The Kingdom of Tonga is a small country in the South Pacific including 176 islands, 52 of which are inhabited. It is one of the few remaining constitutional monarchies. It has a tropical climate and neighbors Fiji. It is also the first country on the dateline, so you can see the first sunrises and sunsets in the world.
I spent a week in Tonga with four other American girls, enjoying the sun and sand. We took time to swim, hike, explore, and simply relax.
Nuku'alofa is the main island of Tonga, where we spent our first and final nights.
Our first night we stayed at a cute guest house, then walked into town for dinner. The following day we relaxed on the beach.
Hermit crabs were everywhere.
Our camping spot on the beach our second night.
A nice view to wake up to.
The ferry to 'Eua Island, which is known for it's hiking and beautiful scenery. Little did we know that we would be waiting for two hours before the ferry left and then on the ferry for nearly three hours! Taking the ferry really was an all day event.
Watermelon from the market along the wharf.
Finally leaving.
Wendy, Katarina, and Lizzy (left to right).
We made it to land.
Another night camping, the beach was incredible!
Our first location where we set up camp, sadly we got flooded and needed to relocate.
Sunsets and crashing waves.
Our new spot for the evening, high and dry.
The next day we made our way to Taina's Guest House where we stayed for two nights. Once we settled in we set out for an afternoon walk to a nice beach.
There are pigs everywhere.
Pigs and goats in the cemetery.
Going for a walk.
Coral beach and a beautiful sunset to finish the day.
The next day we went out for an even more adventurous hike, which even included some rock climbing and exploring at the Fangatave Caves.
This hike was a great highlight to the trip.
We enjoyed our stay at the homey guest house. We even were offered Tongan food to try and as many fresh bananas as we could eat!
Our final hike on 'Eua Island.
The dogs came along.
The whole gang.
Then it was another afternoon on the ferry.
We stayed at another Guest House just outside Nuku'Alofa.
The next day it was already our last day. We spent some time around town and going to the market. We also spent some time at the Friends cafe.
That evening we went to a Tongan feast and show.
There was a lot of delicious food. I even tried some raw fish and seaweed.
The show in Heni Cave.
Fire dancing to finish the evening.
It was back to the airport for our early morning flight, and then sadly my final day in Auckland.
