The Ha'apai island group is 160km north of the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa and is the geographical centre of the Kingdom's four major island groups. Ha'apais' main island Lifuka, is where Captain Cook landed and, after a warm reception, later described the group as the Friendly Islands. Most of the 30 small islands are low lying coral atolls with the exception of 2 volcanic islands to the west, only a few are inhabited. With Lyndon away in Oz for work, we decided to take advantage of a long weekend and headed over to Ha'apai for 4 days. It was amazing and we are planning to take Helen and Jeff there when they come to visit next year.
It is only a 40min plane ride and we had the luxury of the newly renovated DC3 aircraft on the way over and a lovely private charter on a 8 seater Queen Air on the way home. With fantastic views from the air, it is easy to see why we love living here in Tonga.
The DC3 and probably one of the only planes in the world that flies with the cockpit door still open
Leaving Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, it is surrounded by fringing reef and cliff faces.
Spectular views of the coral atolls on the way to Ha'apai.
Tofua, a volcanic island and Likufa island joined to Foa Island by a causeway.
The runway into Likufa runs straight through the middle of the island and the main road crosses the run way. All cars must stop whilst planes and landing and taking off, then they continue on their way across the run way
Getting ready to go home in the Queenie, first time for the kids in such a small plane and they weren't quite sure about it all. Dylan was jealous that Hiro got the seat up the front next to the pilot, oh well next time.
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