Malaekula Royal Tombs

The royal burial grounds in central Nukualofa in the Kingdom of Tonga in the southern Pacific Ocean are known as Malaekula or Malae Kula (red square). Tonga's kings and close relatives (spouse, husbands, and children) are buried there. Cousins, nephews, nieces, and inlaws who live a little further away from the mainline are buried elsewhere, primarily in cemeteries. Older kings (such as those of the Tui Tonga dynasty) are primarily buried in Mua's langi.

Malaekula is located along the Hala Tui River, a short distance south of the royal palace (kings road). The actual name of this route is Kings Path, and it refers to the last road that every Tongan King will walk during his reign, leading to his final resting place in Malaekula. Because of the Norfolk pines (a royal tree in Tonga) that were planted by Europeans along this route, it is also known as the Hala Paini (pine road). However, all of the Norfolk pines have vanished due to the deep roots reaching underground waters. When Siaosi Tufahau Tupou I, the first king of modern Tonga, died, the cemetery was created. His tomb is in the middle of the field, visible while looking straight down the Hala Tui from the royal grounds.

The Royal Tombs are currently located in central Nuku'alofa, Tonga's capital. Rather than being buried at the dynasty's burial sites after King Siaosi (George) Tupou I died in 1893, the Government decided that because King Tupou I united the country, he and his direct descendants should be buried in central Nuku'alofa. Malaekula was the name of the grounds (Red Ground). The Malaekula is now regarded as a sacred location. Visitors can read about the historical site's significance on several interpretive panels around the perimeter, which are fenced off to the public.

Location: Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu