Mu'a
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Mu'a

Mu'a

Ancient Tongan chiefly centre on Tongatapu, with royal tombs and Captain Cook landing history.

Tonga's most important ancient monuments are found at Mu'a, on the eastern coast of Tongatapu. This was the seat of the ancient Tu'i Tonga dynasty, believed to have been of divine origin. Captain James Cook landed here after sailing HMS Endeavour into the sheltered waters of the inner lagoon — a plaque marks the spot.

Lapaha, the royal compound at Mu'a, contains 28 langi — tiered burial mounds of ancient royalty, faced with massive stone slabs cut from coralline limestone at nearby reefs. The most impressive tomb in the South Pacific is the Paepae 'o Tele'a, built over 300 years ago for the 28th Tu'i Tonga. The term paepae indicates that the physical body of the king was not buried here. Nearby stand the Namoala, a three-tiered pyramid with a stone burial vault still intact on top, and the Hehea mound opposite, which holds two further vaults.

Guide

Getting There

Mu'a is on the eastern coast of Tongatapu, about 12 kilometres east of the capital Nuku'alofa. The easiest way to get there is by hiring a car, moped, or bicycle in Nuku'alofa — the road is flat and easy. Taxis from Nuku'alofa will take you, but the driver will want a set price for the return trip. Local buses run along the coastal road but are infrequent; check with your accommodation for current schedules. The drive from Nuku'alofa takes about 20 minutes.

Guide

Things to Do

Mu'a's attractions are all archaeological — the burial mounds of the ancient Tu'i Tonga kings, hidden in plain sight among the coconut palms and modern houses. There are no admission charges and no crowds. You will need a bicycle or car to get between the sites; the area is spread along several kilometres of road on the eastern coast of Tongatapu.