Haapai

Haʻapai is the central group of the Tongan islands, where low coral islands and volcanic cones lie between Tongatapu and Vavaʻu. Its communities formed part of the chiefly networks that connected Tonga across the ocean. The island of Lifuka was an important historic place of chiefly residence and exchange.

In 1777 James Cook visited Haʻapai and met Fatafehi Paulaho, the Tuʻi Tonga. At Lifuka, chiefly hosts presented food to the visitors and displayed the social ranks of their island society. Feasts and ceremonies accompanied the visit, and Cook’s description helped establish the European name Friendly Islands. In 1789 the Bounty mutiny took place in nearby waters; Captain William Bligh and his companions reached Tofua after being set adrift.