The Trilithon (Ha’amonga ‘a Maui) is a historically significant stone archway in Tonga. Dubbed the Stonehenge of the Pacific, it is located at the northern end of Tongatapu Island. It’s estimated weight is around 40 tons which consists of three giant coral stones. The structure was constructed sometime in the 13th century by King Tu’i Tonga Tu’itatui. Theories abound as to the function of the archway, with the most popular belief being a gateway to some royal gardens. Another theory suggests it has astronomical significance as the structure is positioned with a north and south orientation with the horizontal stone containing a V shaped mark which roughly points in the direction of the solstice.
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