Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific

The Kingdom of Tonga has managed to maintain its Polynesian culture in the face of modern change!

View  of Port of Hukulaofa from 10th deck of MS Ooosterdam.  Tonga is a miniature Kingdom, made up of a group of 170 islands, 45 of which are inhabited..

On the way to explore the island of Tongatapu. Town of Nuku alofa is the capital and home for the Royal Palace.

Tonga is the poorest of all Polynesian islands, its rich culture, history and beauty are sure to make up its economic shortcoming.

The amount of dry land of all Tongan islands combined is equivalent to less the the size of the New York City.

....market is a proudly local affair, selling pyramids of fresh tropical ....

mini vans, taxis are plentiful in Nukualofa, although most are in poor condition - sometimes I think Tonga is where old cars go to die.

Most cars in Tonga are in a terrible state, maintained on a budget .....

....the low speed limit helps to keep accidents down....

....typical roadside store on Tongatapu....

Royal Residence of the late King George Tupou V, located on the outskirts of Nuku alofa, Tonga

I saw a wide range of local properties for sales or rent....however this is not a place to  enjoy vacation in this environment...

...Kingdom of Tonga has traditionally thrived on agriculture and fishing...

...Kingdom of Tonga has traditionally thrived on agriculture and fishing...

...Kingdom of Tonga has traditionally thrived on agriculture and fishing...

Kingdom of Tonga  .... is underpinned by strong remittances, increasing foreign aid  .... the education services in both the Government and Church Schools

....increasing foreign aid  .... the education services in both the Government and Church Schools are visible....

Tonga, countryside outside of Nuku alofa....

Tonga, countryside outside of Nuku alofa....

Tonga, countryside outside of Nuku alofa....

Tonga, countryside outside of Nuku alofa....

Tonga, countryside outside of Nuku alofa....

Tonga, countryside outside of Nuku alofa....

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes.

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

One of the most impressive sights in Tonga are the Blow Holes

Tonga....countryside outside of Nuku alofa.

Tonga....countryside outside of Nuku alofa.

Tonga....countryside outside of Nuku alofa.

Tonga....countryside outside of Nuku alofa.

Tonga....countryside outside of Nuku alofa.

Tongan cemeteries are unique,  usually set in a grove of frangipani trees, the graves are strange, sandy mounds marked with flags and banners

Tongan cemeteries are unique, usually set in a grove of frangipani trees, the graves are strange, sandy mounds marked with flags and banners

Tropical rainforest trees are well-adapted to the poor soils of their environment...

Tropical rainforest trees are well-adapted to the poor soils of their environment...

The climate is oceanic tropical with high humidity... provide ideal growing conditions for kabocha...

Tonga also became known as the Friendly Islands because of the friendly reception accorded to Captain James Cook on his first visit there in 1773.

Captain James Cook s landing place in Tonga.

Tonga offers secluded beaches and rock pools...

Tonga offers secluded beaches and rock pools...

Tonga offers secluded beaches and rock pools...

Tonga offers secluded beaches and rock pools...

Tonga offers secluded beaches and rock pools...

Tonga climate is oceanic tropical with high humidity....ideal for spiders too!

Tonga  is blanketed by lush tropical vegetation....

Tonga  is blanketed by lush tropical vegetation....

Tonga  is blanketed by lush tropical vegetation....

Tonga  is blanketed by lush tropical vegetation....

Tonga  is blanketed by lush tropical vegetation....

Centennial Church in Nuku alofa, Free Church of Tonga was established in 1885 by King George Tupou I and Shirley W. Baker

Royal Tomb seen from Kings Road, ...resting place of the late King George Tupou V,  Nuku alofa, Kingdom of Tonga

Black and purple adorn Tongan homes across Royal Palace as mourning nation honours late King George Tupou V

Black and purple adorn Tongan homes across Royal Palace as mourning nation honours late King George Tupou V

Royal Palace,  wooden kauri building was constructed in 1864 as the First King of Tonga s, Tupou I modernization of Tonga.

Entrance Gate to the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Tonga with insignia of the late King George Tupou V

Royal Palace - residence of the present King Tupou VI since 18 March 2012.

Royal Crown on the top of pilar near the entrance gate to the Royal Palace- Kingdom of Tonga

Royal Palace - residence of the present King Tupou VI since 18 March 2012...viewed from the Pacific Ocean

Kingdom of Tonga

Royal Palace - residence of the present King Tupou VI since 18 March 2012...viewed from the Pacific Ocean

Tongan Parliament building

Local vegetable and fruits at Talamahu Market

Local vegetable and fruits at Talamahu Market

Kingdom of Tonga....No Smoking sign..

Kingdom of Tonga  car registration plate...

Fish Market in Nuku alofa,  Kingdom of Tonga