Moala Island

Moala is a volcanic island in the Moala subgroup of Fiji's Lau archipelago. Located at 18°36′S 179°52′E / 18.6°S 179.867°E / -18.6; 179.867Coordinates: 18°36′S 179°52′E / 18.6°S 179.867°E / -18.6; 179.867, it has an area of 62.5 square kilometers (24.1 sq mi). The highest point on the island of Moala, at a maximum elevation of 468 meters (1,535 ft), is called Delaimoala which has rich vegetation and consists of dark thick forest. The population of around 3000 live in eight villages. The chiefly village of these is Naroi, whose population is over 500. Economic activities include coconut farming, cocoa production, fishing and yaqona (kava) production.

The last Tui Moala to be installed was the Late Roko Jaoji Baba from the household "Wailiwaliwa". Roko Jaoji Baba was the last rightful holder, under colonial literature, of the title "Tui Moala" apart from other claimants to the title. Naroi as principal village is unique to other parts of Fiji because of its chiefly status where only the Yavusa "Turagalevu" and the Yavusa Nasau are believed to have existed until today. The direct descendants of Kubunavanua's households: Ravula, Kolimatua and Rovarovaivalu (Tui Vanuakula)exists in the two chiefly households of the Yavusa Turaga levu and Yavusa Nasau and the Tui Moala is the head of Turagalevu and the Tui Nasau is for the Yavusa Nasau, but the Tui Moala only child is Roko Wainise Bua daughter and no son. Local flock tales (history) depict another set of chiefly establishment that settled in Moala before the now two chief. This set of chief/clan settled on the bay, known as Wainikelei, whose powers reigned in both possession, spiritual (traditional) divinity/manna, and respect among the people before entrant of the two chief from two islands in the Fiji group. Part of the Island's History like that of the whole Fiji is not properly documented, especially prior to colonialism era and the western institutionalization of the Fijian Tradition and Culture as known today. This does not mean that the pre-colonial era that Fiji has no form of institutions (traditional or cultural). It exist but not in the western fashion of institutionalization.

Religious congregations in Moala represent the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Assemblies of God and Seventh-day Adventist churches.

Some well-known Moalan natives include Laisa Digitaki, a businesswoman and political activist, and deceased former Cabinet Minister Savenaca Draunidalo, who comes from the mataqali of the Tui Moala Turagaulu. They have also made their name in the field of sports like rugby, such as Sisa Koyamaibole, Kameli Ratuvou, and swimming, such as Matelita Buadromo.