Excitement is building in Tonga’s picturesque Vava’u islands as the long-awaited Neiafu Temple approaches its final stages of construction.
Top social media influencer, Siaki Lonitenisi, said in a livestream video last week he couldn’t wait for the day the new temple opens—though his wife, Siutiti, jokingly doubted whether the Church would actually let him inside.
In response, the internet celebrity laughed and said it would be a pity if that were to happen.
Lonitenisi, a member of the church, has gained popularity for his entertaining content—such as picking up a heated pot from a fire and demonstrating precision shooting with his .22 rifle.
He is so popular that Tongans visiting from overseas often travel to Vava’u just to meet him, bringing various gifts ranging from money and food to even a newly built house.
Locals have been eagerly watching the progress of the stunning edifice, with many expressing their anticipation for its opening ceremony, expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
A Vision Taking Shape
The single-story temple spans nearly 17,000 square feet, featuring elegant architectural details that harmonize with the island’s natural beauty.
Recent updates from the Church highlight significant progress: lush palm trees and vibrant plants now adorn the temple grounds, while workers prepare sections for grass landscaping.
The steeple, a striking feature of the design, has been fitted with stained glass, casting a radiant glow in the Pacific sunlight.
Inside, craftsmen are putting the finishing touches on the sacred interior spaces, ensuring every detail reflects the reverence and devotion the temple will embody.
An ancillary building is also under construction, which will house a distribution centre, an arrival centre, a family history centre, and living quarters for temple missionaries and leaders.
A Second Temple for Tonga
The Neiafu Tonga Temple will be the second LDS temple in the island nation, following the Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple, which was dedicated in 1983.
For members of the faith in Vava’u and surrounding islands, the new temple eliminates the need for long journeys to the capital for sacred ordinances, bringing spiritual blessings closer to home.
Local videos circulating on social media showcase the temple’s rapid transformation, with many residents marvelling at its beauty. “We have been waiting for this for so long,” said one Vava’u resident. “It’s not just a building—it’s a blessing for our families and future generations.”
The temple has been a focal point of community interest since its groundbreaking on September 11, 2021.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Their Majesties King ʻAhoʻeitu Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, underscoring the significance of the project for the nation.
