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]
8°03′53″S 178°22′38″E / 8.0647°S 178.3771°E
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]
8°03′53″S 178°22′38″E / 8.0647°S 178.3771°E