When I spoke in Sacrament meeting a few weeks ago, I said that it had been my observation that Tongans personify the 13th Article of Faith. They believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to others. They follow Paul’s admonition; they believe all things, they hope all things, they have endured many things, and they hope to be able to endure all things. Indeed, if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, they seek after these things.
At that time, I was unaware that Tongan society is guided by four core values, all of which combine to encompass the virtues in the Article of Faith. These four core values are:
Fefaka’apa’apa’aki – mutual respect.
Fevei tokai’aki – sharing, cooperation, and the fulfillment of mutual obligations.
Loto to o –humility and generosity
Tauhiv aha’a – loyalty and commitment
Family is the central core of Tongan life. Older people command the most respect and each member of the family knows their role.
A typical family unit is comprised of parents and children, adopted children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
Phil and Jan's Adventure in Tonga 