Pangai, capital of Ha'apai - on the island of Lifuka

On the Saturday morning of our weekend away we took a quick trip into the capital to check it out. A true glimpse of traditional village life on the way in and home from town as there are no traffic lights, no hussle and bussel and just lots of happy Tongans wandering around not doing too much of anything. Below are some photos of buildings around town to give you an idea of how modernisation is not always a necessity.

Pangai, from the air and then the harbour entrance.

Main tourist attractions, the town centre street sign and local pigs.

The yet to be built Police station and the Ministry of Justice Courthouse.


The only petrol station on the island down at the wharf, and the fire station.

The Navy Base headquarters and one of two booze shops in town.

Emily inside the only marketi, which sells root crops, second hand clothes and household items and a few handicrafts. Next is the only guest house/cafe which unfortunately was closed so no morning coffee for us.

A village cemetery and local meeting hall.

A traditional fale home, and a more modern one with its own water tank.