Ha'apai Group Of Islands

Birth of a Dynasty Ha'apai Group is the birthplace of modern Tonga and the home of significant historical sites such as the Shirley Baker Memorial, Fortress Of Velata, Huluipaongo Lookout and ancient royal tombs from an ancient past.	Diving & Snorkelling Year round diving in brilliantly clear water, unhurried exploration, beautiful coral reefs and a huge variety of fish life. Whether by yourself or with others you will find Ha'apai worthy of its outstanding dive reputation.  Totally rewarding, perfect for the experienced or novice.
Gorgeous Villages Ha'apai is home to 8500 people with a fantastic history and culture. Whether by bike, kayak, walking or off shore exploration, its all marvellous. You may even stay with one of the small family-run guest houses and share in the simplicity that is the real Tonga.	Intrepid Exploration There are many exquisite islands worthy of day trips or (for the true adventurer) you can even take on an expedition to the cauldron of Tofua or re-trace the steps of Mutiny On The Bounty.  The beauty, romance and vigor of untouched worlds are like no other place on earth
Deserted Beaches Lonely Planet says "This is the South Pacific of travel posters - low coral islands, colourful lagoons and reefs, kilometres of deserted white beaches fringed with coconut palms, towering volcanoes ... It has all this and yet only a scattering of tourists visit each year".	Swim with Whales There are only a few places in the world where you can get in the water with a whale and the Kingdom is one such place.  With very low tourism numbers and superb scenery, whale watching/swimming in Ha'apai is totally rewarding.  The local operators in Ha'apai are leaders in their field.

More About The Lovely Ha'apai Landscape

Lifuka beaches (on the Westcoast) are popular attractions. The windward side of the island has beautiul beaches interspersed with rugged coast and the beach are accessible on foot only 10 minutes from Pangai. Being on the windy side they offer cool sea breezes and and are fantastic for stargazing at night after sausages on the open fire. Beachcombing and rock pooling in the tidal reef flats is also possible.

Ana Sieni Tupou Vainga (Runway Beach) the end of the airport runway has a great white sand beach with shade and you can watch Chathams Pacific flights approach for landing and take off just a few meters above your head as you lie in the sunshine. The roar of the DC3 as she takes off over you is awesome and a great photo opportunity

Port au Prince Memorial Beach is where the ship was hauled ashore after the massacre. There now stands a stone monument inset with marble as a memorial to the sailors who lost their lives that fateful day.  Now a great dive site, here is the history of this event.

Poseidons Gate is the point on the West coast of Lifuka Island where the barrier reef comes closest to the island. There are rock pools and massive reef terraces that you can climb up onto to witness the full power of the Pacific pounding against the rocks. It is a beautiful and dynamic look out point and it's secluded nature makes it perfect for camping.

Soft Coral Discovery Ha'apai

Darren Rice of Liquid Image Productions discovered an exquisite soft coral reef whist diving and exploring in Ha'apai, Kingdom Of Tonga. This discovery has set the diving world a buzz with excitement. Check the photos out.

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