Tonga's Heilala Festival 2020 has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 20, Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa declared a State of Emergency, due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases worldwide and in the Pacific region.

Government has since imposed restrictions on public gatherings, major events and urged people to practice of social distancing.

Ministry of Tourism announced today that due to these unfortunate circumstances and to comply with the current emergency status, the Ministry in collaboration with the Tonga Tourism Association, had decided to postpone the annual Heilala Festival Program for 2020, until further notice. 

This applies to all events scheduled to take place in June-July for the Heilala Festival in Tongatapu and pre-Heilala Festivals that were scheduled for the outer islands of Vava‘u, Ha‘apai and ‘Eua in May.

The annual event will be re-scheduled at a later time and the public will be advised.