The Most Fascinating Historical Points of Interest on Tongatapu
First settled around 2,850 years ago, Tongatapu offers a fascinating history of Lapita and Polynesian settlement, as well as European encounters. Trust us, you can get an overview in A Brief History of Tonga, which will show you Tonga’s colourful past. Today, ancient megaliths and royal tombs from the 16th Century remain, adding to your sightseeing list of Tongatapu. Discover the historical points of interest for yourself with the guidance of our top historical sites in Tongatapu and the capital, Nuku’alofa!
1. Ha’amonga ‘a Maui
The most iconic historical site in Tonga is arguably the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui. This ancient coral stone trilithon was said to be constructed in the 13th Century under the rule of Tu’i Tonga Tu’itatui, one of Tonga’s early kings. Interpretation panels at the site in Niutoua explain the historical theories behind the megalith’s construction.
Location: Signposted along Taufa’ahau Road, Niutoua, east side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Maka Fa’akinanga
A short walk behind Ha’amonga ‘a Maui on a well-maintained green is Maka Fa’akinanga or the “leaning stone”. An indentation at the front resembles a large head, shoulders and back. Legend has it that Tu’itatui often sat against the stone and struck out with a staff to keep his subjects at a safe distance in the fear that he may be assassinated. That’s why “Tu’itatui” means “King-strike-knee”.
Location: Signposted along Taufa’ahau Road, Niutoua, east side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Paepae ‘o Tele’a and Terraced Tombs
Ancient tombs are the most frequent historical site you can find across Tongatapu, with some of the most famous being the Paepae ‘o Tele’a Royal Tombs. In the village of Lapaha, the Paepae ‘o Tele’a are examples of just two of around 28 Terraced Tombs found in the area, each in a pyramid-like stone memorial. One of the tombs is of Tele’a, a king (Tu’i Tonga) who reigned during the 16th Century. Check out more free sights to visit in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Tongatapu.
Location: Signposted along Taufa’ahau Road, Lapaha, east side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Mala’ekula Royal Tombs
Impossible to miss in a large grassy clearing in the centre of Nuku’alofa, the Royal Tombs are the burial grounds of the Royal House of Tupou dating back to the first in the Tupou line, King Taufa’ahau Tupou I who died in 1893. The historical site is fenced off to the public, so visitors have to just admire the grand statues from afar. Check out more attractions to hit in the capital in A Self-Guided Day Tour of Nuku’alofa: One Day Itinerary.
Location: Seen from Meteialona Road, Vaha’akolo Road and Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa city centre, central north coast of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Royal Palace
An iconic structure on the waterfront of Nuku’alofa, the Royal Palace stands as a symbol of the Kingdom of Tonga. The palace is made of kauri timber and was built in 1864 for King George Tupou I. To this day, it remains the residence of the royal family. Check out more attractions to visit in the city in the 30 Best Things to Do in Nuku’alofa.
Location: Corner of Vaha’akolo and Vuna Roads, Nuku’alofa city centre, central north coast of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Abel Tasman Landing Site
When it comes to landmarks for where the first Europeans landed in Tonga, Tongatapu has you sorted starting with the Abel Tasman Landing Site on the northwestern tip of the island. An information panel at the site tells about the first encounter between the Tongan people and the Dutch explorer’s crew, while a plaque is also in place to commemorate the occasion that occurred on 21 January 1643.
Location: Northern end of Hihifo Road, north of Ha’atafu, west side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Christianity Landing Site
To commemorate the arrival of the Christian religion on Fongolua Beach with the landing of pioneering missionaries, Rev. John Thomas and Rev. John Hutchinson, there is a plaque in a grassy clearing just a short drive/walk south of the Abel Tasman Landing Site in Ha’atafu. The plaque memorial is a testament to the arrival of Christianity to Tonga over 180 years ago. The plaque tells the story of the arrival of the missionaries in English on one side and Tongan on the other. Learn more about the religious history of the islands in The Guide to the Religions in Tonga.
Location: Hihifo Road (approximately 140 m/150 yards south of the Abel Tasman Landing Site), north of Ha’atafu, west side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Captain Cook Landing Site
And on the edge of the Fanga’utu Lagoon, near the village of Mu’a, is the landing site of British Explorer Captain James Cook. A plaque is in the place where a banyan tree once stood to commemorate the event that took place in 1777. Queen Elizabeth II also famously visited the landmark in 1970.
Location: Signposted along Taufa’ahau Road, Mu’a, east side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Nukuleka Lapita Site
According to archaeological findings, the first Lapita people arrived in Tonga 2,850 years ago, settling at Nukuleka at the entrance to the lagoon on Tongatapu. Archaeologists have been studying the Lapita site at Nukuleka since 1964. And while the Lapita site is, admittedly, not an easy attraction to find in itself, Lapita pottery can be seen on display at the private museum of Ancient Tonga in Nuku’alofa. Tours of the museum are available on their culture tours, as described in the 10 Best Cultural Activities in Tonga.
Location: Nukuleka – east side of Tongatapu. Ancient Tonga – Tamakautonga Road, Fangaloto, Nuku’alofa, central north coast of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Tonga National Museum
Although not a historical site per se, the Tonga National Museum is highly recommended to anyone remotely interested in the history of Tonga. Admire all sorts of ancient Tongan tools, from stone anchors to wooden headrests, and get a fascinating insight into the way that Tongans lived hundreds of years ago. Too many visitors miss this treasure trove – mainly because the museum is not easy to find. The museum has a very affordable fee and guided tours are provided by passionate and knowledgeable guides at no extra cost. Alternatively, you can walk around the hall self-guided thanks to the information displays.
Location: Upstairs in Queen Salote Memorial Hall, Taufa’ahau Road (opposite the Lulutai Airlines office), Nuku’alofa city centre, central north coast of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Historical Sites in Tongatapu and Nuku’alofa
That’s it for our list of the best historical sites in Tongatapu and Nuku’alofa. For more Tongatapu attractions to add to the itinerary, take a look at the following:
- 10 Most Iconic Sights in Tonga
- Sightseeing on Tongatapu: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions
- 10 Best Natural Attractions in Tonga
Finally, make seeing the sights easy by using A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Tongatapu: One Day Itinerary or taking one of the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Tongatapu.
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