Royal Residences

Tongatapu


South of Nuku’alofa, between Tofoa and Pe’a, you’ll pass the private royal residences of the Princess, adorned with white tigers and cannons, and the King, an austere European-style hilltop palace opposite (why are the Princess’s cannons pointing at the King?). After the 2015 coronation, it was unclear which royals would end up living in which houses (ask a passer-by!). No public access: views from the street only.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tongatapu attractions

1. Royal Tombs

2.89 MILES

Mala’ekula, the large parklike area opposite the basilica, has been the resting place of the royals since 1893. The statue-studded white concrete tomb…

2. Basilica of St Anthony of Padua

2.99 MILES

Nuku'alofa's most distinctive structure is the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, opposite the Royal Tombs. It has a beautiful interior of stained glass,…

3. Centenary Chapel

3.05 MILES

Royal watchers and rubberneckers (regardless of denomination) head to this towering white church for a glimpse of Tonga's royal family at Sunday service,…

4. Triple-headed Coconut Tree

3.07 MILES

If you think we must be scratching around for highlights to include a triple-headed coconut tree, then think again. Locals swear that this is the only…

5. Royal Palace

3.26 MILES

Encircled by expansive lawns and casuarina trees, the white weatherboard Victorian-style Royal Palace, erected in 1867, is the pinnacle of Tongan grandeur…

6. Talamahu Market

3.28 MILES

Want to see the real of Nuku’alofa? Wander through the aisles at Talamahu, Tonga's main fresh-produce hub. You’ll find produce piled into handmade woven…

7. St Mary's Cathedral

4.06 MILES

St Mary's Cathedral, near Faua Jetty, is worth visiting for its beautiful rose gardens, stained glass and vaulted ceiling.

8. Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes

4.21 MILES

On an especially good day at Mapu’a ‘a Vaea (Chief’s Whistles), hundreds of blowholes spurt skywards at once. Time your visit for a windy day with a…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "tonga/around-tongatapu/attractions/royal-residences/a/poi-sig/1456427/1332201",
      "destination": "Tongatapu",
      "continent": "Australia-&-Pacific",
      "country": "Tonga",
      "region": "Tongatapu",
      "position": "superzone"
    }