Tonga 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Nuku’alofa

  • Morning: Arrive at Fua’amotu International Airport, Tongatapu. Complete Immigration & Customs formalities (Note: Many nationalities can get a 30-day visitor visa on arrival, but it’s best to confirm this before travel).
  • Afternoon: Head to Nuku’alofa, the capital city. Visit the Royal Palace, which is closed to visitors on Sundays. Explore the vibrant local market (open daily except Sunday mornings) for Tongan handicrafts, fresh produce, and traditional clothing.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Tongan dinner at one of the restaurants around town. Don’t miss out on ‘Kava’ ceremony, a traditional beverage enjoyed in many island cultures.
  • Things to Know: The official language is Tongan, but English is widely spoken. Tipping is not customary in Tonga. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.

Day 2: Island Hopping & Swimming with Humpback Whales (if season applicable)

  • Morning: Book a day tour to explore the nearby islands like ‘Ata, ‘Eua, and Yanonga. Enjoy snorkeling, beachcombing, and learning about Tongan island life.
  • Afternoon: If you’re visiting between June and October, book a whale watching tour to see humpback whales up close (subject to weather conditions).
  • Evening: Return to Nuku’alofa for dinner. Try local seafood dishes like ‘Ika Mata’ (raw fish marinated in coconut milk) and ‘Fish Curry’.

Day 3: Ancient Sites & Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, a unique stone structure dating back to around 1200 AD. Then head to Langi, ancient Tongan temple tombs built around the same time.
  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon relaxing at one of Tongatapu’s beautiful beaches like Cheese Bay or Koloma’ute. You can also visit the Tongan Beer Garden and Brewery for a refreshing local brew.
  • Evening: Pack your bags for departure the next day, and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Nuku’alofa’s restaurants. Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs from the local market!
  • Transportation: Taxis are readily available in Nuku’alofa, and car rental is an option for those wanting to explore further. Ferry services are also available for inter-island travel.