Motulalo

Motulalo is the largest islet of Nukufetau, Tuvalu.^[1]^[2] The traditional history of Nukufetau recalls that in order to protect the atoll from raiders from Tonga, Tauasa, an aliki (chief), was given Motulalo.^[3] Tauasa would pull up coconut trees and throw them at the raiders.^[3]

During World War II the American forces built an airfield and a deepwater wharf on Motulalo.^[4] After the war the airfield was dismantled and the land returned to its owners.^[4] Beginning in October 2023, the airfield returns to use, with domestic flights to Funafuti International Airport.^[5]

References

^ Map of Nukufetau Atoll. Tuvaluislands.com.
^ British Admiralty Nautical Chart 766 Ellice Islands (1893 ed.). United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). 21 March 1872.
^ ^a ^b Nofoaiga Lafita (1983). "Chapter 12 - Nukufetau". In Laracy, Hugh (ed.). Tuvalu: A History. Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific and Government of Tuvalu. pp. 86–87.
^ ^a ^b Melei Telavi (1983). "Chapter 18 - War". In Laracy, Hugh (ed.). Tuvalu: A History. Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific and Government of Tuvalu. p. 143.
^ "Air Tuvalu aircraft arrives". Radio New Zealand (RNZ). 11 October 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.