Things to Do in Nuku'alofa
Things to see and do in Nuku'alofa, Nuku'alofa highlights, Nuku'alofa activities and attractions, and points of interest in Nuku'alofa - the ALL NEW Jasons Nuku'alofa Things to Do Guide is your complete guide to sightseeing in Nuku'alofa.
Biking
Tongatapu Island is very flat and ideal for exploring by bike. There are cycle rentals in Nuku'alofa and some guesthouses also provide bikes for their guests to rent.
- Day Trips to Offshore Island Resorts
There are daily excursions from Nuku'alofa to the offshore islands, where you can relax on the island’s beautiful beaches, join in the daily activities then return later in the day. The islands are very close – it is only a 15 minute trip to Pangaimotu (the nearest), and less than an hour to Royal Sunset (the farthest). There are bars and restaurants available.
- Diving & Game Fishing
There is superb diving in the islands north of Nuku'alofa. Two game-fishing charter companies also operate out of Nuku'alofa - Royal Sunset Fishing and Dive Tours and Blue Water Fishing Charters. The fishing grounds are off the northern coast of Tongatapu Island.
Heilala Festival
A week-long celebration coinciding with the King's Birthday in July, and featuring parades, workshops, a beauty pageant, music arts, feasting and sports competitions.
- Island Nights
Island buffets featuring traditional food and dance are held at the International Dateline Hotel on Wednesday and Saturday nights and at the 
Tongan National Centre on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
- Island Tours
Several companies offer tours around the island and the Tongan National Centre also has a cultural tour and lunch (bookings essential).
- Royal Palace
Surrounded by large lawns and giant Norfolk pines, Tonga's famous Royal Palace dominates the seafront. This large Victorian timber building was prefabricated in New 
Zealand and completed in 1882, when the upstairs verandah was added. The palace is not open to the public but there is a good view from the waterfront on the west side.
- Royal Tombs
Tongan sovereigns, their wives, husbands and close relatives have been buried at the tombs at the Mala'ekula (a large park area) since 1893. It's not open to the public but there is a reasonable view from the fence.
- Sailing
Nuku'alofa is a hub for international yachts, particularly from March to October. Faua Harbour has basic facilities but there are more extensive facilities at the Nuku'alofa Yacht & Motor Club, where visiting yachties are welcome.
- Snorkelling
Yellow Pier (at the end of Tupoulahi Road) is a good spot for swimming and snorkelling, with lots of small fish and the occasional ray.
Talamahu Market
Tonga’s largest fruit, vegetable and handicraft market is open everyday except Sunday, with an abundance of local foods and inexpensive handcrafts. The market is a hub of activity, particularly on Saturday mornings, and the perfect place to meet the locals. Colourful local produce for sale includes papaya, mango, sweet potatoes, taro, yams 
and plantains.
- Tongan National Centre
About 2km south of Nuku'alofa at Vaiola, this complex is an ideal way for visitors to experience Tongan heritage. There are traditional displays of Tongan dancing, cooking, weaving, tapa making and wood carving at 2pm, from Monday to Friday. Lunch can be organised, depending on the booking numbers. There is also a buffet dinner, kava ceremony and cultural show 
every Tuesday and Thursday evening. The National Museum is located at the Tonga National Centre and is open from Monday to Friday.
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