The current day site of the Royal Tombs in central Nuku'alofa was previously known as Prince Park and was used as an open space for various events.  In the late 1880's a fundraising event was held to raise money for Tonga College (located opposite the site).  The event became known as Katoanga Kula (red gathering place) as many of the people wore red and red £2 notes were exchanged for goods. 

Following the death of King Siaosi (George) Tupou I in 1893, rather than being buried at a site known as Mala'e (Tu'i Kanokupolu dynasty's burial grounds), the Government decided that as King Tupou I united the country, he and his direct descendents should be buried in central Nuku'alofa.  The grounds were called Mala'ekula (Red Ground) – a term that brings together the burial site of the Tu'i Kanokupolu dynasty and the former name of the site.

Today, the Mala'ekula is considered a sacred site.