Destination Overview
The Lau Islands, located in the South Pacific between 16°43′ and 21°2′ S latitude and 178°15′ and 180°17′ W longitude, form an archipelago of about 100 small islands and reefs, 30 of which are inhabited. Spread over 400 km, these islands are mostly volcanic or composed of pure limestone. Situated at the cultural crossroads between Melanesian Fiji and Polynesian Tonga, Lau has developed a distinctive cultural identity influenced by both traditions. During the British colonial period, from 1874 to 1970, Lau was one of Fiji’s 18 provinces, divided into three major divisions: Northern and Southern Lau, the Exploring Isles, and the Moala group.
The proximity of Lau to Tonga has had a significant impact on its culture, with many Lauans adopting Tongan values. Traditional life is prominent, and the people are especially known for their woodcarving and masi craft skills, which are highly regarded throughout Fiji. These crafts, alongside the influence of Polynesian culture, have shaped Lauan society into a unique blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Western Polynesian traditions.
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.”
Getting Your Bearings
The people of Lau speak a dialect of Fijian, which blends influences from ancient Lauan speech, the Mbau dialect, and Tongan. Lauan culture is a fusion of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Western Polynesian traditions. The earliest inhabitants, known as the “land people,” relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering before the introduction of horticulture. They were later joined by the “Nakauvandra people,” who introduced a complex social hierarchy and a focus on chieftainship. Tongan influence peaked in the mid-19th century, further strengthening these social structures and ceremonial practices. Modern Lauans maintain a subsistence economy based on agriculture, fishing, and livestock, with a strong cultural emphasis on the role of the chief and ancestor worship. Their social organization is characterized by a stratified system, where kinship, politics, and status are closely intertwined, with a strong sense of community within each village and family unit.
The Lau Basin, located at the Australian-Pacific plate boundary, is a back-arc basin1 formed by the subduction zone2 of the Pacific plate under the Australian plate. It is framed by the Tonga-Kermadec Ridge to the east, a frontal arc, and the Lau-Colville Ridge to the west, a remnant arc. The basin itself is relatively young, with much of it being less than five million years old. It formed as a result of extensional rifting and seafloor spreading that separated a previously continuous island arc. The rifting began in the Pliocene3 when the Pacific plate started to drift away from the Australian plate, eventually leading to the formation of the Lau Basin. The basin’s northern section reaches its widest point, measuring about 500 km, with a triangular shape to the south resulting from asymmetric rifting and the southward propagation of extensional centers. While most of the northern Lau Group are high islands of volcanic origin, those of the south are mostly carbonate low islands.
- Northern Lau Islands: Cicia, Kaibu, Kanacea, Mago, Malima, Munia Island, Namalata, Naitaba, Nayau, Tuvuca, Vanua Balavu, Vatu Vara, Wailagi Lala, Yacata).
- Southern Lau Islands: Aiwa, Fulaga, Kabara, Komo, Lakeba, Moce, Moka, Namuka-i-lau, Ogea Driki, Ogea Levu, Olorua, Oneata, Vanua Vatu, Vuaqava, Yagasa Levu).
- The Moala Group: Sits midway between the Southern Lau Group and the Kadavu Group. Located southeast of the Lomaiviti Group, the Moala Group consists of three islands, Moala, Totoya, and Matuku, all of which are administered by the Eastern Division. Having a total land area of just 119 sq km, these islands are more or less inaccessible to visitors, and you need to be invited by a villager to come here.
