Hotels in Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga in Polynesia is an island country washed by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. The monarchy of Tonga has existed for over 1000 years. Exotic islands were discovered by Dutch explorers in 1616, since then, Tonga aimed for independence and obtained it in 1970. In the local Tonga dialect the name of the Monarchy means "South" or "Garden" and, indeed, the nature and fauna of the kingdom is fabulously beautiful. Locals have been keeping their sacred traditions for over 3000 years, honouring the royal family, and caring for national Tongan dance. For the friendliness and warmth of the aborigines, Captain Cook named the islands "Friendly". The Kingdom of Tonga is a family of islands with incomparable beaches, volcanoes, deserted islands, mountains, and tropical forests. There is rich coral and marine life there. Tonga is an ideal place for kayaking lovers, exploring coral reefs, visiting exotic markets and blissful lying on the beach.
Recommended hotels in Tonga
Where to go in TOnga?
By Tauʻolunga (Own work), CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An ancient arch, Ha'amonga'a Maui Trilithon, is considered to be the Stonehenge of the South Pacific. This large stone structure was erected at 1200 AD, and for their buildings, there were used the stones brought from the nearby Wallis Islands. Ha'amonga'a Maui Trilithon gate is made of three heavy 6-meter high coralline stones arranged into a gate. No one knows the purpose of the stone construction - it’s still a mystery of ancient times. There are several versions: some people believe the gates were created as a symbol of the royal family unity, and some think that this is the entrance to the territory of the ancient capital of the state. King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV suggested that arch Ha'amonga'a Maui had been used to observe the sun and determine the winter and summer solstice.
Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes
By Hobe / Holger Behr, via Wikimedia Commons
Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes which means “Chief’s Whistles” is a fantastic natural fountain. Going there, you’d better choose a windy day and a high tide to see the natural miracle in its full glory when the water can shoot in the air up to 30 meters and hundreds of blowholes fly up simultaneously. The best place to watch this natural miracle is near the village of Houma, or you can just walk along the coast and enjoy the sight.
Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa
By Tofoa Felix, CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa is located in the capital of Tonga - the city of Nuku'alofa, on the shore of the bay. The palace was built by the order of the island leader of those times - George Tupou. It was made of a precious kauri wood, one of the oldest species of conifers which survived the dinosaurs of Jurassic period (about 150 million years ago). The construction of the Palace took only three years and ended in 1867. That palace forever made Nuku'alofa the capital of Tonga, and later became the residence of the monarchs. The snow-white palace has two floors, and on its territory, there are several towers.
Ha'atafu Beach
By Adam Pflum Photography, via Flickr
Ha'atafu Beach is the largest and most beautiful beach in the capital of the Kingdom of Tonga. You will not find there a bustling nightlife and popular daytime activities. Only created by nature paradise with corals, cosy bungalows, small hotels, and restaurants. Ha'atafu Beach is adored by surfers and divers. Every year it attracts a lot of water sports fans who enjoy the excellent waves and clear blue waters. Divers immerse at nearby shipwrecks, coral reefs, or swim with the humpback whales.
Header photo by Virgin Australia – Travel Tonga