Tonga Flag
"Friendly Islands"
Why visit Tonga?
Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Polynesian Island to enjoy beaches, blowholes, coral reefs, deep sea fishing, historical sites, lagoons, relaxation, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, and yachting.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Grass skirts, postage stamps, shell jewelry, wood carvings, and woven baskets.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Faikakai Topai (dumplings). Feke (grilled octopus). Kapisi Pulu (corn beef). Keki (doughnuts). Lu Pulu (corn beef). ‘Ota Ika (fish dish).
- Local Drink to Try: Hopi (beer). Kava (national drink). Kingdom Koffie (coffee). Maui Pacific Larger (beer). ‘Otai (fruit). Pulotu Coconut Stout (beer). Tonga Lager (beer). Tupu’Anga Coffee.
Fun Facts
- Evidence of humans dates back to Lapita 1600 - 500BCE.
- In 1953, during a coronation parade for the late, Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, 1926 - 2022) the late , Queen Sālote Tupou III (Sālote Mafile'o Pilolevu, 1900 - 1965) refused refused to cover her open carriage which would culturally disrespectful to cover her head.
- During the 1996 Summer Olympics (Atlanta, GA), Paea Wolfgramm ("The Tongan Warrior"), Retired Boxer won a super heavyweight silver medal.
- According to Forbes magazine (2008) named the 6th most corrupt country in the world.
- Last Polynesian kingdom, never colonized by a European power.
- Four main island groups: Ha'apai (center), Niuas (north),
- Tongatapu (tsouth), and Vava'u (north).
- Has 171 islands and 45 are inhabited.
- Niuafo'ou (Tin Can Island) mail used to be delivered in sealed biscuit tins by swimming mailmen.
- Largely exports pumpkins and squash.
- The Constitution of Tonga protects land ownership, therefore cannot be sold to foreigners only leased.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (May) ‘Eua Tourism Festival, (June) Ha’apai Tourism Festival, (July) Heilala Festival, and (September) Vava’u Festival & Regatta.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Independence Day, King's Birthday, Constitution Day, King Tupou I Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Good to Know
- Lacks deluxe accommodations, nightlife or shopping.
- English and Tongan are the official languages.
- Less modernized compared to its Polynesian neighbors.
- Between July - October, humpback whales arrive from Antarctica to bear their young.
- Cruise ships dock at Queen Salote Wharf, east of the commercial center of Nuku'alofa (capital).
- Mana Mo'ui Golf Course (Nuku`alofa) is the only 18 hole option.
- Price negotiating with Sellers is considered a insult of integrity to the Seller.
- Dress conservatively.
- Cyclone Season is November - April.
- Majority of the population resides on the main island, Tongatapu.
- Avoid tap water consumption.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Vaiola Hospital (Nuku'alofa) doctors are often in short supply.
- Islands of Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua have hospitals.
- Tourism is unevenly regulated, safety inspections do not commonly occur.
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Virus.
- Rugby Season is April - June (Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa).
- Church bells are known to ring as early as 4:30AM on Sundays.
- Rainy Season is December - March.
- A sweater is necessary in the evening year round.
- Buses and taxis are the only form of public transportation.
- Main roads in Nuku’alofa are paved, most other roads are not.
- Everything is generally closed on Sunday.
- Has no stop lights in the country.
- Bicycles registration with the Police Office is mandatory before use on public roads.
- Male homosexuality is illegal and punishable up to 10 years in prison.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000TOP.
Subject to cyclones.
- Best Time to Visit: April - November
- Coolest Months: May - November
- Hottest Months: December - April
- Peak Season: June - October
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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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