Motulalo is the largest islet of Nukufetau, Tuvalu. The traditional history of Nukufetau recalls that in order to protect the atoll from raiders from Tonga, Tauasa, an aliki (chief), was given Motulalo. Tauasa would pull up coconut trees and throw them at the raiders.
During World War II the American forces built an airfield and a deepwater wharf on Motulalo. After the war the airfield was dismantled and the land returned to its owners. Beginning in October 2023, the airfield returns to use, with domestic flights to Funafuti International Airport.
References
- Map of Nukufetau Atoll. Tuvaluislands.com.
- British Admiralty Nautical Chart 766 Ellice Islands (1893 ed.). United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). 21 March 1872.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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 / -8.0647; 178.3771
| Islands and atolls of Tuvalu | ||
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| Islets of Funafuti | ||
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| Islets of Nukufetau | ||
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