| Months | Min Temp * | Max Temp ** | Water Temp | Precipitation | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0°C (75.2°F) | 24.0°C (75.2°F) | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 165mm (6.5in) | 14 |
| February | 25.0°C (77°F) | 30.0°C (86°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 184mm (7.2in) | 15 |
| March | 24.0°C (75.2°F) | 29.0°C (84.2°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 253mm (10.0in) | 17 |
| April | 23.0°C (73.4°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 144mm (5.7in) | 13 |
| May | 22.0°C (71.6°F) | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 114mm (4.5in) | 11 |
| June | 21.0°C (69.8°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 24.0°C (75.2°F) | 81mm (3.2in) | 11 |
| July | 20.0°C (68°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 23.0°C (73.4°F) | 71mm (2.8in) | 11 |
| August | 20.0°C (68°F) | 24.0°C (75.2°F) | 23.0°C (73.4°F) | 85mm (3.3in) | 10 |
| September | 20.0°C (68°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 24.0°C (75.2°F) | 89mm (3.5in) | 10 |
| October | 21.0°C (69.8°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 24.0°C (75.2°F) | 88mm (3.5in) | 9 |
| November | 22.0°C (71.6°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 113mm (4.4in) | 11 |
| December | 23.0°C (73.4°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 139mm (5.5in) | 13 |
Accommodations
The islands of Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, and Kaibu offer accommodation, with Kaibu hosting one of Fiji’s most exclusive resorts (Vatuvara Private Island Resort). For those seeking a more authentic experience, accommodation on other islands tends to be basic and homestyle. Various homestays can be found across the Lau Islands, especially on islands (or nearby islets) with an airstrip.
For an immersive Fijian experience, consider a homestay. Vanua Balavu, the third-largest island in the Lau group, features options like Moana’s Guesthouse, where you can live alongside locals while exploring the island. It’s easily accessible via a weekly flight from Suva. Homestays typically include meals, and hosts often offer guided tours of the island. Be sure to budget for these additional services.
The Lau Provincial Council Office maintains an online presence via their Facebook group here. Their physical address is Rodwell Road, Suva, Fiji, and they can be reached by phone at +679 331 6801.
Transport – Getting Around the Lau Group
Several domestic flights operate from Nadi and Suva International Airports, with flights taking around an hour and a half to reach the outer islands of the Lau Group, where you’ll pass over stunning reefs and oceanic landscapes. A cargo ship occasionally departs from Fiji’s ports, mainly from Suva and Lautoka, but this service is infrequent, with a timetable that varies, and is mostly used by locals. This leaves primarily the three domestic flights as the most practical and reliable service to explore these pearls of the ocean.
7 Night Ultimate Lau and Kadavu Cruise: The MS Caledonian Sky, a luxury expedition small ship, has expanded the pioneering expeditions Captain Cook Cruises began in the late 1990s. It will explore the most remote and beautiful parts of Fiji and Tonga, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience these regions in an elevated luxury setting. The ship’s final expedition will mark the conclusion of groundbreaking luxury cruises in places rarely seen by travelers.
Embark on an unforgettable expedition cruise through Fiji’s hidden treasures in the Lau Group and Kadavu. Travelers will explore secluded islands, dive into coral gardens, and experience traditional Fijian ceremonies. Highlights include Makogai, Qilaqila, Fulaga, and the Yagasa Islands with their crystal-clear lagoons, as well as sacred sites on Vuaqava and Kabara. Totoya Island offers reefs and local schools, while Kadavu showcases traditional pottery-making. The journey concludes in Lautoka with a Pacific Island Night Finale, blending natural beauty, cultural encounters, and warm Fijian hospitality.
Fiji Link: Fiji Airways inter-island fixed-wing aircraft provides a direct flight from Suva and Nadi International Airport to Cicia, Lakeba and Vanua balavu in the Lau Group. 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. Flights can be checked and booked through the Fiji Airways website.
Northern Air: Northern Air – Fiji offers affordable, reliable flights to Moala Island in the Lau Group. With a fleet of seven aircraft, the airline ensures a comfortable, welcoming experience, embodying the true Fijian spirit. Northern Air also provides charter services and is a key medivac provider in Fiji.
Vatuvara Private Island Aircraft: Guests travel to and from the island aboard the resort’s private Twin Otter aircraft, originating in Suva or Nadi, Fiji’s International Airport. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Quixotic Charters: A premier yacht charters in Fiji, providing customers with a unique and luxurious sailing experience in the heart of the Pacific. Guests can explore secluded white-sand beaches, vibrant marine life, and pristine reef systems, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of Fiji’s locals. With QUIXOTIC, clients can embark on a private sailing adventure that blends excitement and relaxation. Activities such as kayaking, fishing, or simply unwinding aboard a luxurious yacht are all part of the experience.
