The construction of Langi Namoala began (circa 1575) shortly after the completion of Paepae 'o Tele'a (circa 1550) and was completed around the year 1600. It was built for the son of Tele'a named Fatafehi who succeeded his father to become the sacred King of Tonga or Tu'i Tonga. Fatafehi was responsible for creating the Tu'i Tonga Fefine (female Tu'i Tonga) title, Tamaha title which is associated with the Tu'i Lakepa title that was also created by Fatafehi. The Tu'i Lakepa title is the head of the Ha'a Falefisi or "House of Fijian (blooded) Chiefs", a house which commands high respect in Tongan society as they have traditionally been allowed to marry the sisters of the Tu'i Tonga line. Fatafehi was also the architect of creating the Tu'i Kanokupolu title which is a title that the current Monarch of Tonga, His Majesty King Siaosi Tupou V, holds today.

Langi Namoala has through the generations since its construction been associated with controversial events in Tonga and consequently marked by significant burials through the centuries including the burial of the second son of Tu'i Tonga Fefine Sinaitakala 'i Lotunofo (circa 1650), named Finau – who was stabbed in the heart by a stingray while swimming though still 14 years old, which was during the controversial creation of the Ha'a 'Uluakimata.

Two hundred years later in the mid 1800's, the last Tu'i Tonga, Laufilitonga, towards the end of Tonga's civil war period buried Siulolovao, one of his principal wives, in Langi Namoala and since then her descendents have traditionally been buried in this Langi.

During the reign of Her Majesty Queen Salote Tupou III (1918-1965), Losaline Fatafehi, daughter of Manumataongo (son of Laufilitonga, the last Tu'i Tonga) was buried at Langi Namoala.


Note: The Tonga Traditions Committee wish to kindly thank Mr. Taniela Fale of Lapaha for the above information.