Mr Pohiva passed away in Auckland last week and his state funeral will be held this Thursday in Nuku'alofa.
His body was transported on a Royal New Zealand Airforce plane to Fua'amotu airport this afternoon.
It was escorted by family and cabinet members as well as police and foreign dignitaries.
Mr Pohiva will lie in state at the St George Building in Nuku'alofa until his funeral.
Meanwhile parliament is expected to begin the process of electing a new Prime Minister by calling for nominations from among MPs once the funeral is over.
