Destination Overview
The Great Astrolabe Reef surrounds Kadavu, where lush rainforests cloak the hills, clean rivers flow, and uninhabited beaches are bordered by turquoise lagoons. The waters teem with marine life, and the forests are filled with singing birds. Small coastal villages are home to around 10,000 Kadavu Islanders, who live lives of abundant subsistence, benefiting from fertile land and rich seas. Kadavu is widely respected throughout Fiji for maintaining and preserving ancient cultural traditions.
A secluded tropical paradise, the Kadavu Group offers an amazing getaway with lush rainforests for hiking, incredible reefs for diving, excellent surfing, and a range of water-based activities. Located about 100 km south of Viti Levu in the Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu is an idyllic retreat. The main island of Kadavu is rugged and mountainous, featuring high peaks, rolling hills, and deeply indented bays. On the southwest of Kadavu stands the imposing Mt. Washington (Nabukelevu), rising 838 meters. The island’s dense rainforests, particularly on the eastern end, are home to a variety of indigenous bird species.
Group of Islands: Dravuni, Galoa, Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu, Ono
Getting Your Bearings
In the 1870s, Kadavu was considered a site for the new capital, with Levuka quickly running out of space. Luckily for those environmentalists and naturalists today, the island was passed over for Suva, leaving it in its present untouched state. In contrast to Kadavu’s current image of environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, the islands were known in the old days for their whaling stations. Kadavu was a port of call for steamers bound for New Zealand and Australia, with ships mooring at the then-whaling station at Galoa Harbour. In addition to the bech-de-mer trade, whaling ships also moored at Tavuki Bay.
As in most other regions of Fiji in the 1800s, Kadavu had its fair share of scoundrels. When the Port Jackson ship Nimrod was at Kadavu in 1838, the now notorious Vedori, a local scoundrel, which makes for a change from the imported variety, kidnapped the mate and a boat’s crew and held them for ransom. For their release, he demanded some large whale’s teeth (tabua), 4 axes, 2 plates, a case of pipes, some fish hooks, iron pots (for cooking whatever! ), and a bale of cloth. Makes for a big difference to current-day pirates whose ransoms run into millions.
The Great Astrolabe Reef is located off the coast of Kadavu Island in Fiji, about 45 nautical miles south of the main island, Viti Levu. It’s a massive oceanic ribbon reef1 that surrounds a large lagoon, which is almost 300 square kilometers in size. The reef got its name from the French explorer Dumont d’Urville, whose ship Astrolabe nearly ran aground there in 1827. The reef, along with the nearby North Astrolabe Reef, is known for its untouched beauty and rich marine life, with very little human impact due to the low population of the surrounding islands. The reef is home to a variety of underwater environments, like patch reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. The lagoon’s depths range from shallow waters to about 40 meters, and the coral growth is especially dense on the windward sides of smaller islands. Some parts of the reef drop to over 65 meters, with deep valleys and towering pinnacles.
It’s considered ecologically important, supporting a wide range of marine species and providing essential resources for the people who live in the area. For the communities living on Kadavu and its smaller islands, the Great Astrolabe Reef is a crucial part of daily life. Fishing and farming have long been the main ways of making a living, and recently, tourism has also started to play a bigger role in the local economy. The reef’s health is vital for both the local people and the overall biodiversity of the region, which is why it’s included in Fiji’s National Biodiversity Strategy2 as a site of national significance. The reef continues to be managed in a traditional way by the local communities, helping to preserve it for future generations.
Accommodation and Events
Transport
With regular flight and ferry connections to and from the mainland, Kadavu is easy to reach. Once here, visitors can savor the sense of being someplace special, remote, natural, and unique. The following tabs outline various transportation options for travelers heading to the Kadavu Islands, ranging from boat transfers to fixed-wing flights. Each option offers unique benefits, ensuring flexibility and comfort for a seamless travel experience to one of Fiji’s most remote destinations. 3
Fiji Link: Fiji Airways inter-island fixed-wing aircraft provides a direct flight from Suva and Nadi International Airport to Vunisea Airport on Kadavu. As this is a limited service with very few seats, we highly recommend booking the flight at the same time you book your international flight to Fiji. This 40-minute journey is available most days. Flights can be checked and booked through the Fiji Airways website.
