Tonga and Vanuatu with kids

Hi-
We are traveling for 3-4 weeks with our girls (6 and 8) this June and July. We will start and end in Fiji and have been there before. We'd like some ideas for Tonga and Vanuatu. We are not big resort people and are looking to introduce our kids to more of a cultural as well as beach experience.

Do you have any favorite islands and/or places to stay? We are interested in staying in less expensive hotel/B & B/small resorts that are away from any cruise ship hot spots. Our budget is $50-$150 per night with a splurge for a few nights in between. We do have the Lonely Planet books and are initially interested in the spots below:

Tonga- starting in Port Vila and then Vava'u or Ha'apai?

Vanuatu- starting in Nuku'alofa and then Tanna and/or Espiritu Santo

Also- any ideas on travel between the countries and between islands would be helpful. Is flying a must with our short time frame? We are flying in and out of Nadi.

Thanks,

Gail

I much preferred Hapaai to Vavau.
On Vanuatu, it would be a draw between Santo and Tanna, but Santo with its better beaches might be preferable with kids.
To travel between these countries, you must fly via Fiji.
To travel between the islands within each country, boats are an alternative if you are flexible with the schedule.

have a look at hideaway island resort in port vila, either as a day trip or stay a while

Did you have a good place to stay in Hapaai? I've heard Uoleva. Also, is 'Eua a must? We only have 10 days in Tonga and are trying to prioritize. Thanks!

I stayed in the main town and did daytrips, but Uoleva is no doubt the best place to be right on a very good beach.

I had no time for Eua but wish I had had.
It's mostly for hiking and scenery, so you know if that's your thing. Could be a good contrast to Tongatapu and Hapaai.

Did you like the place you stayed in town? We were thinking of 1-2 nights in town and 2-3 nights on Uoleva.

Yes, I liked it a lot.
The town was a good base for excursions, not an attraction in itself.

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