Tonga: Introduction

“Friendly Islands”, as explorer James Cook named them, still applies to these islands and their people. Tongans are hospitable, polite and reserved. They proudly hold on to their traditions and don’t let anything or anyone get into the way of their peaceful and relaxed way of life, especially not tourism, an industry which is still in its infancy in Tonga. Nowhere else does the time pass by more slowly than in this sleepy little kingdom on the other side of the world.

At first glance, Tonga doesn’t look like much of a South Pacific paradise. The flat main island Tongatapu has neither spectacular landscapes nor beautiful beaches. The capital city looks more like a wild west settlement than the home of a monarchy. But Tonga doesn’t just comprise of Tongatapu alone, but of 150 other islands, spread across a large area of sea. Some of the smaller islands are a half-hour boat trip away from the harbour. Their beaches fulfill every South Pacific dream.

However, the jewels of Tonga are in the north. The Vava’u Islands are some of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific and are favored by yachties from all over the world. Yet for normal tourists travelling by air, Vava’u is still relatively unknown.

Facts & Figures
General Information
Transport
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