Mara Kapaiwai

Mara Kapaiwai

Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara (born between 1815 and 1820 - 8 June 1859), chiefly seafarer, and descendant of the Vunivalu of Bau.

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. 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. His mother was Roko Mere Veisaca of Lakeba in Lau.

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.

His grandmother was Adi Talatoka, who was the daughter of Ratu Yavala (Tui Cakau) of Somosomo and Adi Levulevu of the Roko Tui Bau Royal Court. Adi Levulevu and Adi Savusavu (Ratu Cakobau's mother) were sisters.