The Best Places to Take Photos in Tonga
If you’re looking for breathtaking archipelago scenery, historical monuments and amazing wildlife encounters, then you’ll easily “get your Grams” in Tonga. We go through the best photography spots in this guide on where to take pictures in Tonga.
1. The Pacific Ocean
Ok, so the first item on the list couldn’t be more generic being the largest ocean on earth, but most iconic photos out of Tonga come from swimming with humpback whales. Yes, in Tonga’s surrounding waters between July and October, it is possible to swim with these gentle giants in their element. Take a waterproof camera or housing to capture your underwater encounter with some of the world’s largest mammals. Learn more in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga and get whale photography inspiration from What Does Whale Swimming in Tonga Look Like? 10 Epic Photos.
Location: All over Tonga! See Where to Swim with Whales in Tonga for recommended locations.
© Tonga Ministry of Tourism2. Swallows Cave
The silhouette of snorkelling with thousands of fish against the beams of light casting through a cave entrance makes for a stunning and unique capture for Instagram. Such a photo can be captured at Swallows Cave in the island group of Vava’u. Just about any snorkelling or boating tour in the area will take you to this iconic cave in Tonga.
Location: Northwestern tip of Kapa Island, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Giant ‘Ovava Tree #1 and #2
The tangling of roots from a giant banyan tree makes for stunning photos. Two of the largest banyan trees in The Kingdom are the creatively named Giant ‘Ovava Tree #1 and #2 on the island of ‘Eua. In fact, this island arguably has a whole bunch of photography spots, from natural archways to stunning lookouts across the ‘Eua National Park and beaches. Check some of them out in Sightseeing on ‘Eua: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions.
Location: ‘Ovava Tree #1 – Signposted between Mata’aho and ‘Esia villages, ‘Eua, down a narrow 1.8 km (1.1 mi) dirt road. A high-clearance vehicle is advised.
‘Ovava Tree #2 – Towards the east coast of ‘Eua. Follow signposts at the intersection from the main road in Kolomaile/Ha’atu’a villages. From the intersection, follow the road, which quickly turns into a dirt road, for approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) and then take the first road left. The ‘Ovava Tree is approximately 100 m (109 yards) down this track.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Mapua a’ Vaea Blowholes
Spanning around 5 km (3 mi) across the southern coastline of Tongatapu, the Mapua ‘a Vaea Blowholes are not only easy to get to but make for some epic photos. Watch as waves crash into the shore, shooting water into the sky through literally hundreds of blowholes across the coast. It’s like nature’s own water feature! Check out more awesome photo spots on Tonga’s main island in Sightseeing on Tongatapu: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions.
Location: End of Vaea Road, Houma, southwest side of Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Ha’amonga ‘a Maui
An iconic historical attraction teams up as a fun photo opportunity at the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui, also on Tongatapu. This ancient coral limestone trilithon is thought to have been constructed in the 13th Century under the rule of Tu’i Tonga Tu’itatui, an ancient Tongan king. Check out more interesting and photo-worthy sights like this in the 10 Best Historical Sites in Tonga.
Location: Signposted along Taufa’ahau Road, Niutoua, east side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Mt Talau
If you’re looking for Grams with great views, then head to the top of Mt Talau in Vava’u. Located in the Mt Talau National Park, the Mt Talau walk is a short distance from the main town of Vava’u, Neiafu. A short but steep climb brings you to two viewing platforms on the mountain where you can get some awesome landscape photos. Check out more attractions like this in Sightseeing in Vava’u: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions.
Location: Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u. From Neiafu, follow Tapueluefu Road (just past the Police Station) for approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) until you see the entrance signs for the Mt Talau National Park.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Eueiki Island
Traditional style fales (Tongan bungalows), stunning sandy beaches, outrigger canoes… Eueiki Island in the Vava’u group can’t help but look good – a slice of the real South Pacific! While there are many stunning islands across Tonga where you can get those idyllic South Pacific paradise photos, Eueiki Island and its Treasure Island Eco Resort provide the perfect combination of culture and nature to feature in your portfolio. Oggle at more gorgeous islands in the 20 Best Islands in Tonga.
Location: ‘Eueiki Island, east side of Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Talamahu Market
A visually stimulating setting that showcases the Tongan culture and slice of life, Talamahu Market must be visited with a camera! Marvel at colourful and creative handicrafts and mingle with the friendly stallholders. Be sure to ask permission before taking photos. While the Talamahu Market can be found in the capital, Nuku’alofa, note that there are also markets in other island groups, as listed in the 5 Best Markets in Tonga.
Location: Salote Road, Nuku’alofa city centre, Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. ‘Utula’aina Lookout
On your quest for epic views, check out the ‘Utula’aina Lookout on the northern coast of ‘Utu Vava’u (the main island of Vava’u). The lookout features commanding views of Vava’u’s rugged cliffs broken up by sweeping white-sand beaches – ah, paradise!
Location: Well signposted from the north of Holonga village, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u. From Holonga, follow the gravel road north for approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) and turn left at the fork. The lookout is another 650 m (710 yards) down this road.
(c) tongapocketguide.com10. Ha’apai
If you want some magnificent beach shots, be sure to make your way to Ha’apai. Gaze upon islands and reefs decorating the ocean like a scintillating jewel on the flight to Tonga’s central island group and stay on one of its three main beach-lined islands; Lifuka, Foa or Uoleva. Find more photo spots in the island group in the Sightseeing in Ha’apai: Top 10 Sights in Ha’apai.
Location: Ha’apai, central island group of Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore Places to Take Pictures in Tonga
That’s it for the best photography spots and places to take pictures in Tonga. For more destinations to be snap-happy, check out the following articles:
- 10 Most Famous Places in Tonga
- 10 Most Iconic Sights & Landmarks in Tonga
- 10 Most Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Tonga
Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
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