Nukuʻalofa is the capital, chief port and largest city of Tonga. The city is located on the coast of Tongatapu island. It is the commercial, transport and social centre of Tonga, however there are few tourist attractions except for the Royal Palace, bustling market and a few shops.
The Royal Palace is in the heart of downtown. Although not open to the public, you get a good view of the colonial wooden building from the waterfront. Another attraction is the Royal Tombs, set in a manicured park which is closed to the public though visible through the fence. At the Centenary Church on Sunday you can see the King and Queen at worship.
If you are after handicrafts, Langafonua, a women's co-operative in downtown, sells handicrafts at reasonable prices. The harbour wall along Vuna Road, where most of Nuku'alofa's tourist accommodation is located, is good for a stroll and spotting the offshore islands. The beach is coral but is OK for swimming.
Things to See and Do
* Central market
* Royal Palace
* Centenary Church – attended by King and Queen
* Buy handicrafts at Langafonua
* Harbor wall along Vuna Road
Cruise Season – Jan – Dec
Currency – Paʻanga (TOP)
Language – English, Tongan
Land Area – 748 km² (Tonga)
Population – 30,000 (Nuku’alofa ) approx
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus thirteen hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 676
Port Location – The wharf is located near Maʻufanga.
Transport Links – Air transport is provided at Fuaʻamotu International Airport on the south side of Tongatapu, 35 kilometres from Nukuʻalofa.
The fishermen and inter-island ferries moor at wharf '42'. It is the central hub for boats to the outer islands. There are usually two boats to ʻEua’ every day and two to Haʻapai and Vavaʻu every week. In addition to these regular services by shipping companies, there are less regular services from private boat owners to smaller islands like Nomuka, ʻEueiki, and so on.