Lomaiviti & Lau Group

'Fiji's Big Fish Capital'

Written by: David Coleman
October 29, 2022
8:02 am

The Lomaiviti group of islands, the heart of Fiji, lies off the east coast of Viti Levu and consists of seven main islands and a number of smaller outliers, which cover an area of approximately 410 square kilometres with a combined population of less than 20,000. These islands are rustic and serene, and travellers have ended up staying much longer than originally planned. The Lomaiviti Group, fondly known as ‘Fiji’s Big Fish Capital’, consists of the islands of Namenalala, Makogai, Koro, Wakaya, Batiki, Nairai, Gau, Ovalau, and Moturiki.

Lomaiviti Group

	Island	Group		Island	Group
1	Batiki	Lomaiviti Group	6	Nairai	Lomaiviti Group
2	Gau	Lomaiviti Group	7	Ovalau	Lomaiviti Group
3	Koro	Lomaiviti Group	8	Wakaya	Lomaiviti Group
4	Makogai	Lomaiviti Group	9	Yanuca Lailai	Lomaiviti Group
5	Moturiki	Lomaiviti Group	10	Yanuca Levu	Lomaiviti Group

Levuka

Levuka is a large, 626-metre-high volcanic island just east of Viti Levu. It is Fiji’s former capital, located on the island of Ovalau, with a population of around 4000. Levuka is the most picturesque town in Fiji and one of the very few places in the South Pacific that still has a significant number of quaint colonial buildings.

Levuka is famous for many of Fiji’s ‘firsts’. It was the site of Fiji’s first bank, post office, school, private members club, hospital, town hall, and municipal government. For travellers who want to experience and be part of a living heritage, Levuka is a trip back in time to a Fiji that is still untouched by mass tourism.

Getting to Levuka

There are two main ways to get to Levuka. Fiji Link flies from Nausori Airport to Ovalau, and Patterson Brothers Ferry Service departs from Suva on a scheduled basis. Apart from the usual activities of scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing, Levuka offers its visitors unforgettable historical and cultural experiences. The historical town tour allows visitors to view historical sites, meet with local residents, and hear about Levuka’s rich and interesting past.

Leleuvia

Leleuvia is a coral cay east of Ovalau and away from the much-travelled backpacker trails of Fiji. Unlike other islands in Fiji, Leleuvia provides visitors with their own private island getaway with a difference. There are two ways to get to Leleuvia Island: by boat from Levuka or from Nausori by bus, taxi, and boat.

Wakaya

Wakaya Island is a privately owned island, approximately 2,200 acres in size, and located 20 kilometres east of Ovalau. It is characterised by towering cliffs, ancient forests, white crescent beaches, and endless blue waters. It is approximately 35 minutes by air from Nadi International Airport. The island is also a 20-minute speedboat ride from Levuka.

Lau Group

	Island	Group		Island	Group
1	Cicia	Northern Lau Islands	23	Namuka-i-Lau	Southern Lau Islands
2	Kaibu	Northern Lau Islands	24	Ogea Driki	Southern Lau Islands
3	Kanacea	Northern Lau Islands	25	Ogea Levu	Southern Lau Islands
4	Mago	Northern Lau Islands	26	Olorua	Southern Lau Islands
5	Malima	Northern Lau Islands	27	Oneata	Southern Lau Islands
6	Munia Island	Northern Lau Islands	28	Vanua Vatu	Southern Lau Islands
7	Namalata	Northern Lau Islands	29	Vuaqava	Southern Lau Islands
8	Naitaba	Northern Lau Islands	30	Yagasa Levu	Southern Lau Islands
9	Nayau	Northern Lau Islands	31	Matuku Island	Moala Islands
10	Tuvuca	Northern Lau Islands	32	Moala Island	Moala Islands
11	Vanua Balavu	Northern Lau Islands	33	Totoya	Moala Islands
12	Vatu Vara	Northern Lau Islands	34	Bacon Island	Outliers
13	Wailagi Lala	Northern Lau Islands	35	Cakau Lasemarawa	Outliers
14	Yacata	Northern Lau Islands	36	Doi	Outliers
15	Aiwa	Southern Lau Islands	37	Late-i-Toga	Outliers
16	Fulaga	Southern Lau Islands	38	Late-i-Viti	Outliers
17	Kabara	Southern Lau Islands	39	Ono-i-Lau	Outliers
18	Komo	Southern Lau Islands	40	Tuvana-i-Colo	Outliers
19	Lakeba	Southern Lau Islands	41	Tuvana-i-Ra	Outliers
21	Moce	Southern Lau Islands	42	Vatoa	Outliers
22	Moka	Southern Lau Islands	43	Yanuca	Outliers

Forbes Magazine has listed the Lau group of islands as one of the top 12 World’s Most Beautiful Places (2013). Forbes chose the Lau Archipelago for its “mind-blowing array of marine life and a gentle, carefree vibe.” One of the best sources of information on the Lau Group is from Yacht Help Fiji.. Here is a PDF file they created that goes into great detail about the islands; it is definitely worth a glance. – The Lau Group In-depth.pdf