Totoya Island
Totoya is a horseshoe-shaped volcanic island in Fiji's Lau Archipelago. The island's area is 28 km² and its maximum elevation is 366 m (1,201 ft).
Most people in Totoya earn a living in coconut farming. The island is surrounded by a reef and its surf is famous with surfers.
There are 4 towns on Totoya:
- Dravuwalu is the seat of Tui Dravuwalu, who is also known as Nakorowaiwai, or Udu. The town is located near the coast. In Dravuwalu, you can see global warming and the resulting rise in sea-levels in action. Tombstones from a graveyard that used to be tens of meters from the shore, now lie exposed on the beach, which is evidence of the receding coastline.
- Ketei is the seat of the Tui Ketei, who is also known as Turaga Ramalo (the King maker). He was traditionally the person who installed Totoya's High chief. Because of rivalry, this role has become obsolete. The river that runs through Ketei, often floods after heavy rain. Rising sea-levels have caused the disappearence of coconot trees that used to line the shore.
- Tovu, or Dawaleka, is the islands capital. It was orignally located on the opposite side of Totoya, but in the 19th century, it was relocated to its current location. The Mataiilakeba is the seat of the Turaga na Roko Sau, who is the island's High Chief.
- The fourth village is the seat of Tui Udu, who is traditionally known as Muaicokalau.
The island of Vanua Vatu has traditionally been the personal possession of Totoya's High Chief. Later, during colonial times, Vanua Vatu was added to the Totoya District. Vanua Vatu is the seat of Tui Vanua.
The waters around Totoya are very rich in marine resources. On the island itself, cassava, sweet potato and yams are grown. Wildlife includes bats, birds and reptiles.
Totoya is about 200 km southeast from Suva.
