pangai

Pangai is a town on Lifuka Island and the administrative capital of the Ha'apai island group in the Kingdom of Tonga. Located on the northwest coast of Lifuka overlooking Pangai Bay, it serves as the commercial and government center for Ha'apai. The harbour at Pangai is the main inter-island port for the group, handling fishing vessels, cargo ships, and passenger ferries linking Lifuka with other Ha'apai islands and with Tongatapu.

Access to Pangai is supported by Lifuka Airport, which provides domestic air links to Tongatapu and other islands, complementing sea transport. The town hosts district offices, a market, shops, and services that cater to residents and visitors, along with churches, schools, and medical facilities necessary for the surrounding communities.

Economy in Pangai centers on fishing, light trading, and services that support both local residents and the broader Ha'apai population. Tourism is modest but steadily growing, with Pangai serving as a gateway for visitors exploring Lifuka and nearby islands, including beaches, coral reefs, and traditional Tongan culture.

Pangai's role as Ha'apai's administrative hub, its harbor facilities, and transport links make it a focal point for governance, trade, and everyday life in the Ha'apai archipelago. The town embodies the maritime character of Tonga's central islands and functions as a practical base for regional travel and commerce.