Tongatapu Island

Tongatapu is the main island of Tonga. The nation's capital of Nuku'alofa is located on the island. Many people from other islands in Tonga have migrated to Tongatapu in search of economic prosparity.

Eastern Tongatapu

The eastern part of Tongatapu holds the largest concentration of archaeological sites in the Pacific. At Mu'a are 28 pyramidal stone tombs, where royalty were buried traditionally. Fifteen of the tombs are monumental. Not far from the site is a shallow ditch. It is all that remains of the moat that once surrounded the royal capital. At Paepae 'o Tele'a is the most impressive ancient burial site in Tonga. It is thought that Ulukimata I, who reigned during the 16th century, is buried there. The huge site is said to have been built by slaves.

The Ha'amonga'a Maui Trilithon, at the easternmost tip of Tongatapu is one of the most intriguing monuments in the region. The trilithon was erected at the beginning of the 13th century, when the island was ruled by Tu'itatui. It consists of stones that weigh around 40 tons (88,000 lb). It is not exactly known what the purpose of the trilithon was, but the sun rises and sets in perfect alignment with the clearings at winter solstice. If you are in the vicinity, you might have a look at the coastline near the trilithon. There you might see the fishing pigs of Talafo'ou. The pigs in the area have learned to go searching for shellfish at low tide. It is quite an amazing view to see the animals swim and dive.

Western Tongatapu

West of the natural landbridge of Hūfangalupe are numerous vanilla plantations. Although nowadays Tonga's primary export crop is pumpkin, vanilla is still manufactured on these plantations. In the west Tongatapu is the Tongan Wildlife Center Bird Park, where rare and endangered bird species are protected and bred. The Kolovai Flying Fox Sanctuary was established in Kolovai to protect the sacred bats that are locally known as tapu. Tonga is one of the few places in the Pacific, where bats are sacred and not eaten. Only the royals are allowed to hunt them for sport. The Hule fortress is in Nukunuku, also in the western district of Tongatapu. Nukuleka is thought to be the site where Lapita people first settled in Tonga.

Apart from the abovementioned, there are several other places of interest on Tongatapu. They include the island's second largest town of Mu'a, where you can see ancient burial mounds and the Papae 'o Tele'a Tombs. Other tombs of former Tongan kings can de seen at Langi. The landing site of captain Cook is also worth a visit.

One of the best places to go for a swim on western Tongatapu is Keleti Beach. At low tide, several pools trap a variety of colorful marine life. Not far from the village of Hoiuma, on Tongatapu's southwestern coast, are the Mapu'a 'a Vaea blowholes, where the waves are pressed through narrow gaps in the coastal rocks and on good days the water shoots up to 30 m (98 feet) into the air. You can walk around the west of Tongatapu in a few days, but it is easier to take one of the frequent buses from Nuku'alofa. Pangaimotu is a small resort island not far from Nuku'alofa.