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Small beach in the north of the island.
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Experience Tonga's culture. Buffet and cultural show offered every Friday (pre-registration required).
Ancient tombs dated 1200 - 1800 AD, consisting of terraced structures that resemble the bases of pyramids. The tombs are considered one of the most significant archaeological sites of Tonga, although not much of their history is known. Information signs in English and Chinese tell the stories behind these interesting structures.
This town, on the eastern edge of the lagoon, was the home of the Tu’i Tonga line of kings and was for centuries the capital of the island. It is notable for many tombs of the kings that can still be seen. When a Tuʻi Tonga king died he was buried in a langi, a big, artificial hill surrounded by huge slabs of coral rock, usually in three or more layers. This rock was quarried from along the coast of Tongatapu or from nearby islands. The accuracy by which the slabs were cut so that they fit each other with little space between is considered remarkable.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
The seat of the diocese of Tonga. Architecturally an interesting building with two low baroque towers that survived centuries of natural disasters flanking a modern structure in the centre.
A historical landmark where Captain Cook reached land in Tonga.
Burden of Maui
This archaeological site is a trilithon made out of coral, limestone rock. The name means ‘Maui’s burden’, referring to the Polynesian God Maui, who according to legend formed the Kingdom of Tonga by fishing the islands from the depths of the sea. The Ha’amonga ‘a Maui is thought to have been built around 1200 AD. There are several theories regarding its purpose. One is that the King, fearing his two sons would quarrel on his death, erected it as a symbol of brotherhood. Each son was represented by a stone pillar, and united by the lintel. A more likely explanation is that it was the gateway to the King’s palace at his new capital. This capital did not last long, hence the present-day isolation of the trilithon.