About the Tanoa Hotel for Whale Swims

History of the hotel and tourism on Tonga

The hotel was built as the International Dateline Hotel was in 1964 for visitors to the coronation of King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV. After 2012 it had fallen into disrepair so an agreement was struck with the Tanoa Hotel Group in 2015 to renovate.

Since then, the rooms have been modernised, a pool and bar added, as well as restaurant and spa. It was reopened by King Tupou VI on 16 February 2017.

The hotel hosts all the major events and dignitaries visiting Tonga. The Commonwealth Observer Group to the 2017 Tongan general election stayed here. As did, recently, ambassadors for the US government, the Canadian International Rugby Team and famous polynesian opera singer Ta'u Pupu'a. 

Tonga is a proud Kingdom that retained semi-independence throughout colonial rule. But the island only has about 120,000 residents. It barely appears on some Pacific Ocean maps! Tourism here is not like you might expect from islands like Fiji and Hawaii.

You're stepping into a culture that has stood the test of time ... most recently, a string of catastrophic events: COVID, tsunami, volcano and cyclone. Yet the 'happy isles' remain joyous as these manners and customs are what made Tonga what it is today.

About the facilities

The Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, Nuku’alofa is located 35km from the airport, an easy 40 minute drive. The hotel is centrally located to the CBD on the waterfront on Vuna Road, close to the Palace and the Port.

The Tanoa Hotel facilities are the best on the island and will ensure you have a comfortable, enjoyable stay. 

INTERNET ACCESS: WIFI access in all rooms.

ROOM FEATURES: Key card access, In room electronic safe, refrigerator, coffee and tea making facilities, air conditioning, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.

ENTERTAINMENT: Cable channels, flat screen television, one king bed, bathroom with shower.

AMENITIES: pool, gymnasium and restaurant.

The hotel has 120 rooms: 6 long term apartments, 4 ocean view suites, 43 superior rooms with balcony, 27 superior king rooms, 38 ocean view queen rooms, and 2 disable access rooms.