Hi,

just for future reference for other travellers some information about Tonga.
It is worth going to the Ha'apai group if you are looking for the South Pacific postcard dream. No tourist crowds, but beautiful white sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, healthy marine life (great diving) and of course the magnificent Humpback Whales that you can even swim with from June to November.

For travellers like zbrit, who like reasonably clean accommodation, but rather spend their money on activities, there are a few basic, but clean and cosy gueshouses around Lifuka Island and Uoleva Island. Taiana´s Resort on Uoleva with its little beach huts is the nicest of them, situated on a gorgeous beach with a great atmosphere and backpacker-friendly prices. Another bonus is that the dive and whale watching operator Fins 'n' Flukes (situated on the main island Lifuka) can pick you up from there (and all the other resorts and guesthouses on the islands) to go diving, whale watching, snorkeling, island hopping etc.

The best way to get to Ha'apai is by plane with Chathams Pacific, it only takes 30 minutes. In April 2010 a new ferry arrived for inter-island service, but hasn´t taken up operation yet.