Tu'i Kanokupolu - Terminology

Terminology

The Haʻa Tuʻi Kanokupolu are described as Kau Halalalo. Kauhala means side of the road and lalo means lower. Thus, Kau Halalalo is the lower side of the road. The term Kau Halalalo differentiates the Haʻa Tuʻi Kanokupolu from the Haʻa Tuʻi Tonga who are the most senior and sacred members of the king's lineage. In contrast to Kau Halalalo, the Haʻa Tuʻi Tonga are the Kau Halaʻuta, meaning the higher side of the road. In Muʻa Tongatapu, the ancient capital of Tonga and the traditional residence of the Haʻa Tuʻi Tonga, the Haʻa Tuʻi Tonga lived on the higher, inland side of the road, whereas, the Haʻa Tuʻi Kanokupolu lived on the lower, beach side of the road. In Muʻa Tongatapu, the settlement was expanded along the lower, beach side of the road. During Inasi ceremonies, when tributes were brought from the various chiefdoms (districts) of the Tonga empire to the Haʻa Tuʻi Tonga, the Haʻa Tuʻi Kanokupolu would arrive in canoes and settle along the beach. After presenting their tributes (such as fruit), the Haʻa Tuʻi Kanokupolu would return to their chiefdoms. Tupou is the title given to the Tuʻi Kanokupolu.