Welcome to Haʻapai, a beautiful group of islands and reefs in the heart of Tonga! Spanning 109.30 square kilometers (42.20 square miles), this lovely archipelago lies just north of Tongatapu and south of Vavaʻu. There are 17 inhabited islands in Haʻapai, home to a friendly community of about 5,419 people. The highest peak in all of Tonga can be found on Kao, towering almost 1,050 meters (3,440 feet) above sea level. The capital of Haʻapai District is Pangai, located on the island of Lifuka.

Haʻapai is made up of 51 islands, many of which are just a stone’s throw from the deep Tonga Trench. These islands are a mix of volcanic and coral types, including Kao, which is the tallest at 1,046 meters (3,432 feet). The inhabited islands are found toward the east. Haʻapai is about 204 kilometers (127 miles) north of Tongatapu and 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Vavaʻu. Among the islands, Lifuka and Foa are the most populated, with Pangai on Lifuka hosting the airport, Salote Pilolevu, and another village called Haʻano. If you’re curious about the size of the community, a 2016 Census recorded around 6,125 people living in Haʻapai.

The bigger islands are mainly in the eastern Lifuka group. Lifuka and Foa are the largest, with 2,205 and 1,392 residents, respectively, as of 2016. Close behind are Nomuka and Haʻano, with a combined population of 910 across four villages. To the south sits ʻUiha, which has a couple of villages and about 695 residents. This island is also home to ancient burial grounds and a historic monument—what a fascinating peek into history!

In the far west of Haʻapai, you can find Tofua, an active volcano, and Kao, a dormant volcano. The Kotu Islands, or Lulunga, are in the southwest, while the Nomuka Islands, known as ʻOtu Muʻomuʻa, lie further south. You’ll also spot the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcano in the southwest of Haʻapai.

If you love marine life, you’re in for a treat! Humpback whales migrate to this region for the winter, providing spectacular sightings. Plus, archaeologists have discovered remnants of ancient Lapita culture settlements, dating back to around 1500 BC, scattered across the various sites in Haʻapai.

The first European to explore Haʻapai was Abel Tasman in 1643. Later, Captain James Cook made several visits in 1774 and 1777, endearingly naming them the “Friendly Islands.”

On May 18, 1777, when Cook and his crew arrived at one of the islands, they received a warm welcome from Fatafehi Paulaho, the esteemed Tu’i Tonga (or King of the Isles).

Fast forward to April 28, 1789, when Haʻapai was part of the events surrounding the famous Mutiny on the Bounty. Captain William Bligh stopped at Tofua shortly after his crew set him adrift.

In 1806, William Mariner arrived on one of the islands aboard the Port-au-Prince. Tragically, the Tongan warriors killed the crew, but Mariner survived and lived on the island for four years before being rescued by an English ship and making his way back to England.

Finally, in 1840, the US Exploring Expedition visited Haʻapai and met with George (Taufa’ahau), the chief of the islands.

We hope you enjoy discovering the unique beauty and rich history of Haʻapai

Browse MALOELELEI.COM to find out more about how to travel to Ha’apai, where to stay, and how to enjoy your trip to beautiful Ha’apai, where the whales sing.