"Malo e lelei - Welcome to the Friendly Islands."

The Kingdom of Tonga is located in Western Polynesia. Its nearest neighbor country is Fiji to the west and the Samoas to the north. Western Polynesia includes the islands of Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Tuvala and Tokelau.      Tonga is one of the most scenic and unspoiled of the Pacific Island nations.

There are 176 islands in the Kingdom of Tonga and to see them all you need plenty of time.       Tonga's domestic airlines connect the island groups of Tongatapu, Eua, Vava'u and Ha'apai and the two Niuas Islands.      In Tonga you can enjoy not only the warm hospitality of its people, but Culture & History, beaches and water sports, adventure, festivals and events.

Nuku’alofa, the capital, is located on the main island of Tongatapu

Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained full independence within the Commonwealth in 1970.

Head of State: His Majesty King George TupouI V since 2006

Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Feleti Vakauta SEVELE (since 11 February 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Viliami TANGI (since 16 May 2006)

Getting There from the USA

The main airlines serving Tonga are Air New Zealand, Air Pacific.  There are direct flights to Tonga from Los Angeles, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Samoa.

Schedules from USA (LAX)

• Air New Zealand fly once weekly on Tue.
• Air Pacific fly to Fiji six times weekly and connects to Tongatapu twice weekly (Sat, Tue)

When to Go

May to October is the best time to visit.   November to April is Summer, and is the hurricane season.  It can be hot, humid and wet. The peak travel season is December and January (Tongans living abroad are returning home), so make reservations well in advance.