Gaualofa is a reconstruction of a va'a-tele ("large canoe"),[2] a double-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoe.

Gaualofa is one of eight vaka moana built for the Okeanos Foundation for the Sea and gifted to Pacific voyaging societies.

[1] The vaka hulls are constructed of fiberglass, The wood beams are connected to the hulls with traditional lashings.

The two masts are rigged with crab claw sails, with bermuda rigged sails for safety during long voyages.

[1] It was constructed at Salthouse Boatbuilders in Auckland, New Zealand.