Explore the Eastern Regions of Tongatapu in this 3-hour shore excursion. Visit historical sites, ancient tombs, and the stunning Anahulu Cave with its natural underground swimming pool.
- ‘Anahulu Beach - A stunning beach hidden away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You’ll be among the few visitors here. We recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear to enjoy this secluded beach. Anahulu Beach is just 40 meters from Anahulu Cave.
- Royal Palace - Constructed from kauri wood and situated in the heart of Nukuʻalofa, the Royal Palace was built in 1864 for King George Tupou I. It continues to serve as the residence of the royal family.
The grounds of the Royal Palace are sacred.
- Royal Tombs - Malaʻekula, or the Royal Tombs, is located in central Nukuʻalofa in the Kingdom of Tonga. The Kings of Tonga and their immediate family members (spouses, children) are interred here. Relatives further removed from the main line (cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws) are buried in other chiefly cemeteries. Kings from earlier times, such as those from the Tuʻi Tonga dynasty, are mostly buried in the langi in Muʻa.
The main royal tombs at the Mala’ekula site include the tombs of the first five kings of Tonga: King George Tupou I, King George Tupou II, Queen Salote III, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, and King George V. Each tomb is decorated with traditional Tongan designs and symbols and is surrounded by a beautifully maintained lawn.
- Captain Cook’s Landing Place - In 1777, Captain Cook came ashore to visit Pau, the Tui Tonga (the Sacred King of Tonga), during the ‘Inasi’ (presentation of the first fruits).
- Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon - This Stonehenge-like trilithon is located in the Eastern Region of Tongatapu in the village of Niutoua. It was constructed in the 13th century by the Tui Tonga (Sacred King of Tonga) Tuitatui in honor of his two children.
- Anahulu Cave - The Underground Swimming Pool - Our accredited guide will accompany you into the cave. The cave features millions of years of rock formations and a freshwater pool at the end, perfect for a refreshing swim as the highlight of the tour.
- Makatolo a Maui - These are Maui’s gigantic throwing boulders/stones near Anahulu Cave in Haveluliku Village.
Legend has it that Maui, annoyed by the ancient moa (gigantic chickens) waking him up in the morning, threw these huge boulders at them to silence them.
The eastern side of Tonga is home to many historical sites.
- Niutoua - Maka Fa’akinanga: The Maka Fa’akinanga (Leaning against the rock) is located approximately 100 meters from the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui. Made from the same stone as the Ha’amonga, the Maka Fa’akinanga is a large stone slab standing upright with markings on the front resembling the indentation of a large head, shoulders, and back. Oral stories suggest that Tu’i Tu’itatui (the eleventh Tu’i Tonga) often sat against the Maka Fa’akinanga and struck out with a staff at people to keep them at a safe distance, fearing an assassination attempt.
- Anahulu Beach
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Anahulu Cave Entrance Fees
- Local driver/guide
- Food and drinks
This 3-hour small group tour provides an informative exploration of the Eastern Regions of the Island of Tongatapu in the Kingdom of Tonga. An important stop is the place where Captain Cook landed on the 30th of April 1777. You will visit the ancient royal terraced tombs of Tongan kings known as the Langi. Its construction is an engineering wonder dating back to 1300 BC and the most prominent site called the Ha’amonga ‘o Maui or well know as the Stonehenge. You will finish with the highlight of your tour at Anahulu Cave which has a natural underground swimming pool with stalactites and stalagmites. A popular place for a refreshing swim anytime of the year. Lastly we will pick you up from inside the pier and drop you back inside the vicinity .
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
