Tonga is The Friendly islands from where Lisa come twenty-two years ago. Dance in Tonga has traditionally been an important art form, turning oral histories and folk tales into a visual form. The rocky terraced coastline at Houma features one of the South Pacific's most impressive natural spectacles. There are miles of white, sandy beaches fronting clear lagoons, which hold some of the most beautiful and varied reefs in the world. Tonga is a miniature Kingdom, made up of a group of 170 islands, 45 of which are inhabited. They form a necklace just west of the International Dateline. The main island of Tongatapu in the south is the home of the Kingdom's capital, Nuku'alofa. The majority of Tonga's 96,000 people live on Tongatapu. Ha'apai village is a favourite with visitors who are invited to stay in the village and participate in all aspects of village life from 'kava' ceremonies, feasting and dancing to hunting 'feke' octopus with village fisherman in outrigger canoes.North lies the Ha'apai group, a chain of low lying atolls surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Beyond Ha'apai lies the Vava'u group, a paradise of lush tropical landscapes, a deep-water harbour, rock islands and limestone caves.North lies the Ha'apai group, a chain of low lying atolls surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Beyond Ha'apai lies the Vava'u group, a paradise of lush tropical landscapes, a deep-water harbour, rock islands and limestone caves. Other major centres are Eua Island, an ideal retreat for hikers, adventurers and naturalists, and Vava'u island which has two beautiful beaches on the main island and a scenic drive around the west coast with stunning views of Port of Refuge Harbour and the numerous outer islands.There's Pacific good times all round in this wonderful and versatile country. On Tonga you can party and drink kava at festivals till you drop, be impressed by the Sunday church turnouts, and then escape to deserted beaches. Where, between snorkelling in untouched coral gardens and sipping coconut juice, the most you need do is watch the waves slap against the shore.