🗿 Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon

About This Sacred Site

The Ha'amonga 'a Maui is a massive coral limestone trilithon (stone gateway) on Tongatapu island, often called the 'Stonehenge of the Pacific.' Built around 1200 CE, it consists of two uprights and a connecting lintel, each stone weighing approximately 40 tonnes. Tradition attributes its construction to the demigod Maui, though it was likely built by the 11th Tu'i Tonga. The late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV discovered markings suggesting it served as an astronomical calendar.

Key Facts

• •Each of the three coral limestone stones weighs approximately 40 tonnes
• •Built around 1200 CE, traditionally attributed to the demigod Maui
• •The late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV identified markings indicating use as a solar calendar
• •The notches align with the solstices and equinoxes
• •Often called the 'Stonehenge of the Pacific' for its mysterious purpose

Location

Coordinates: -21.1369, -175.0506