people visit the South Pacific to sit on a beach instead of going out on said ocean for as much time as possible.

OK I have been to Tonga three times. Firstly Tongatapu is worth a few days. Go out to Pangimotu Island for a day and do an island tour for a day. Haapai is very good too .....Go to Uoleva Island (spelling??!!) and stay at Dianas Place with fales rite on the sand and cheap!! Rent a bike from FinsNFlukes dive shop and explore!! Its as flat as!! Vauau - a few days at most - it is harder to get to good beaches from Neiafu! Hire a scooter for the day and explore. Ofu is good so u can flag Mafana. Dont need to do both. Tevita has a whole house u can stay at over there with free kayaks and there is a small shop with basics! Have Fun

ed612313... How did the trip work out?