How to pronounce Tuvalu?

Years ago when I was a kid, a Maori chap stayed with our family in Tasmania.
He was prince of their nation. They came over and did some ceremony with him.
Since then I have, of course, as second nature, remembered how he pronounced this word.
Of course one says it quickly, as one does a native tongue including English.
It was Too, va, loo
that's too, and va -as a v for vat and a for apple - say the same as the start of Vancouver, and loo.
The "a" is almost non-existent when spoken quickly, as in normal casual speech.
I hope this is correct but it's used many times here with islanders.
Ghastly thought - perhaps it sounds like "I'm going to the loo, without the "I'm", and with a lisp.
and again, top site!

t oo - v ae - l oo