Things to Do in Ha'apai Group

• Adventure & Sightseeing
  There are no professional sightseeing operators in the Ha'apai Group, but the Sandy Beach Resort on Foa Island will organise various adventure trips for their houseguests such as horseriding, diving, island visits and kayaking (these are not open to other visitors). Day sailing, outer island visits, diving and kayaking are offered by Happy Ha’apai Divers, on Foa Island, phone 60 639.
• Beaches and Snorkelling
  It would be hard to beat the outstanding swimming and snorkelling conditions of Ha’apai. The underwater world is so pristine, Ha’apai has been nominated as a potential World Heritage Area. Some of the best swimming beaches in Tonga are found at the end of Foa Island (partly within the premises of Sandy Beach Resort). Beach activities like swimming, snorkelling and kite surfing can be enjoyed at the public end of the beach. There are also some great beaches for swimming and snorkelling on Uoleva Island, south of Lifuka.
• Biking
  Cycling is the easiest way of getting around in Ha’apai and most guesthouses have bikes for rent to explore the islands of Foa and Lifuka. On your travels, stop by the village of Lotofoa, where the old church boasts a beautifully carved coconut ceiling.
• Caving
  There are some largely unexplored caves on the windward side of Foa visited by the Sandy Beach Resort or explore the magnificent underwater caves next to Ofolanga and Mounga’one with Happy Ha’apai Divers.
• Cruising & Sailing
  You can book day sails and live-aboard trips on a sailing catamaran with Happy Ha’apai Divers and explore some of Ha’apai’s beautiful outer islands, phone (676) 60 639.
• Diving
  The pristine reefs, clear visibility and incredible seascapes of Ha’apai offer wonderful diving including huge sea caves, channels, tunnels, drop-offs, walls, bommies and coral gardens. The fully equipped PADI dive base Happy Ha’apai Divers, phone (676) 60 639, is the group’s only operator. It has a range of courses for all levels from Discover Scuba for beginners to more advanced drift and cave dives.
• Foa Island
  At Lifuka’s northernmost point a causeway leads to Foa Island, with its pristine white sand beaches. The waters around the island are teeming with colourful marinelife and local operators, Happy Ha’apai Divers, will take you exploring. There are also wonderful coral reefs within swimming distance. The island is home to the group’s only top-end accommodation, Sandy Beach Resort.
• Fortress of Velata
  The Velata is an example of a ring ditch fortification, a type of defensive work that is widespread throughout , Tonga and Samoa. A couple of ridges from the original fort can still be seen near Pangai.
• Horse riding
  Guided horse treks can be organised by the Sandy Beach Resort on Foa Island, phone (676) 60 600.
  Kayaking
  Sit-on kayaks can be rented at Matafonua Lodge on Foa Island, phone (676) 69 766, and ocean-going sea kayaks can be rented from the Happy Ha’apai Divers, who can also take you camping overnight on some of Vava'u's outer islands.
• Shirley Baker Monument
  A statue of Reverend Shirley Waldemar Baker can be found in the Pangai cemetery. He was by far the most influential European in the Ha’apai Group, and ultimately became a political advisor to King Taufa’ahau Tupou I.
• Sunday Church
  The traditional Sunday dresses and the moving hymns will be something you’ll never forget, and a must even for people who never go to church at home.
• Uiha Island
  South of Lifuka, a short boat ride away, Uiha is rich in archaeological heritage. The island was once the site of the royal burial grounds and has the remains of burial pyramids and an ancient star mound.
• Uoleva Island
  At low tide, you can wade across to Uoleva Island at Lifuka’s southern end. The island is not inhabited, but has some lovely white sand beaches to enjoy and good snorkelling at its western end.
• Volcanoes
  More adventurous travellers can hire a boat to visit the large volcanic islands of Tofua and Kao in the western part of Ha’apai, where the infamous Mutiny of the Bounty took place. Tonga’s most active volcano, Tofua, is rich in birdlife and has a beautiful crater lake. The demanding walk (one hour) to the summit rewards you with breathtaking views of the volcano’s steaming crater and of neighbouring Kao Island. (For further information about the islands, contact the Tonga Visitors Bureau office at Pangai.)
• Whale Watching
  Happy Ha’apai Divers will take you whale watching and swimming with the whales from July to October. 

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