Island Hoppers: Offers private charter flights by plane from Nadi to Kadavu. These flights are available on-demand, though they tend to be more expensive, and provide convenient access to resorts such as Matava, Waisalima, Mai Dive, Papageno, Tiliva, and Kokomo.
Goundar Shipping: Founded by Mr. George Goundar, Goundar Shipping is a shipping business offering inter-island services in Fiji. The company operates a weekly cargo and passenger ferry service between Suva and Kadavu, departing around 10 PM and arriving at either Kavala Bay or Vunisea by 6 AM, with the return ferry leaving Kadavu late Thursday afternoon. Tickets can be purchased through the company’s Facebook page, where full details of times and dates are also provided, as the company uses this platform to communicate directly with customers. For a more comfortable experience, first-class tickets are recommended.
Sustainable Travel and Conservation
At Kokomo, sustainability is not just about the present, but about ensuring a future where the environment, community, and resources are preserved for generations to come. The resort has built its foundation on the promise of giving back more than it takes, striving to meet the needs of today without compromising tomorrow. This commitment extends to every aspect of the resort, from using sustainable building materials to implementing waste management and on-island recycling programs. Kokomo is also dedicated to supporting local communities, many of which are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and over-tourism, through initiatives that provide supplies to villages and schools, as well as long-term employment opportunities.
Kokomo’s dedication to environmental protection includes significant efforts in marine conservation, particularly around the Great Astrolabe Reef. This biodiverse ecosystem is home to the endangered reef manta rays, which are threatened by the gill plate trade. Through the Kokomo Manta Conservation Project, the resort works alongside the Manta Project Fiji to raise awareness and protect the Fijian manta population. In addition, Kokomo is deeply invested in coral restoration and the protection of surrounding marine life, ensuring the reef continues to thrive for future generations. One of the key initiatives includes mangrove reforestation, which plays a crucial role in coastal protection and carbon sequestration.
Matava is a completely self-sufficient and sustainable eco-resort. Water is sourced from its own artesian springs (essentially Fiji water on tap), providing reliable and nutritious drinking water that also meets the needs of all its bures. Power, lighting, and hot water are generated by solar energy, with a standby generator available. The accommodation bures are equipped with low-voltage lighting and solar-powered ceiling fans. Matava primarily operates on solar power, allowing guests to enjoy the magic of starlit nights while minimizing light pollution. Each bure offers a simple, eco-friendly experience with solar lighting, ceiling fans, and stunning views.
The community surrounding Ono Island has always been strong, consisting of the five villages on Ono Island—Naqara, Nabuwalu, Vabea, Waisomo, and Narikoso—along with the nearby villages of Buliya and Dravuni. The strength of a Fijian community lies in the collective efforts of its members for the greater good, and Oneta Resort is dedicated to contributing to this spirit. In collaboration with the Oneta Foundation and in close consultation with village leadership, the resort works to make a positive impact in the larger Ono community. Recent initiatives have included donations of building materials, food assistance, the construction of a school library at Vabea, the provision of desks and chairs for Natusara School, fundraising efforts for a solar power system at Naqara Elementary School, and support for local fundraising, medical needs, transportation, and community events.
Papageno is deeply committed to preserving the natural environment, ensuring a healthy lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. To minimize its environmental impact, the resort uses a combination of solar power, micro-hydro, and a backup diesel generator for energy needs. Wastewater is treated through septic tanks and beds, while organic waste is composted on-site. Most of the food served is organic and locally sourced, supporting the surrounding community. In addition to sustainable practices at the resort, Papageno invests in conservation and community development projects that benefit nearby villages, schools, and natural preservation areas, with the goal of preserving the beauty and nature of Kadavu for future generations.
Island News & Tidbits
Additional Information
- An Oceanic Ribbon Reef is a type of coral reef that forms in deeper, open ocean waters, usually found far from shore. These reefs are typically long and narrow, stretching along the edge of a lagoon or open ocean. They are often associated with atolls or barrier reefs and are known for their steep drop-offs into deep water. The term “ribbon” refers to the shape of the reef, as it can appear like a narrow strip or ribbon when viewed from above or on a map. Oceanic ribbon reefs usually have a wide variety of marine life due to their complex structure and the presence of different habitats like coral gardens, deep-water pinnacles, and sandy areas. ↩︎
- Fiji’s National Biodiversity Strategy: The NBSAP is a national document that outlines national strategies and actions that will contribute to the halt of biodiversity loss. PDF. ↩︎
- Kadavu Transport: An additional boat transfer is usually required. For instance, to reach Matava Resort, guests first take a 5-minute truck ride, followed by a 45-minute boat trip that passes the breathtaking Great Astrolabe Reef. To reach Oneta Resort, a boat transfer from Kadavu takes approximately one hour ↩︎
Just a quick note—no footnotes to add this time!
