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Tonga is the last Polynesian kingdom: It was never colonized by a European power. This tiny South Pacific island nation has strong traditions and, until his death in September 2006, had a larger-than-life king who ruled for 41 years.

Tonga is less Westernized and less modernized than many of its Polynesian neighbors—which is good news for travelers in search of an authentic South Pacific experience. The faka Tonga (Tongan way), which emphasizes hospitality and gift giving, still holds sway, and the Tongan people are among the friendliest in the South Seas.

For such a small place, Tonga has a lot to offer—fascinating historical sites, beautiful coral reefs and reasonable prices. What these islands don't offer is an array of luxurious resorts. But Tonga is no longer off the beaten path. With airlines offering more flights to the island nation and more tour operators including it in their Polynesian itineraries, it's easier for travelers to get there—which is a mixed blessing, of course, for those seeking a completely authentic experience. On Tongatapu and Vava'u, the only islands with tourist accommodation and facilities, you definitely won't be alone in your quest for the unspoiled tropics.

Geography

History

Polynesians inhabited Tonga in the fifth century BC, but the existence of the islands was not reported in Europe until 1643 (Dutchman Abel Tasman brought the news). British Captain Jason Cook called them the "Friendly Islands" when he first visited in 1773. He was apparently unaware of the debate among local chiefs as to who should have the honor of attacking his fleet and devouring him and all his sailors.

British Wesleyan missionaries converted the Tongan chief to Christianity in the mid-1800s, and the islands, while retaining much of their Polynesian heritage, took their new religion seriously: By royal decree, the Sabbath must be observed forever by all, and modern-day Tonga literally closes down on Sunday (except for hotel services).

The British influence at the time was so great that the chief changed his name from Taufa'ahau to George and asked for a treaty of friendship and protection with Great Britain. While it still retains close ties with the U.K., Tonga did not renew the treaty in 1970, at which time it became a fully independent nation.

Tonga today is a constitutional monarchy, so to speak. A majority of the 30-seat Legislative Assembly is made up of nobles (most of them related to the king), with only nine elected by the commoners, who make up more than 90% of the population. The king appoints a Privy Council, which has more practical power than the assembly. It's not far-fetched to say that the king and his family control just about everything in Tonga.

The royal family faces considerable pressure to give the commoners more say in the government. Pro-democracy protests have resulted in the creation of opposition political parties. When a strike by civil servants paralyzed Tonga for six weeks in 2005, the royals reacted by raising government pay, then announcing a reduction in government jobs. King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV's younger son stepped aside as prime minister, opening the way for a commoner to hold the post.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou V, raised local eyebrows by suggesting that things would change after he assumed the throne. Following the death of his father, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, in September 2006, speculation was that he would face a strong push for more democracy.

In March 2012, King Tupou V died in March 2012 and was succeeded in by his brother, Aho'eitu Tupou VI.

Snapshot

Tonga's chief attractions are its friendly people, historical sites, beautiful coral reefs, unspoiled beaches, dramatic blowholes, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, whale-watching, fruit-bat colonies, relaxation, charter yachts and sailing.

Tonga is a wonderful place to go if you are looking for authentic Polynesian islands that are not overdeveloped with tourist resorts. Don't go to Tonga if you prefer deluxe accommodations or varied nightlife and shopping.

Potpourri

When rain began to fall during the coronation parade for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Tonga's Queen Salote, one of the visiting royals, refused to cover her open carriage, since by Tongan custom, to cover her head would have been disrespectful to her fellow monarch. The gesture won worldwide praise and admiration.

Tonga's traditional architectural structure is the fale, a thatched hut made of coconut fronds, palm leaves and peeled coconut logs.

Niuafo'ou is also known as Tin Can Island because mail was once sealed in biscuit tins and carried by swimming mailmen.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, the Tongan monarch who died in September 2006, was once certified as the world's heaviest head of state (a mere 461 lb/210 kg). He later slimmed down to a svelte 275 lb/125 kg.

The woven sash (taovalo) worn around the waist of Tongans is a sign of respect.

Tongans have great smiles and tend to flash them a lot. Be sure to smile back.

Between July and October, humpback whales swim to Tonga from Antarctica to bear their young. Subsistence shore whaling was practiced in Tonga until 1979, but in recent years, whale-watching has become a key element to Tonga's tourism industry.

Tonga's largest exports by far are pumpkins and squash, which are air freighted to Japan in November and December.

If you're in Tonga in the first part of June, watch all the pomp and ceremony when Parliament opens.

Location

Shore Excursions