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The South Pacific
Destination Guides:
Exclusive Resorts:
Tonga – Exploring Ha’apai
If your holiday goal is to leave the world behind and do little but lie on the sand and bask in the sun, the island group of Ha’apai should be on your list of perfect vacation spots. The tiny atoll-like islands in this Tongan group – the geographical center of the kingdom – are the ideal place for relaxation, with little chance of being interrupted by raucous tourists – or anyone else, for that matter. Life here moves at a slow pace and little seems to have changed in the last century.
The history of the Ha’apai group is linked to Captain James Cook, who arrived on the island of Lifuka – one of the largest in the group – in 1773 and again in 1777. It was his meetings with the cordial residents here that prompted him to dub the kingdom of Tonga “The Friendly Islands.”
In 1995, the entire Ha’apai group was declared a National Conservation Area. That means the fragile ecosystems of the 62 islands are protected from those things that may throw them off balance. This was a victory for local inhabitants, who were worried about the effects of tourism on these tranquil islands they call home.
Lifuka and Toa
The two largest islands in Ha’apai and the only ones you can reach without benefit of a sailboat are Lifuka and Toa. Of the two, Lifuka is the one worth exploring and is home to the only town in the Ha’apai Islands group, Pangai.
The best way to see this pretty island is by guided walking tour, as Lifuka is easily explored on foot. You’ll find attractive colonial-style houses built by English settlers, a rather modest Royal Palace (which accommodates the king when he’s in town), and the tomb of the Reverend Shirley Baker, a Wesleyan missionary who exerted great influence upon King George in his later years. A few other ornate tombs, including the Olovehi and Huluipaongo Tombs, are also found nearby and were built to house the remains of high chiefs and their relatives.
Volcanoes
The Ha’apai Island group is home to two ancient volcanoes – one active and the other inactive. Tofua, to the west of Lifuka, still puffs steam and produces an orange glow, attracting the attention of sailors and others visiting the islands, including Captain Bligh in 1777. Nearby, Kao, a perfect cone-shaped mountain, remains quiet.
Scuba Diving
The clear, fish-laden waters surrounding the Ha’apai island group of the kingdom of Tonga are paradise for avid scuba divers. Huge underwater caves and vast canyons make exploring these waters a true adventure. The reefs are colorful and the small marine life fascinating.
The group’s only dive operator is located on the island of Foa at the Sandy Beach Resort, so those who want to take advantage of the amazing scuba diving in Ha’apai should plan to visit that island to schedule guided boat dives and equipment rental. Non-divers can go along for the ride and a chance to explore the crystal clear waters from above.