If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Fiji, taking a cargo ship around the Lau Islands is one way to do it—though it’s not for the faint-hearted or those short on time. This route isn’t the usual path most tourists take, especially since some journeys can stretch up to a week! Typically, it’s locals and long-term expats who take this route, seeking a more rustic adventure. Don’t expect a luxury cruise like Captain Cook Cruises—there are no five-star accommodations or organized activities to elevate your experience. Instead, the primary goal of these routes is to deliver goods and services to remote villages, so the cargo always comes first. Onboard, you’ll find basic, and I mean basic, facilities that are largely dependent on your fellow passengers to keep clean.
The ships typically dock at each port for around half a day before setting off to the next destination. And forget about fresh mints on your pillow! You’ll need to bring your own sleeping gear, toiletries, and snacks—cargo ships don’t provide these amenities. In fact, I highly recommend packing a bag of your favorite snacks to keep you fueled throughout the journey. Goundar Shipping is the main company servicing these routes, and you can find their office in Suva or check their Facebook page for updated schedules. It’s an unforgettable adventure if you’re up for it, but definitely not your typical Fiji vacation!
| Route | Servicing |
|---|---|
| Northern Lau 1 | Vanua Balavu – Cicia |
| Northern Lau 2 | Lakeba – Nayau – Tuvuca – Cikobia and Yacata |
| Uppers Southern Lau | Lakeba – Oneata – Moce – Komo – Namuka I Lau and Vanua Vatu |
| Lower Southern Lau | Kabara – Fulaga – Ogea – Vatoa – Ono I Lau |
| Yasayasa Moala | Moala – Matuku and Totoya |
Sustainable Travel and Conservation
Vatuvara Foundation: Is dedicated to protecting Fiji’s Northern Lau Group through sustainable marine resource management, community empowerment, and biodiversity conservation. The foundation combines traditional knowledge with innovative science to prioritize ocean protection and build resilience to climate change. Their initiatives focus on enhancing marine conservation practices, supporting food security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local island communities.
In addition to conservation efforts, Vatuvara Foundation emphasizes education and awareness, particularly among youth. By offering hands-on experiences in marine activities and promoting ocean stewardship, they inspire the next generation to become proactive in protecting the ocean. The foundation also collaborates with local communities to ensure that traditional knowledge and customs are respected, creating a lasting impact on both the environment and the people of the Northern Lau.
Lau Seascape Initiative: Indigenous communities, making up just 1% of Fiji’s population, are working to protect over a quarter of the country’s ocean area: The Lau Islands are known for their rich marine life and coral reefs, which support the livelihoods of the Indigenous people who have lived there for centuries. As environmental changes impact the region, traditional leaders, with support from the Fijian government and Conservation International, launched a sustainable conservation plan in 2019. This initiative aims to safeguard the marine environment while fostering responsible tourism and development.
Island News & Tidbits
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Additional Information
- Back-arc Basin: A geological area located behind a volcanic island arc, formed by the stretching and thinning of the Earth’s crust due to tectonic plate movements, often associated with subduction zones. ↩︎
- Subduction Zone: A region where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the formation of deep ocean trenches. Volcanic Island Arc: Is a chain of islands formed by volcanic activity at a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. The melting of the subducted plate creates magma that rises to form volcanoes, resulting in a series of islands. ↩︎
- Pliocene: A geological epoch that occurred from about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago, characterized by significant climate changes, the formation of ice sheets, and the evolution of early human ancestors. ↩︎
Just a quick note—no footnotes to add this time!
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.
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.
- Pacific Island Travel, ‘Lau Group’, available at: Link [accessed 1 February 2025].
- Lucy UKC, ‘Hmar Culture’, available at: Link [accessed 1 February 2025].
- Conservation International, ‘The Lau Seascape’, available at: Link [accessed 1 February 2025].
- Vatuvara Private Islands, ‘Home’, available at: Link [accessed 1 February 2025].
- Vatuvara Private Islands, ‘Facebook’, available at: Link [accessed 1 February 2025].
- Vatuvara Private Islands, ‘Instagram’, available at: Link [accessed 1 February 2025].
- Wikipedia, ‘Lau Basin’, available at: Link [last modified 10 January 2025] [accessed 1 February 2025].