How do you greet each other in Tonga?

The traditional Tongan greeting is called the hongi. It involves pressing noses and foreheads together while exchanging a greeting in the Tongan language. The phrase most often used is malo e lelei (pronounced "ma-low eh lay-lay"), which means "hello" or "good day." The hongi is a sign of respect and friendship, and it is always performed when two people meet. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hongi is currently being discouraged in order to prevent the spread of the virus.