Ha'apai

Ha'apai is an island group of about 60 islands in Tonga, south of the Vava'u group and north of Tongatapu. Only 20 islands are constantly inhabited. Close to one of the islands, Tofua, in the west of the group, is where the Mutiny on the Bounty occurred in 1789. The total population is approximately 5,500, out of which 2,500 live on the main island of Pangai. There are plenty of sandy beaches plus good diving and snorkelling and the opportunity to see some whales. But, basically, Ha'apai is a place to relax and get away from the rat race.



By plane
International flights arrive on Tongatapu.

By ferry
The MV Outuanga'ofa travels once a week from Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu to Pangai, usually departing on Monday and arriving on Tuesday. It makes a return journey to Nuku’alofa on Wednesday evening.

Get around

 * Rent a bicycle. These can be rented at Mariner's Cafe, Fins 'n' Flukes, Fifita's and Lindsay's guest houses.

See

 * Rev. Shirley Baker grave. The Reverend Shirley Baker went to Tonga in 1860 as a Wesleyan missionary and eventually ended up as Prime Minister. His grave is on Pangai.
 * Lotofoa Methodist Church has a beautifully carved coconut wood ceiling.
 * Ancient Petroglyphs have been discovered at the northern end of Foa Island.
 * Uiha Island. Southwest of Pangai, and just a short boat ride. The island was once the site of the royal burial grounds and has the remains of burial pyramids.
 * Volcanic islands. Hire a boat to go to Tofua volcanic island. A steep one hour climb leads to great views of the crater and nearby Kao island. This cannot be done in a day, requires serious planning and is expensive.
 * Poseidons Gate stand on the great rock terraces on the east side of Lifuka Island.
 * Foa Island is a small island connected by a concrete causeway. Offshore is the wreck of Port Au Prince, a treasure-laden pirate ship, whose legend says was thought to have been sunk by natives in the early 19th century.

Do

 * Just relax. Take a walk around the sleepy capital of Lifuka on Pangai Island to savour the slow pace of life.
 * Snorkelling and diving. Ha'apai has some huge sea caves, tunnels, drop-offs, walls, bommies and coral gardens.
 * Hire a boat for a day from one of the dive schools and explore some of the many small islands in the Ha’apai group.
 * Whale watching. Humpback whales migrate to Tonga every year. They arrive in Ha’apai around July and stay to early November. The sound of their singing can be heard in the water and you may even be lucky to be diving as one of these giants cruises past. But even if you are not a diver the two dive centers and Ha'apai Whale and Sail (Mariner's Cafe) organize whale-watching trips.
 * Kayaking. Sit on top and sea kayaks are available from Fins 'n' Flukes.
 * Camping. Camping gear is available from Fins 'n' Flukes.
 * Island Trips. Fins 'n' Flukes offer island trips to Luahoko, Kau Vai (Ha'ano), Uoleva, Tatafa, Uiha, Tofanga, Uanuku'ha'hake, Luangahu, Hakau'ata, Lofanga, Nuku'pule and Meama.

Eat
Mariner's Cafe - central Pangai. Wide selection of tasty meals including home-made pasta, pizza, burgers, fish and daily specials. Ice cold alcoholic beverages available. Mariner's is the meeting place for travellers and can provide tourist information. Also has bikes and snorkelling gear for hire.

Talahiva Tongan Cafe - behind the petrol station in Pangai, T$5 for very big portions of BBQ, KFC and Curry. Langi Langi guesthouse lobster feast, T$30 for more than you could possibly eat; advance booking required.

Sleep
There is a range of accommodation on the Ha'apai islands, from budget to luxurious. Payment in cash is usually preferred and some of the smaller places do not accept credit cards.

Go next

 * Vava'u