PLACES IN TONGA

Let’s explore all the landmarks and nature Tonga has to offer.  We include history and interesting facts.  

‘Anahulu Beach

‘Anahulu Beach

Location: 'Anahulu Beach is located in the village of Haveluliku on the northern coast of Tongatapu. It is next to the 'Anahulu Cave and about a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Nuku'alofa. Features: 'Anahulu Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by coconut palms and other tropical vegetation, providing plenty of shade and a peaceful atmosphere. The water is calm and shallow, making it ideal for...

read more
Veitongo Beach

Veitongo Beach

Veitongo Beach is a picturesque beach located on the southern coast of Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga. Here is some information about Veitongo Beach: Location: Veitongo Beach is located in the village of Veitongo on the southern coast of Tongatapu. It is about a 20-minute drive from the capital city of Nuku'alofa. Features: Veitongo Beach is a beautiful white sand beach with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by coconut palms and...

read more
‘Otuhaka Beach

‘Otuhaka Beach

'Otuhaka Beach is located on the island of Tongatapu, which is the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga. It is situated on the eastern side of the island, approximately 14 kilometers east of the capital city of Nuku'alofa. The beach is known for its clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and is considered one of the best beaches on the island. In addition to its natural beauty, 'Otuhaka Beach is also home to a number of...

read more
Langafonua Handicrafts

Langafonua Handicrafts

Langafonua Handicrafts is a social enterprise that is based in the Kingdom of Tonga, which is a Polynesian archipelago in the South Pacific. The enterprise was established in 2007 with the aim of preserving traditional Tongan handicrafts and promoting sustainable livelihoods for Tongan women artisans. The handicrafts produced by Langafonua Handicrafts are made using traditional Tongan techniques and materials, such as pandanus leaves, coconut husks, and natural dyes. The enterprise offers a...

read more
Flying Foxes

Flying Foxes

Flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, are a common sight in Tonga. Tonga is home to two species of flying foxes - the Pacific flying fox (Pteropus tonganus) and the Samoan flying fox (Pteropus samoensis). Both species are found throughout the Pacific region. The Pacific flying fox is the larger of the two species and has a wingspan of up to 1 meter. They have dark brown fur and a distinctive golden collar around their neck. They are primarily fruit eaters, but they have also been known to...

read more
Popua Park

Popua Park

Popua Park is a public park located in the small village of Popua, on the outskirts of the capital city of Nuku'alofa, in the Kingdom of Tonga. The park covers an area of approximately 10 hectares and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Here are some interesting facts about Popua Park: The park is known for its beautiful gardens, which are filled with a wide range of flowers, trees, and other plants. Many of these plants are native to Tonga and are carefully maintained by park...

read more
Toloa Forest Reserve

Toloa Forest Reserve

Toloa Forest Reserve is a protected area located on the island of Upolu in Samoa, a small island nation in the South Pacific. The reserve covers an area of approximately 26 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here are some interesting facts about Toloa Forest Reserve: The reserve is located just a few kilometers from the capital city of Apia and is easily accessible by car or bus. Toloa Forest Reserve is home to a number of endemic bird species, including the Samoan...

read more
Pangaimotu Island

Pangaimotu Island

Pangaimotu Island is a small island located in Tongatapu, which is the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga. The island is situated about 10 kilometers north of the capital city of Nuku'alofa and is easily accessible by boat from the city's harbor. Here are some interesting facts about Pangaimotu Island: The island is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, which make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Pangaimotu Island is also home to a...

read more
St. Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary's Cathedral is a historic and iconic church located in the capital city of Nuku'alofa in the Kingdom of Tonga. Here is some information about the cathedral: History: St. Mary's Cathedral was built in the late 1800s by the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga. The church was built using coral limestone, which was a common building material in Tonga at the time. The cathedral was completed in 1894 and was named in honor of the Virgin Mary. Description: St. Mary's Cathedral is an impressive...

