The Official Kingdom of Tonga Tourism Site
Malo e lelei! Welcome to the Kingdom of Tonga (Ancient Polynesia) – an archipelago of 176 islands (52 of which are inhabited), scattered over 700,000 square kilometres of ocean.
Located to the west of the International Dateline, the Kingdom of Tonga is the first Pacific nation to greet the new day. And with over 170 islands, you’ll need to get up early if you are going to fit in a historic tour, a traditional dinner and cultural show and a whale watching, snorkeling/diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, surfing or trekking adventure!
While you are out there discovering and exploring “The Friendly Islands”, the Tonga Visitors Bureau (Ministry of Tourism) is here to give you all the travel information you need (and keep you up-to-date on what’s on in Tonga). So relax and take your time to check the official travel and tourism guide to the Kingdom of Tonga. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. And don’t forget to come and see us once you have arrived in the Kingdom, we’ll give you a warm Polynesian reception!
History and Culture
 |
Tongan Dancing – “Masterpiece of Humanity”The Kingdom of Tonga has a number of traditional dances, including Lakalaka, Me’etu’upaki, ‘Otuhaka, Ma’ulu’ulu, Ula, Tau’olunga, Kailao and Soke. The Lakalaka is on the UN World Heritage list, alongside the great monuments of mankind such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Pyramids in Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in New York. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed, in 2003, the Lakalaka to be a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” or for short a “Masterpiece of Humanity”. Learn more about the Lakalaka and our other dances here. |
 |
Ha’amonga a’Maui TrilithonThe Kingdom of Tonga is the only Pacific nation never to have been controlled by foreign powers, and is the last remaining Polynesian monarchy. Polynesians are thought to have arrived in the Kingdom of Tonga more than 3000 years ago. Learn more about the Ha’amonga a’Maui Trilithon here. |
 |
Captain Cook and the Kingdom of TongaCaptain Cook visited Tonga in 1773, 1774 and 1777. When offered ‘Ota Ika (raw fish), he asked his assistant to taste the dish first to ensure the food wasn’t poisoned. Today, some cheeky accommodation providers follow this method when serving traditional food to their guests! Learn more about Captain Cook and the Kingdom of Tonga here. |
 |
Tapa Making and PaintingTapa is a traditional Tongan gift. To this day no Tongan is born, marries or dies without being presented with metres of tapa cloth (and/or mats). Tapa making is done by hand and, as a result, no two pieces are alike. Learn more about the tapa making and painting here. |
 |
Mat WeavingMat weaving, like tapa making, plays an essential part in the everyday life of the people. Women gather in small groups to help each other with the weaving and will often be found singing or talking to keep themselves from getting tired. Learn more about mat weaving here. |
 |
Religion in the Kingdom of TongaSunday in the Kingdom of Tonga is devoted to church going and relaxation. The harmonized singing, clanging of church bells and the beat of the “lali” (wooden drums) are all familiar sounds of a Tongan Sunday.Learn more about Religion in the Kingdom of Tonga here. |
 |
Tongan WeddingsWeddings are of enormous cultural significant in the Kingdom of Tonga. A traditional Tongan wedding is a family event. Learn more about Tongan weddings here. |
 |
Tongan FuneralsFunerals are of enormous cultural significance in the Kingdom of Tonga. In contrast with the taboos regarding death in Western society, death in the Kingdom of Tonga follows a highly ritualized grieving process.Learn more about Tongan funerals here. |
 |
Tongan Food and FeastingFeasting plays a major role in the Tongan lifestyle. Tongan feasts contain a variety of dishes and are known throughout the Pacific to be massive in size. Learn more about Tongan food and feasting here. |
 |
Tongan LanguageWhilst English is widely spoken in the Kingdom of Tonga (as it is the official language), we thought you might like to learn some Tongan too. Learn more about Tongan language here. |
Video |
| Tonga has dramatic & active volcanic landscapes, spectacular tropical rainforest, low-lying coral atolls, pristine coral reefs, magnificent sandy beaches and a unique and beautiful array of flora and fauna.
There is so much to see, do and experience when you visit island groups such as Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua and the Niuas. Watch the video to find out what there is to see, do and experience in the Kingdom of Tonga! |
