Beaches in Australia and Pacific
Ha'apai group of islands is very much off the beaten track. Not many visitors come here, even though the beaches are considered to be some of the best on Tonga. Uoleva and Foa islands in Ha'apai have both a couple simple resorts, which lies directly down to beautiful sandy beaches. At the northern tip of Foa Island (pictured), you even have the option to walk to the other side, if the sea is too rough for swimming or snorkelling.
Along the northwest "horn" of Tongatapu Island are beach after beach after beach. Besides the spread out and calm villages, there are a handful of smaller resorts and guesthouses. The secluded beaches are mostly wild and untidy with dense vegetation.
Right next to the Natural Bridge lies this pretty isolated beach. The view from the 4WD track is amazing. We couldn't find a trail down to the beach, so we don't know if it's possible to actually stand on the beach.
It only takes a kajak ride from the Matafonua Lodge at the tip of Foa Island to reach this uninhabited island. On this little slice of paradise, you can run around naked and have your own little Robinson Crusoe experience. It's possible to walk in sturdy sandals around the whole island at low tide. It's also best to do the crossing of the channel at low tide, when there are less current and waves.
A 15 minutes boat ride from Nuku'alofa will bring you to this little beach getaway. On arrival you pay a fee, which also includes the boat and lunch. There is a bar and a big rustic wooden deck with chairs and shade. Right off shore are two shipwrecks, one only half submerged, which offer great snorkeling. Pangaimotu can get popular on Sundays, when there are nothing else to do in Nuku'alofa besides church-going, but there is plenty of shade for everyone. You can also do day trips to the more upscale Fafa Island.
Some of the longest sandy beaches on Fongafale Islet are right in town. The lagoon side offers several long narrow beaches with plenty of trees and palms. However, don't expect to get it for yourself for the friendly locals relax in their hammocks in the shade.
Most of the shore north of town is sandless, but there're a few patches of palmfringed sandy beaches. The nameless beach on the pictured is even very deserted, if you wanted it for yourself. The water on the lagoon side is warm, calm, and shallow, perfect to float around in.
Funafala is the second biggest islet in the Funafuti Lagoon and one of the few inhabited islets. There are about 15-20 people living there, among a church and many picturesque coconut palms. At the time it's not possible to stay here, but you can swing by while on a boat trip in Funafuti Lagoon.