Discovering Tonga

I’ve discovered a deep love for Tonga and its wonderful people, and I get asked frequently what it is I love about Tonga so much. Let me take you on a little journey into this exotic oasis and share why it has captured my heart.
When you hear “Malo e lelei,” you’ll know you’re in the welcoming embrace of Tonga. This warm greeting is just a taste of the island’s Aloha spirit. Tongan words are mostly phonetic, making them easier to pronounce. But don’t stress about perfect pronunciation. Tongans are some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet, ready to laugh and share a smile with you.
One of the things that fascinated me about Tonga was the laid-back nature of the people. Have you ever heard the expression, “Oh, they are on Island time”? Well, Tonga embodies that phrase perfectly. Back in New Zealand, my husband’s habit of never being on time drove me mad. But spending time in Tonga taught me that people here have a different sense of time. The days are long, and you make your own time. There’s no rush or pressure—just a beautiful rhythm to life that’s deeply fulfilling.
In Tonga, people live off their land and provide for themselves and their families. They grow crops, sell produce on the side of the road, and live in tight-knit communities where families help each other. It’s a way of life that I’ve come to appreciate and even aspire to. Cousins play together, families cook together, and there’s a profound sense of togetherness and support that’s often missing in more hectic places.
If I need fresh vegetables, I just drive down to the village, and someone will always have what I need. It’s such a simple, yet fulfilling way to live.
Tongan cuisine is another delight you won’t want to miss. The tropical bounty includes coconuts, bananas, mangoes, taro leaves, and succulent roasted pig—all staples in their beloved dishes. Imagine savouring crispy roasted pig or indulging in “Lu Sipi,” a heavenly mix of taro leaves, lamb, coconut milk, and onions. Meals in Tonga are more than just about satisfying hunger—they’re a pivotal way to bring family and friends together, sharing stories and laughter over delicious food.
Tonga is profoundly religious, with Christianity dominating the spiritual landscape. Around 64% of the population are Protestant, 17% are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and 15% are Roman Catholic. The island is rich with beautiful churches, each a testament to the deep faith and warm community spirit that defines Tongan life.
Sundays are sacred. Everything is closed, and families attend church; there are strict laws that you are not to do any work on Sunday. Initially, I struggled with this, but I have come to truly love this tradition. The day is spent resting and catching up with the wider family. Families cook together and come together for a meal after church. It’s a great reset day with no demands on your time except for food and a good Sunday afternoon nap. With the long days, it’s an excellent opportunity to catch up on sleep.
Tonga is a place to unwind and rediscover who you are and what you want in life. The simplicity of living here is a refreshing reminder that we often get caught up in things that don’t truly matter. The people we love are what’s important—not the latest gadgets or keeping up with the Joneses. Being on an island where you can explore hidden beautiful beaches, witness the majestic migration of whales, and make genuine friends is priceless.
I have started to make some beautiful friends in Tonga who I value immensely, alongside my Tongan family whom I love dearly. This sense of community and belonging has added immeasurable richness to my life.
So, pack your bags, embrace the Tongan spirit, and get ready for a journey filled with unforgettable memories. Your Tongan adventure awaits—one that will leave you not just refreshed, but also deeply enriched and inspired.