He has served as Master of the Royal Household and "long-time palace archivist", as well as being Chairman of the Tonga Traditions Committee.

Vaea is the brother of the present Queen of Tonga Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho and the brother-in-law (and second cousin) of King Tupou VI.

[9] In August 2016 Tuʻivanuavou repeatedly promised to bring a no confidence motion against Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, but ultimately failed to do so.

[11] He sought re-election at the 2017 Tongan general election, but tied the vote with Lord Vaha'i and lost the subsequent coin-toss.

[13] On 1 September 2022 he was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs, replacing Sangster Saulala, whose election had been voided for bribery.