Tonggs was named for Ruddy Fah Tongg, an island businessman, who had a beachfront home here from 1946 to 1961. His sons Michael and Ronnie were avid surfers, and their home was a focal point for the neighborhood surfing community. (from John Clark Hawai'i Place Names)

Shaun Doo and Maxie Asagi, 2002

"This nearly famous surfing spot is named after the owner of a house fronting the shoreline who used to leave his water hose out for surfers to help themselves to a rinse or a nice long drink of water. To communicate this spot early on, everyone would say something to the effect of: "we going Mr. Tongg's place" or "Yesterday I was at (man's first name) Tongg's and was good." Eventually the "Mr." part or this Samaritan's first name was dropped, and the spot became known as Tongg's. Here's to you Mr. Tongg!"