From Tongan Folklore
Vakafuhu was the father of Tui Tofua. Langitaetaea was his mother, but Vakafuhu had many concubines besides. When Tui Tofua grew up he gathered all the first born males and they habitually played at sika, a game in which peeled sticks are slid along the ground.
One day while Vakafuhu was sleeping off the effects of java, Tui Togua and his companions were playing sika. It chanced that Tui Tofua’s stick went so far as Vakafuhu’s enclosure. The concubines enjoyed this and seized Tui Tofua’s stick, at the same time making a nonsensical chattering as they desired Tui Tofua. The noise made Tui Tofua angry, as his father Vakafuhu was sleeping.
Tui Tofua decided to go on a voyage and never return. So he called his companions together and informed them that they would go on a voyage. They embarked in a canoe named Siivao. They sailed until they reached the northern shore of the island of Kao, which lies north of Tofua island. There Tui Tofua said to his men: “All of you jump into the sea.” Tui Tofua ordained that each one should become a shark as soon as he touched the water. His men did as they were ordered and became sharks.
Only Tui Togua and a Samoan named Faia remained on the canoe. Tui Tofua ordered the Samoan to leap overboard, but he did not relish the metamorphosis, so he voiced his objections, saying: “Who wants to grow up like a shark, be snared in a noose by the crew of a tafaanga (large rowing canoe), taken quickly ashore, and then cut to pieces?” So Tui Tofua relented, saying: “Chop off one of your fingers and throw it into the sea and it will become a porpoise.” This the Samoan did.
Tui Tofua and the Samoan proceeded towards Tofua in the canoe. When close in shore Tui Tofua instructed the Samoan Faia as follows: “Go and tell my father’s people to weave garlands of flowers and repair to the marshy beach of Siuatama.” The place where the Samoan landed is called Faia today. After the Samoan had landed he proceeded towards Vakafuhu’s place, but when he reached a small water (well?) he fell exhausted. He rested there awhile and let the blood drip from his finger. The water hole is today known as Vaivaia (exhausted). Finally he reached the town of Tofua and delivered Tui Tofua’s message.
The people did as they were bid and went down to the marshy beach of Siuatama. When they reached the sea there were a number of sharks close to shore. Each family recognized its son and adorned him with garlands of flowers. At last Tui Tofua came from below and Vakafuhu bowed his head in sorrow on shore, so great was his love for his son.
Source:
Tongan Myths and Tales, Edward Winslow Gifford, 1924
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