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.
8°03′53″S 178°22′38″E / 8.0647°S 178.3771°E
| Islands |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Atolls | ||
| Islets of Funafuti | ||
| Islets of Nanumea | ||
| Islets of Nui | ||
| Islets of Nukufetau | ||
| Islets of Vaitupu | ||
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