Nukuâalofa
This is the capital of tonga and the largest city of tongatapu. the crumbling wooden royal palace was built in 1867 and is the official residence of the king. until its death in 1966 the palace grounds housed a tortoise given to the then king by captain cook.
Talamahu Market
Situated in Nuku'alofa next to the Central Police Station, Talamahu is the main market in Tongatapu where all the local farmers bring their fresh produce and sell. You can find all types of seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables and root vegetables such as yams, kumara, taro, manioke. Upstairs you will find local handicrafts, second hand clothing, shoes, carvings and jewelry of all types.
Haâamonga âa Maui
Near the village of niutåua, in the northeast corner of the island. this is a trilithon made out of coral, limestone rock. the name means âmauiâs burdenâ, referring to the polynesian god maui, who according to legend formed the kingdom of tonga by fishing the islands from the depths of the sea. the haâamonga âa maui is thought to have been built around 1200 ad. there are several theories regarding its purpose. one is that the king, fearing his two sons would quarrel on his death, erected it as a symbol of brotherhood. each son was represented by a stone pillar, and united by the lintel. a more likely explanation is that it was the gateway to the kingâs palace at his new capital. this capital did not last long, hence the present-day isolation of the trilithon.