As it worked out, our stay was extended due to propulsion problems on board. Eventually, the ship arranged for shuttle buses to run every 30 minutes from the dock to the Post Office in this capital city. We left Nuku'alofa at 9 pm - an additional stay of almost 4 hours.
Here's a photo of Kalolo and Lau by the coach they drove us around in. Kalolo is wearing native garb.
Tonga is the only Pacific island that has maintained its sovereign monarchy and is still ruled by a king and his family. This is the Royal Palace - the first place we visited. The building was well maintained - unlike most of the buildings on the island but we were not allowed inside.
These are the Royal Tombs - next to the palace.
This is the Post Office where the shuttle buses dropped us off. We went in to buy postcard stamps and the lady behind the counter was talked into taking U.S. dollars - they usually only accept Tongan money.
Our next stop was in a residential area where a huge colony of flying fox bats lives and has lived for decades. They were roosting in trees but when we walked under the trees, some of them flew around. They are quite large and are considered sacred - only the king can hunt them if he desires.
Our tour bus took us to "the Blow Holes" ... rock/lava formations which mimick whales' blows. When the ocean water comes up through them - there's the 'blow' sound and the puff of spray, very reminiscent of whales.
Next stop was the Vakaloa Beach Resort - with its beautiful beaches, artifacts and hospitality to spare. 
I couldn't close the photos of Tonga without including this one - I just love the face on this little girl - I hope her mother doesn't mind my posting it here.
The first missionaries arrived around 1799 - and all around the island there are cemeteries alongside the road and in people's gardens. Here's one of many churches we saw.
I doubt if anyone had washers and dryers because we saw lots and lots of washing on lines - but it was all so colorful and kind of interesting. The school girls wore bright red uniforms and white blouses.
It is evident that Tonga is a poor country - there were some really nice, new residences but for the most part, they were below par. The people appeared very friendly and happy to see visitors - waves were readily returned, as were smiles.
My last photo from our Tonga visit is to show you how much garbage a ship of 300 passengers, who've been at sea for two days, can create. They unloaded the bags and a man sat guard for about 6 hours before they were all removed.
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