Tonga Maritime Museum

Tonga Maritime Museum located on the beach directly in front of an ancient surfing pass where Tasman came to anchor thus becoming the first European to meet with the inhabitants of Tongatapu.

Concept: The term “maritime” is synonymous with the seafaring Polynesians and their ancestors in general but even more specifically the once vast oceanic empire of Tonga. The museum will house a comprehensive display of artefacts that illustrate this long, rich past.

The Name: Tonga is the birthplace of the Polynesian culture. “Ha’a Fonu” or “Clan of the Sea Turtle” is a symbolic tribute to the family of Polynesia and their intrepiexplorations across the largest and unknown ocean- the Pacific. The far wandering Fonu was often used as a motif of reverence.