Tonga accommodations

Hi. Going to Tonga for a short holiday in 2 weeks, wondering about any accommodation recommendations? Will be there for a week, planning on staying on both the main island(Tongatapu) and and taking the ferry to Eua for sure, but somewhat open to any ideas. On a backpackers budget and traveling alone though? Single American male in late 20's, any advice much appreciated. Cheers. Karl

You can see all of hot flat dusty crowded Tongatapu in a day-you'll be bored to tears in a week.

Agree with hardnose... Get the heck out Tongatapu ASAP...

Options?

Eua, yes. Also the Ha'apai islands...

If you have a day or two in Tongatapu, stay at Toni's Guesthouse, it's the place to meet like-minded backpackers. A bit outside of town, but they have shuttle available and do great island tours. Otherwise you should do as #1 and #2 say and go somewhere nicer. 'Eua is great for hiking and exploring caves, you can stay at the Hideaway or Tiana's. Ha'apai has excellent beaches you only have to share with a handful of other tourists - also great coral reefs and lots of whales this time of the year. Stay at Taiana's Resort on Uoleva, Langilangi or Evaloni Guesthouse on Lifuka.

Hi, I'm a single 23yo French travelling to Tonga in september. I will have 8 days there, and I'm trying to plan my trip for the best experience.
I will be arriving on a Saturday evening, which I've been told is not the best idea considering that almost everything will already be close.
Anyway, I really want to swim with the whales and enjoy nice beaches, do some cayaking and a bit of hiking. I was thinking of spending Sunday + Monday on Tongatapu, then go to Vava'u for the rest of my stay. I would have to get back to Tongatapu the next Sunday and my plane back to NZ is on Monday morning. So that would be 5-6 days on Vava'u.

What do you think about this ?
Should I take a day to visit 'Eua? Should I go to Ha'apai instead of Vava'u?

Thanks !

It all depends on your preferences. I would personally get out of Tongatapu on Monday straight away. It's true there is not much happening on a Sunday, but you could do an island tour and see all the interesting places in one day. I know Toni does it Sundays, not sure about others.

If you like nightlife, bars and socialising, then Vava'u will be better for you. Ha'apai is more quiet, but its beaches are more easily accessed and it is more laid back. Not so many tourists either and cheaper. Kayaking can be done in both places. 'Eua is great for hiking, but with only 5-6 days available it might be difficult to squeeze it in if your focus is on swimming with whales.

There are no domestic flights on a Sunday, so you will need to catch a plane to Tongatapu on Saturday.

Ok thank you for your answer, I realized too late that you already answered this kind of question a few times in others threads :D

One last question: is Chathams Pacific a reliable company ?
I might take the first plane on Monday at 7.15am, arriving at 8.10am to take my flight back to NZ at 11.10am. Is it wise?

Thanks !