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The Friendly Islander

Property class: 2

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Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering) | View from room - The Friendly Islander (Nuku'alofa)
Pool - The Friendly Islander (Nuku'alofa)
Interior entrance - The Friendly Islander (Nuku'alofa)
Superior Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering) - The Friendly Islander (Nuku'alofa)
View from property - The Friendly Islander (Nuku'alofa)
At The Friendly Islander, you can look forward to a garden, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar. Guests can connect to free WiFi in public areas.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering)

Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Studio Bungalow - Back Garden (Self-Catering)

Studio Bungalow - Back Garden (Self-Catering) | Living area

Studio Bungalow - Back Garden (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Bungalow, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Superior Bungalow, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Bungalow, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 75 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Superior Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 75 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Standard Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 75 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering) | Living area

Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering) | Living area

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 75 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Economy Studio, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Economy Studio, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Economy Studio, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Poolside (Self-Catering)

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Poolside (Self-Catering) | Living area

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Poolside (Self-Catering)

  • Garden view
  • 75 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Nuku'alofa, The Friendly Islander is in the suburbs and near the beach. Royal Tombs and Royal Palace of Tonga are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Halafuoleva Beach and Mapu'a 'a Vaca Blowholes. Ancient Tonga and Tongan National Centre are also worth visiting. Visit our Nuku'alofa travel guide
Map
Vuna Road, Touliki, Tongatapu Island, Nuku'alofa

What's nearby

  • A palm tree silhouetted against a cloudy sky with the sun peeking through, over a calm sea.
    Ha'atafu Beach
    30 min drive - 18.1 miles
  • St Mary's Cathedral
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Ancient Tonga
    18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Basilica of St Anthony of Padua
    4 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Royal Palace of Tonga
    5 min drive - 2.7 miles

Getting around

  • Nuku'alofa (TBU-Fua'amotu Intl.)
    54 min drive

Restaurants

  • Mommas' Harbourview Restaurant
    8 min walk
  • Friends Cafe
    4 min drive
  • Waterfront Restaurant
    16 min walk
  • Billfish Bar and Restaurant
    11 min walk
  • Coffee Post
    4 min drive

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 7:00 AM to midnight on request

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

More

  • Built in 1991
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle

More

  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at noon

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 8 PM

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation

If you are planning to arrive after 8 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Cash Breakage deposit: USD 50 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20 per vehicle (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards

Frequently asked questions

Does The Friendly Islander have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Friendly Islander pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at The Friendly Islander?

Check-in begins at noon.

What time is check-out at The Friendly Islander?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does The Friendly Islander provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs 7 AM–midnight on request. A fee of USD 20 per vehicle applies.

Where is The Friendly Islander located?

Situated by the ocean, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Ancient Tonga, St Mary's Cathedral, and Interisland Ferry Terminal. Talamahu Market and Basilica of St Anthony of Padua are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

The Friendly Islander Reviews

7.6

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.0

Staff & service

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 15 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great for families

Nice to have the pool to cool down in after a day out sight seeing
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
とｎとんとんｇトンガ
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Loni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The beds were to low and too soft and the hot hot water off and on...
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Friendly and Accomadating

My adult daughter and I made a great decision in picking The Friendly Islander for our accommodation on Tongatapu. From the very start Papiloa’s team aimed to make your stay the very best possible. When we arrived over two hours early for check-in it was not a problem. When we wanted a really late check-out was not a problem. When we couldn’t get on tours, due to very short notice, it was not a problem – Papiloa took us on private tours to see tourist sights, many other places of interest and even the back streets, all while informatively answering our questions. All front-of-house staff are fluent in English and able to guide you in your selection of activities. Our up-graded accommodation was clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable. We felt safe thanks to the solid mosquito screening, on all windows and doors, plus the on-site security. Like everywhere, that is not home, a few things had us a bit out of our comfort zone, in particular trying different foods and wearing clothing that covered from upper-arms to below-knees when in public places, away from the resort. Honestly though, even if this made us a bit hotter it was appropriate to respect the people of Tonga. Also, as The Friendly Islander is self-catering accommodation, and there is a small supermarket just down the road, you don’t have to be too adventurous with food useless you want to be. Plus, you can always get a free ride to places you want to go to in the town.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Mi Kyung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
바로 앞 바다가 보이는 발코니 방을 사용했습니다 전용 욕실과 주방이 완비되어있어서 너무 좋았습니다 직원 도 친절했고 특히 주인인 파빌로아 덕분에 편하게 시내투어및 공항까지 적은 비용으로 여행을 했습니다 다음에 다시 가고 싶은 곳입니다
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Andrea

Liked: Room comfort

Schöne kleine Bungalows

Leider etwas außerhalb der Stadt, dafür ein Meerwasserpool in der Nähe. Nur über die Straße.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

I would never go back to this dump!

I spoke to a woman maybe the manager...she comes across as rude blunt zero people skills and poor customer service. I didnt like her manner.She also made a point of telling me i was upgraded. (she didnt tell me it was to squalor) on the surface our fale looked ok...old and run down i can deal with to a point. I couldn't afford to check out and pay for another place and shouldn't have had to. Our verandah had a bee hive swarming with bees ( unless they were wasps) we couldn't use it. Take a few minutes to check the place out...it was bloody filthy. I wasnt told that hot water only happens sometimes as i never would have booked. Im a a very very easy give or take traveller but this place (our fale) doesnt leave much to be positive about. I took many pics but hard tp upload from airport. I was on holiday love Tonga and wasnt there to complain or cause issues so i sucked it up...even after paying extra for an upgrade that i made prior. Anyway my bad. I chose to stay to be nice. Im an idiot. the microwave was 100 yrs old it turned but didnt heat. The sheets were stained and worn the mattress was disgustingly filthy old and extremely uncomfortable ( my partner kept sleeping on the floor or at his mums) not acceptable! Fly screens were old worn and filthy. Fridge covered in a4 paper didnt close. Much more to write but run out space. The lady who serviced the room was lovely and the iron worked. I checked out a day early due to being bitten by ants and bugs in my bed all night.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Comfortable and affordable

Friendly staff with airport pickup. Accomodation was average but suited to the price. Would stay there again. One of the perks is cheaper car rental.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vaha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Close to town

Thank you Papiloa and staff for your hospitality. Home away from home. Close to town but still a quiet and private place.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2017
Verified review

8/10 Good

Patrick

Liked: Staff & service

Happy Tongan hospitality.

The staff were friendly, smiling and very ready to please. The owner, herself, Papiloa, saw me walking off and she was going to town, stopped and gave me a lift and good Tongan philosophy. Asked for an extra blanket when they asked if there was anything that I needed, and it was supplied immediately. Good Tongan family values extended to their guests. Happy and thankful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

dianne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Close to the waterfront in a leafy green garden

I always stay with locally owned business and this place is a perfect example of why that's a great idea. The staff are lovely and the owner takes time to share her culture and knowledge with you. Papiloa's is a little walk from town but they always offer to drop me off (its really a pleasant walk and no big deal to walk it) you can also get a taxi back for a few Tongan dollars. Lovely quiet serene setting.
Stayed 1 night in May 2017
Verified review

6/10 Okay

anonymous

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Basic, aged, but comfortable and convenient. Pool was handy on a Sunday when other stuff is closed.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service

Very Tongan experience

This is our first trip to Tonga and we wanted to stay in a Tongan hotel not a multinational.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2018