read more
‘Ene’io Botanical Garden

‘Ene’io Botanical Garden

'Ene'io Botanical Garden is a beautiful and unique garden located in the Kingdom of Tonga. Here is some information about the garden: Location: 'Ene'io Botanical Garden is located in the village of Tefisi, on the main island of Tongatapu in Tonga. History: The garden was founded by Haniteli Fa'anunu, who began collecting and planting a wide variety of plants and trees in the area in 1972. Over time, the collection grew and the garden became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike....

read more
Ha’amonga ‘a Maui National Park

Ha’amonga ‘a Maui National Park

This historical monument was built around 1200AD by the eleventh Tu’i Tonga named Tu’itātui. This ruler had great power and prosperity to enable the construction of this lasting monument. The two vertical stones are about 5m high, 4.25m wide and 1.4m thick, and weigh between 30 and 40 tonnes each. The lintel stone is 5.8m long, 1.4m wide and 0.61m thick. There have been many speculations about the purpose of the Ha’amonga. Some theory assumed that it is a gateway to a royal compound while...

read more
Abel Tasman Landing Site

Abel Tasman Landing Site

In 1643, after sailing around Australia and New Zealand in search of a faster route to Chile, Abel Tasman became the first European to visit the main island (Tongatapu) and Haʻapai in Tonga. During his voyage, he charted and mapped several islands and gave the island of Tongatapu the name 'Eijlandt Amsterdam' (Amsterdam Island) due to its abundant supplies. While this name is no longer in use except by historians, it serves as a testament to the early European exploration of the Pacific region.

read more
Tsunami Rock

Tsunami Rock

The Tsunami Rock, also known as the Tōfā coral rock, is a large coral formation located on the northeastern coast of Tongatapu Island in Tonga. Here are some key facts about the Tsunami Rock: Location: The Tsunami Rock is located on the northeastern coast of Tongatapu Island, near the village of Tōfā. The rock can be accessed by car or by boat, and there is a small parking area nearby. Features: The Tsunami Rock is a large coral formation that was formed by centuries of natural erosion and...

read more
‘Oholei Beach

‘Oholei Beach

'Oholei Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located on the western coast of Tongatapu Island in Tonga. Here are some key facts about 'Oholei Beach: Location: 'Oholei Beach is situated on the southwestern coast of Tongatapu Island, approximately 10 km from the capital city of Nuku'alofa. The beach can be accessed by car or by boat, and there is a small parking area nearby. Features: 'Oholei Beach is known for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular sunsets. The beach is...

read more
Talamahu Market

Talamahu Market

Talamahu Market is a bustling outdoor market located in the capital city of Nuku'alofa, Tonga. It is one of the largest and most popular markets in the country, and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Here are some key facts about Talamahu Market: Location: Talamahu Market is located in the heart of Nuku'alofa, on the corner of Vuna Road and Taufa'ahau Road. It covers an area of approximately 1.5 acres and consists of several open-air sheds and stalls. History: Talamahu...

read more
Centenary Chapel

Centenary Chapel

The Centenary Chapel is a historic church located in Nuku'alofa, the capital city of Tonga. It was built in 1882 to commemorate the arrival of Christianity in Tonga and to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga. Here are some key facts about the Centenary Chapel in Tonga: Architectural style: The Centenary Chapel is built in a traditional Tongan style, with a thatched roof and wooden structure. It is octagonal in shape and features...

read more
Captain Cook’s Landing Place

Captain Cook’s Landing Place

The world renowned Captain James Cook is recorded in written history and the oral traditions of Tonga as having visited Tonga three times. His first visit was in 1773, when he stopped by ‘Eua and met with the chief Vaka’uta at Valukolo. He then continued on to Tongatapu where he was impressed when he was “welcomed ashore by an immense crowd of men and women, none of whom had so much as a stick in their hands”. Captain Cook saw this as a peaceful and welcoming gesture. The second time Captain...

read more
Ancient Tongan capital of Mu’a

Ancient Tongan capital of Mu’a

The ancient capital of Mu'a, also known as the Lapita capital, is located on the eastern coast of the island of Tongatapu in Tonga. It is believed to have been the center of political and religious power in the Tongan archipelago from around 1200 to 1500 CE. According to Tongan oral tradition, Mu'a was founded by the legendary figure Aho'eitu, who was said to have descended from the heavens on a giant bird. Aho'eitu established a dynasty that ruled Tonga for several centuries, and Mu'a became...

