Occupying a most prominent position on the eastern waterfront on Vuna Road is the International Dateline Hotel.
It 1954 it was announced that a small tropical-style hotel to accommodate 28 guests would be built on the seafront. As plans progressed, it was stated in 1957 there would be a slightly larger building with 24 rooms.
In August 1964 it was announced a three-storey hotel with 55 rooms was to be built at a cost of $340,000. Although construction began slowly, the tempo increased rapidly after the death of Queen Salote, as it was realized high-standard accommodation would be needed for the VIP guests attending the coronation of King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV in July 1967.
The hotel was completed in 1966 in time for the celebrations. Since then it has continued to be the centre for Government functions and has the ability to cater for the ever-increasing tourist trade.
Extensions to the building were made in 1977, and there was a general upgrading in 1988/89 and improvements in 1994/95. By then, there were 78 guest rooms, a dining room, swimming pool, lounge area and meeting rooms. A open-air dancing area for dining, local entertainment and a very popular snack bar near the swimming pool. It is an interesting fact that the first elevator in Tonga was installed in the Dateline Hotel.