This overview outlines what guests can generally expect from motels, hotels, and resorts displaying a Star Rating assigned by us. However, these features and amenities may not be available at condominiums, apartment-style facilities, bed-and-breakfasts, and other specialty properties. Items listed may not all be offered at every property in a specific rating classification. Some criteria may vary from country to country. Our hotel star rating classifications are not a representation or promise of any particular feature or amenity.
1 Star: These basic motels, hostels, and dormitories offer no-frills accommodations with minimal on-site facilities. Public access and guest reception may not operate 24 hours. Daily housekeeping service may not be offered. Guestrooms are small and functional, but may not have private bathrooms, TVs, or in-room telephones.
1.5 Star: Hostels and dormitories in this classification customarily offer additional amenities such as billiard games, Internet stations, and conversational seating areas. Basic motels may offer 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping service and private bathrooms.
2 Star: These budget properties offer clean accommodations. Most offer 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping service, TVs, telephones, clothes racks or small closets, and private bathrooms—possibly with showers only. On-site dining is usually limited to a Continental breakfast.
2.5 Star: This classification contains limited-service properties (often all-suite economy properties in North America) offering upgraded quality and expanded comfort, without the amenities of full-service hotels such as a restaurant or bell staff. An expanded Continental breakfast, including hot items, is often served in a breakfast room. In Asia, multiple on-site dining options may be offered, and at times in the Americas and Europe basic full-service properties will appear.
3 Star: Properties in this classification place a greater emphasis on comfort and service, with many offering an on-site restaurant and bar. Baggage assistance is often available. Guestrooms typically feature more space, comfortable seating, and better quality bedding. Bathrooms are often larger, with shower/tub combinations and expanded counter space.
3.5 Star: Many of these hotels feature multiple restaurants, uniformed bell staff, and enhanced lobbies with upscale decor and live plants. Most properties feature upgraded guestroom decor, large desks paired with comfortable workstation chairs, and TVs housed in armoires. Amenities may include larger bathrooms, incandescent lighting, and stone counters. Resorts, and some hotels in Asia, often feature attractive pool areas and small spa facilities or massage treatment rooms.
4 Star: Lobbies typically offer upscale decor and multiple conversational areas. Services often include a dedicated concierge, valet parking, turndown service by request, and 24-hour room service. Guestrooms usually feature superior amenities such as large beds, additional seating, minibars, laptop-compatible safes, pillowtop mattresses, bathrobes, and upscale bath products. Decorative features such as crown molding, bathroom artwork, and granite or marble accents may appear. Resorts, and some hotels in Asia, customarily feature full-service spas, tennis courts, golf access, child-care services, and upgraded pools with poolside food servers.
4.5 Star: Fresh flowers, original art, and luxurious furnishings often adorn the lobbies. Amenities customarily include fine-dining restaurants (occasionally award-winning), 24-hour room service with hot food items, and automatic turndown service. Personalized service aims to anticipate guest needs. Guestrooms typically feature premium hardwood furniture, luxurious bedding with triple sheeting, and large bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, and materials such as granite or marble.
5 Star: Amenities typically include gourmet dining, luxury spas, and full-service health clubs with lavish locker rooms. Staff members are generally polished, anticipate guest needs, and consistently address guests by name. Features may include upgraded check-in, a welcome amenity, and butler service on all or select floors. Guestroom decor is often elegant and may include coordinated fabrics on drapes, chairs, headboards, and duvets. Electronic features sometimes include bedside controls for drapes, lighting, and surround-sound. Oversized bathrooms are often clad in marble, with premium, custom-built features, dual-sink vanities, enclosed toilets, premium spa-brand toiletries, and fresh flowers or live plants. Five-star resorts typically offer signature golf courses, tennis centers with choice of playing surfaces, health clubs with personal trainers, luxurious spas, cultural activities, and children’s day camps. In Asia, both hotels and resorts often feature some of these amenities.