read more
Ha’atafu Beach

Ha’atafu Beach

Ha'atafu Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the western coast of the main island of Tongatapu in the Kingdom of Tonga. The beach is known for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and pristine white sands. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and towering cliffs, which offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. The beach itself is relatively quiet and peaceful, with few visitors, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a...

read more
Anahulu Cave

Anahulu Cave

Located in the village of Haveluliku, on the Eastern Side of Tongatapu, the ‘Anahulu cave is made up of a network of beautifully situated stalactites and stalagmites which form a natural artistic structural design within the caves. ‘Anahulu boasts Tongatapu’s only freshwater pools. ‘Anahulu is approximately 400 meters long, and has multiple pools, the largest being the most popular bathing area nearest the entrance. According to some locals and tourists who have ventured further into the cave,...

read more
Hufangalupe Arch

Hufangalupe Arch

The Hufangalupe Arch is a natural rock formation located on the eastern side of Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the most impressive geological features in the region. The arch is formed from two large pillars of rock that rise up from the ocean and are joined by a natural bridge. The pillars are made of ancient coral and limestone that have been sculpted over millions of years by the forces of wind and water. The arch stands over 20 meters...

read more
Royal Tomb Mala’ekula or Red Square

Royal Tomb Mala’ekula or Red Square

This open ground was originally known as the Prince Park because it was used by the Europeansas a sportsgrounds. In 1885 his Majesty King George Tupou I declared a day of fundraising to start the first Government public school. The fundraising Festival was held and the colour theme of the day was red. People from the outer islands and villages attended this special day in red and each individual district and village banners were red. After the red day fundraising Festival, this ground was then...

read more
Langi Tombs

Langi Tombs

The Royal Tombs of Lapaha are the resting places of the royal Tu'i Tonga dynasty, who along with other paramount chiefly lines established the Tongan state and monarchy that continues  today under with the reign of His Majesty King Tupou VI. Tonga is the only Pacific nation with a continuous traditional monarchical system that was maintained into the modern era. The Royal Tombs symbolize the semi-divine status of the descendants of the 1st Tu'i Tonga ‘Aho’eitu, who was born to a woman from...

read more
The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, also known as the Royal Residence, is a beautiful and historic building located in the capital city of Nuku'alofa on the island of Tongatapu. It is the official residence of the King of Tonga and his family, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The Royal Palace was originally built in 1867 by the third King of Tonga, King George Tupou I. It was designed by a British architect and constructed by Tongan workers using traditional building techniques and materials, such as...

read more
‘Atele Marine Sanctuary

‘Atele Marine Sanctuary

'Atele Marine Sanctuary is a protected area of ocean located off the coast of Tongatapu. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The sanctuary was established in 1996 by the Tongan government, with the aim of protecting the area's unique marine ecosystem from overfishing and other threats. Today, it is managed by the Ministry of Fisheries and the local community, who work together to ensure that the sanctuary remains a...

read more
Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes

Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes

The blow holes or Mapu ‘a Vaea is a five kilometer stretch of volcanic rock along the western coastline that has nearly a hundred spectacular blowholes. Waves crash into the rocks and sea water is forced into natural channels that force the water to blow through holes in geyser like form. When the sea is rough and strong winds gather, the blow holes force water up to thirty meters in height, creating an artistic and beautiful sight which imitates a long, clear white curtain along the coast....

read more
Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon

Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon

The Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon is a historic site on the island of Tongatapu. It consists of two upright limestone columns topped by a massive stone lintel. This ancient structure is believed to date back to the 13th century and was likely built as a ceremonial gateway or entrance to a royal compound. The name "Ha'amonga 'a Maui" means "the burden of Maui," and according to legend, the stones were transported to the site by the demigod Maui. The Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon is one of the most...

read more

NEED HELP?

BOOK AN ASSISTANT

An assistant will book your interisland ferry, flight, restaurant or anything else you may need help with in Tonga.

find more about tonga

Tongatapu

Vava'u

Ha'apai

'Eua

error: Content is protected !!