Excursion Captain cook's landing & oholei beach tour at Nuku Alofa

Discover Tonga's rich history and fascinating traditions by visiting some of its more unusual attractions.

Cook's Landing Site

Begin your journey with a visit to the celebrated site where Captain James Cook landed in 1777.  A plaque commemorates the event, and a banyan tree grows nearby, a descendant of the great banyan that the English explorer is said to have rested under. See the terraced tombs of Tonga, which according to legend, were built to accommodate the kings.  As they were considered half man and half god, they were buried in raised tombs, between heaven and earth.

Oholei Beach Resort

Next, travel south-easterly across the island for approximately 40 minutes, headed to the Oholei Beach Resort.  The name Oholei comes from Oho, the Tongan word for food for a journey, and lei the Hawaiian word for necklace of flowers.Here, a traditional dance and musical performance awaits.   

Royal Tombs

Next, continue your tour with a drive in an island-style bus to the Royal Palace, an ornate wooden building constructed in the 1860's for the royal family and the Royal Tombs, which was first used as a burial ground for King Tupou 1 in 1893. The area is known as Mala'e Kula or 'red ground', a reference to a festival in which everyone wore red, held here prior to the land becoming a cemetery.

Returning to Nuku'alofa, pass through several villages, offering you a glimpse of daily life in Tonga during the 40-minute drive back to the ship.   

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Western Tonga, Royal Palace and Tombs, Cook's Landing Site, Oholei Beach Resort, Traditional Dance and Costume Show, Snacks

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking; there are sandy and uneven natural surfaces to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. Guest are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and closed toe walking shoes and to  bring  sun protection and bottle of water from the ship. The guides and coach supply in Tonga is very limited and are the best-available in the area. Buses are non-air-conditioned and not equipped with PA systems nor microphones. Some of the roads are unpaved and rutted; the ride maybe bumpy. Restrooms facilities may be rustic. The tour itinerary may operate in reverse.  

Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding.