Mara Kapaiwai

Background

Ratu Mara"s father was Ratu Vuibureta (half brother of Ratu Tanoa Visawaqa) of Bau, who was the son of Ratu Banuve, Vunivalu of Bau. His mother was Roko Mere Veisaca of Lakeba in Lau.

Career

He was thus not only a potential contender for the title of Vunivalu of Bau, but vasulevu, from which came many of the great canoes on which Bau"s naval might rested. Ratu Mara was married to Adi Loaloakubou, daughter of Ratu Tanoa Visawaqa and Adi Talatoko of Somosomo. They had one son, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi I, who became the father of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna and others

Adi Levulevu and Adi Savusavu (Ratu Cakobau"s mother) were sisters.

Returning to Fiji with Ma"afu in 1847, he finally fell out with Ratu Cakobau and was forced to take refuge with Qaraniqio of Rewa. He allied with him and other chiefs, including Koroi Ravulo of Vusaradave and Tui Levuka in a formidable coalition dedicated to the destruction of Ratu Cakobau.

Achievements

• Ratu Mara won fame by sailing his canoe to Tonga, an act of unprecedented audacity for a Fijian seafarer.