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Tonga, before Europeans arrived, was one of the most powerful islands in the region and at times its empire stretched across Samoa, Futuna, Uvea (Wallis), Rotuma, Niue and parts of Fiji. Testimony to these powerful times are evident along the north-eastern coast of Tongatapu where the powerful kings (Tui) resided. This archaeologically rich area offers the largest terraced tombs (langi) in the South Pacific at the present day village of Lapaha (formerly known as Mua) and the hugely impressive trilithon of Ha'amonga 'A Maui, about five miles further along the north point. This trilithon is a massive 12-ton stone archway made from three single limestone slabs. How they got there and what it was used for is uncertain but two of the more creditable theories are a gateway to the Royal Gardens or a shrine for observing the seasons. Other similar but smaller structures can be found within the Kingdom's ancient empire.

Captain Cook landed very close to the ancient capital of Mua on Tongatapu in 1777 and visited the then King of Tonga. A plaque marks the place of his first footsteps, the first of any European.

Tonga is one of the few islands in the South Pacific that never resigned its independence and remains the only monarchy in the region. The Kings Palace overlooks the lagoon in the heart of Nukualofa Town.

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Pacific Travel Guides is a south pacific travel publisher providing free and unbiased tourist information on the Internet as well as coffee table photographic books to help travellers plan their holidays.

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Last Updated
27 August 2009

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