Yaro: Village History on Malolo

Yaro brings together the history of a local chiefly village and an island setting where historical sites and natural attractions play a role. During visits, you can meet local people and learn about the history of the surrounding area, the island and the village. For orientation, it helps to distinguish between present-day Yaro, its former location in Likuliku and nearby destinations on the surrounding islands.

Village history and cultural influences

Yaro is regarded as a local chiefly village. Before Christianisation, the village’s special Bete priest clan made traditional offerings to the sea gods at certain points in the lunar calendar. The offerings included kava roots and produce from the land. The account thus identifies both the recipients of the offerings and the specific gifts, as well as their connection to the lunar calendar.

The original village of Yaro was in Likuliku about two centuries ago, before it was moved to its present location. A traditional connection to the land also leads to Likuliku: the Mataqali Ketenamasi from the village of Yaro on Malolo are the traditional landowners of the Likuliku Lagoon. Na Vatu Tagi, also known as Crying Rock, is a well-known tourist attraction in Likuliku. The rock is considered a kind of marker for the former village of Yaro. In this account, Likuliku therefore connects the village’s former location with the lagoon and a rock associated with Yaro.

A report from November 2023 stated that the final traditional installation of the chief of Lawa continued in the village of Yaro on the last day.

Village visits and encounters

During visits to Yaro, you can meet local people and learn about the history of the surrounding area, the island and the village. Activities on a previous village visit included visits to plantations and open conversations with village elders. This describes both insights into the surrounding area and exchanges with the elders as aspects of previous village visits.

A dress code applies when visiting the village: guests must wear a sulu or sarong; short dresses, swimwear and shorts are not permitted. The boat trip from the resort to Yaro takes about 15 minutes. If you are planning a visit, take both the approximate boat journey time and the required clothing into account: the journey time concerns getting there, while the dress code applies during your stay in the village.

Islands, nature and walking trails

Nearby is Mociu Island, which is part of the Mamanuca Islands. Tropical bushland and trees characterize the island, and there is a white sand beach on its eastern side. Mociu is a protected nature reserve, and the surrounding waters and reef are designated as a marine “na tabu” area. The island can be reached by boat or seaplane. Historically, guests from nearby island resorts came to Mociu for snorkelling and swimming.

Malolo Island is surrounded by a protected, nearshore coral reef that is home to a wide variety of marine life. Fishing is strictly prohibited in the marine protected area immediately around Malolo Island. The natural features described are therefore distinct: Mociu is noted for its eastern beach, bushland and designated protected areas, among other things, while Malolo is noted for its nearshore reef and fishing ban.

Walking trails are also listed in the destination area. Jona’s Lookout, the Ridge Track to Naroba Point and the Mangrove Walk are among the walking trails listed by the resort. On Malolo Island, the trail to the summit of Mount Uluisilo leads to a former American fort from the Second World War. The trail thus links the climb to the summit with a historical destination dating from the wartime period.

Discover more destinations: Viwa, Viseisei, Wayasewa Island, Naisisili, Malevu, Bukama, Namaqumaqua, Vomo

For the broader travel overview: Western Division.