Pacific Island Paradises

Tongatapu This is the kingdom's largest island. Its name means 'sacred land' or 'sacred south.' It's here that the international airport of Fua'amotu is situated, along with shipping facilities for international passenger and cargo vessels, as well as inter-island craft and yachts. A relatively flat island, it has a network of bitumen roads which makes it easy to get around, whatever transport you choose. Although not particularly large, Tongatapu requires two full days to explore since its attractions consist of historical sites and beautiful beaches on the eastern half of the island and natural landmarks on the western side. Ha'atafu Beach is at the western extremity of the island and there are three roads leading to it. The first is Hihifo Road, which runs from Queen Salote College via the villages of Puke, Fatai, Nukunuku, Teekiu and Masilamea. Tongatapu narrows considerably as it runs west into a peninsula-like section which is called the Kolovai District. It was 246 www.paradisesonline.com once called Hihifo and figured frequently in the history of Tonga. The second route is Taufa'ahau Road and runs across the middle of the island, through Haveluloto. It skirts Fanga Uta Lagoon until it reaches Vaiola Hospital. Opposite Vaiola on the banks of the lagoon is the Tongan National Centre, a complex of 10 traditional buildings of various sizes and an open-air amphitheatre. The third route is Liku road, which runs all the way from the island's western to its eastern tip through the village of Tokomololo. Proceed down one of the lanes which leads to the coast and you will find Keleti Beach, a superb small beach with a dramatic, slightly uplifted fringing reef. The formation creates a blowhole effect when the tide and wind are right. Tongatapu's eastern section has several beaches as well as the Langi Tombs. These are some 28 ancient royal burial sites named for their terraced-style construction. Legend has it that the massive stones from which they were constructed were brought from 'Uvea (Wallis Island) hundreds of kilometres to the north. In addition to the tombs, the Ha'amonga structure near the villages of Niutoua and Afa has been compared to Stonehenge in England. It is made up of two vertical stones with a horizontal stone connecting and morticed into them. The upright portions are said to each weigh around 35 tonnes. Other sights include Anahulu beach, which has some remarkable limestone caves with stalactites and fresh-water pools in which to swim. For those looking to take in some whale watching, Royal Sunset Island Resort operates regular charters from their base on 'Atata Island. July to October are the best months to view the whales on their migration path.

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