about ha'apai
Geography & History
Ha’apai is made up of 51 islands, only 17 of which are inhabited, and is considered the heart of Tonga. The Tongan royal family has its roots here and everyday life is still rich in tradition.
Lying directly west of the Tongan Trench, it is a chain of volcanic islands including Kao, the highest point in the kingdom standing at 1,046 metres (3,432 ft). The archipelago lies 204 kilometers (127 mi) north of Tongatapu and 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Vava’u.
Traces of settlements of Lapita culture from around 1500 BC have been found in Ha'apai as well as ancient rock carvings (Petroglyphs). The first European to visit Haʻapai was Abel Tasman in 1643. Captain James Cook made several stops on the islands in 1774 and 1777 and gave them the name of Friendly Islands. Fletcher Christian arrived on 28 April 1789 and Captain William Bligh of the Bounty visited the volcanic
island of Tofua.
In 1806 William Mariner arrived on the ship Port-au-Prince. While they were anchored off Lifuka island they were attacked by Tongan warriors and most of the crew were killed. Mariner was captured and lived for four years in Tonga before he was found by a passing English ship and returned to England.
Getting Here
Three International Airlines fly to the capital, Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu Island: Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways. There are direct flights from Auckland, Sydney and
Fiji.
After arriving in our capital, it is a short hop on our domestic airline, Lulutai. It would be advisable to have some local currency on hand for the short taxi ride from the international to the domestic terminal, alternatively your accommodation may arrange the taxi for you.
If you have plenty of time and are flexible there is also the option to take the local ferry to Ha’apai. There are 2 weekly ferries but there is no fixed schedule so leave yourself plenty of scope to meet International flights.
Visas
Visitors from most countries, including New Zealand, UK, USA and Australia, may enter Tonga without a visa for a period no longer than 30 days. Travellers from some countries do require a visa. Check with your travel agent, contact your local consulate or contact the immigration
department here in Tonga directly phone (676) 26969 or (676)
26970 or email tongapermit@gmail.com
**** MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AT LEAST 6 MONTHS LEFT ON YOUR PASSPORT OR YOU MAY BE DENIED ENTRY****
Climate
Overall, Tonga is said to have one of the best climates in the South Pacific. The average annual daytime temperature is a comfortable 75F/23C. In the summer, from December to April, the temperatures can be warmer and from May to November the days are cooler and dryer. Anytime of the year is a perfect time to visit.
Dress
Light summer clothing is suitable year-round although the evenings may be cool in winter. You can wear your bathing suits or bikini at the resorts and nearby beaches. Tonga is a conservative country so when in villages and town please be respectful and dress modestly. If you wish to visit a church service while you are here (the singing is phenomenal) then you should plan to dress accordingly for that.
Electricity
The electricity is 240 volts and 50HZ, which is the same as Australia and New Zealand. Sockets are three pronged, the upper two prongs being angled and flat the same as New Zealand and Australia.
Sunday
Sunday is, by law, a day of rest. There are no flights or ferries and all shops are closed. Resorts are generally allowed to operate as usual with the exception of diving and whale watching, which is not allowed.
