Nuku alofa Map

About City : 

Nuku alofa is the capital city of the Kingdom of Tonga and has a population of over 24,000. It is the administrative and commercial center as well as the chief port of the country. Tongan and English are the prevalent languages here.

The first Europeans to set foot upon these islands were the Dutch who arrived in the year 1616. British explorer James Cook discovered these islands in 1773 and in the year 1900, Tonga signed a Treaty of Friendship with Britain. It is one of the very few countries which were not a colonized by the Imperial Nations. Nuku’alofa was officially established as the capital of the country in the year 1875. The Treaty of Friendship with British ended in the year 1970 and the country joined the Commonwealth of Nations during the same year.

Geography : 

Nuku’alofa is located along the north coast of the Tongatapu Island and covers an area of over 82 sq km. It has an average elevation of 3 m and the island is entirely built of coral.

How to Reach (Transport) : 

Nuku’alofa is served by the Fua’amotu International Airport which is located 35 km away from the city. Airlines like Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways operate flights to and from cities of Auckland, Nadi, Sydney and Suva. The city is also accessible by boats and this is the single deep-harbor on this island. Several boats are operated to and from ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u.

Inside the city, the easiest way to move around is by walking. Cars are easily available for hire and are extremely useful in moving in and around the town. A cheaper way of traveling across the various sites around the city would be to use the vast network of buses available all over. Taxis and bicycles are other means of transport around the city.

When to Visit : 

Nuku’alofa features a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The months between December and April constitute the wet season marked by constant rainfall. Temperatures all throughout the year ranges between 15 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius. The best time to visit is between May and November when the climate is relatively drier. July to September is the best time to go whale watching, a very popular activity in the area.

Fairs and Festivals : 

The most important festival celebrated here is the Heilala Festival. Beginning on the 4th of July, it is an annual weeklong festival celebrating the King’s birthday. Festivities include dancing, feasting and parades. Heilala, the country’s national flower coincidentally blooms at this time of the year only. The capital also celebrates the traditional Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter with much grandeur.

Points of Interest (Places to Visit) : 

The town is surrounded by several beautiful beaches and archaeological ruins. The following are the must see places in and around Nuku’alofa:

• British High Commissioner’s Residence, located near the Royal Palace, is a classic example of colonial architecture. The cannons captured from Port au Prince in the 19th century are the prime attractions here.
• The Royal Tombs, also called Mala’ekula, is the burial site of the royal family of the country. It was built in 1893 and is located in the center of the city.
• The Free Church of Tonga, founded in 1885, is the official state church of the country.
• The Royal Palace, located at the northwest of the city, was founded in 1867. It is the official address of the King and is not open to public viewing but makes a very magnificent sight from afar.
• Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple, located to the south of the capital, covers an area of over 20,000 sq m. It is the only Latter-Day Saints Temple in the country.

Other places to visit in this city are the Vuna Wharf, Treasury Building, Mt. Zion and the St. Anthony Basilica.

Accommodation : 

Nuku’alofa has several accommodation options which include luxury boutique hotels, cheaper motels, bed & breakfasts, inns, guest houses and vacation apartments. Most of the popular options have beach front properties. Royal Tonga International Hotel is one of the few exceptions and is located near the airport. It is a luxury hotel offering top class amenities. Other luxury hotels include the Fafa Island Resort and Little Italy Hotel, both located near the beach and possessing marvelous views along with the usual luxury services. Royal Sunset Island Resort is one of the most popular luxury choices here. It is 30 minutes away by boat and covers an area of 100 acres of the ‘Atata Island.

Cheaper choices include Waterfront Lodge, Dateline Hotel, Oceanside Guest House, Black Pearl Suites, Seaview Lodge and Captain Cook Apartments.