Lolua is the administrative capital of Nanumea atoll and home to most of the island's 500-odd residents. The village runs along the lagoon shore for a couple of kilometres, with houses set back among coconut palms and breadfruit trees, a wharf where the inter-island boat puts in, the island council office, and a small medical clinic.
The Catholic and Protestant churches are the two most prominent buildings, and the central maneapa is the venue for community meetings, ceremonies, and the welcome accorded to any rare outside visitor. There is no shop in the modern sense and no formal accommodation; if you have come this far you have already arranged a host through Tuvaluan contacts.