Named after the South Pacific nation of Tonga, this dining and entertainment venue opened in 1945.

[1][2] The Tonga Room replaced the Terrace Plunge, an indoor swimming pool that was installed in the Fairmont in 1929.

In 2024, the Tonga Room started using new glassware, and moved away from ceramic tiki mugs.

[6] A report by the City of San Francisco Planning Department called the Tonga Room a "historical resource.

"[7] Citing the Polynesian-themed bar's artificial lagoon, rainstorms, and lava rock, the report said: "The Tonga Room exhibits exceptional importance due to its rarity and as one of the best examples of 'high-style' tiki bar/restaurant in San Francisco.