Destination Overview
A volcanic archipelago of about 20 small islands in a lagoon, the Mamanuca Group in Fiji is the perfect playground for those seeking sun-kissed beaches and fun. You can enjoy a whole range of water-based activities here, from paddle boating and windsurfing to snorkeling, diving, sailing, banana boating, kayaking, waterskiing, jet skiing, fishing, and parasailing. Located west of Nadi and the main island of Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Group boasts gorgeous white sand beaches and numerous resorts, making it ideal for a utopian vacation.
The Mamanuca (pronounced Mah-mah-noo-tha) islands lie to the west of Nadi and off the mainland of Viti Levu. These volcanic outcrops form a majestic arc, curving to the northwest and nudging the Yasawa chain. They were formed thousands of years ago and, through the passage of time and generational change, hold significant meaning in Fijian folklore. The archipelago is comprised of two distinct groups known as Mamanuca-i-ra and Mamanuca-i-cake. The famous movie Cast Away, released in 2000 and starring Tom Hanks, put these islands on the world stage, as it was filmed on Monu and Monuriki islands.
Group of Islands: Beachcomber. Eori. Kadavulailai (aka Bounty). Kadomo. Malamala. Malolo. Malolo Lailai. Mana. Matamanoa. Modriki. Monu. Monuriki. Namotu. Nautanivono. Navadra. Navini. Qalito. South Sea Island. Tavarua. Tavua. Tokoriki. Treasure. Vomo. Vomolailai. Wadigi. Yanuya
Getting Your Bearings
Whether you are on your honeymoon or vacationing with your family, the Mamanuca Islands offer a wide range of accommodations. From the budget party islands, catering to the young at heart who wish to dance into the early hours of the morning, to the family-oriented resorts designed for the little ones and the parents alike, leading to the five-star top-end adult-only luxurious venues when you want to completely escape with someone special.
| Month | Min Temp * | Max Temp ** | Water Temp | Precipitation | Rainy Days | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C (71.6°F) | 31°C (87.8°F) | 28°C (82.4°F) | 300mm (11.8in) | 17 | 214 |
| February | 23°C (73.4°F) | 31°C (87.8°F) | 28°C (82.4°F) | 303mm (11.9in) | 18 | 184 |
| March | 22°C (71.6°F) | 31°C (87.8°F) | 28°C (82.4°F) | 324mm (12.8in) | 19 | 190 |
| April | 21.0°C (69.8°F) | 30.0°C (86°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 173mm (6.8in) | 14 | 198 |
| May | 20.0°C (68°F) | 29.0°C (84.2°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 80mm (3.1in) | 9 | 212 |
| June | 19.0°C (66.2°F) | 29.0°C (84.2°F) | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 62mm (2.4in) | 5 | 206 |
| July | 18.0°C (64.4°F) | 28.0°C (82.4°F) | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 47mm (1.9in) | 4 | 218 |
| August | 18.0°C (64.4°F) | 28.0°C (82.4°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 59mm (2.3in) | 5 | 231 |
| September | 19.0°C (66.2°F) | 29.0°C (84.2°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 77mm (3.0in) | 7 | 215 |
| October | 20.0°C (68°F) | 30.0°C (86°F) | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | 103mm (4.1in) | 8 | 227 |
| November | 21.0°C (69.8°F) | 30.0°C (86°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 139mm (5.5in) | 11 | 222 |
| December | 22.0°C (71.6°F) | 31.0°C (87.8°F) | 27.0°C (80.6°F) | 159mm (6.3in) | 15 | 225 |
Accommodations and Restaurants
Activities & Attractions
Mamanuca Transport
The following tabs outline various transportation options for travelers heading to the Mamanuca Islands, ranging from boat transfers to seaplane and helicopter flights. Each option offers unique benefits, ensuring flexibility and comfort for a seamless travel experience to one of Fiji’s most picturesque destinations


Turtle Airways offers an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands. As the longest-serving and safest seaplane company in Fiji, they specialize in quick and scenic transfers from Nadi to resorts in the Mamanuca. In just 15-20 minutes, passengers are treated to breathtaking aerial views, showcasing the islands’ natural beauty. With frequent departures throughout the day, Turtle Airways minimizes layover times, ensuring guests can begin their island adventure as soon as they arrive.
| Map | Island | Resorts |
| 03 | Malolo Lailai Island | Lomani Island Resort, Plantation Island Resort, Musket Cove Island Resort |
| 04 | Malolo Island | Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Tropica Island Resort, Malolo Island Resort |
| 06 | Castaway Island | Castaway Island Resort |
| 09 | Mana Island | Mana Island Resort |
| 11 | Tokoriki Island | Tokoriki Island Resort |
| 14 | Vomo Island | Vomo Island Resort |


Island Hoppers departing from Nadi Airport, offers the quickest route to the stunning Mamanuca Islands. Passengers can enjoy the excitement of flying in a helicopter, soaring above the sparkling waters of the inner reef. The service also includes air-conditioned courtesy transport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey to and from the resort.
Destinations: Vomo, Tokoriki, Sheraton Tokoriki, Likuliku, Castaway, Matamanoa, Tadrai, Mana, Wadigi, Tropica, Six Senses, Funky Fish, Plantation, Lomani, Musket Cove, Namotu, Tavarua, Momi Bay, Treasure.


Pacific Island Air part of the GCH Aviation group, is Fiji’s premier provider of fast, efficient, and hassle-free transfers. Specializing in helicopter travel, the family-owned business has over 40 years of aviation experience and offers an exceptional way to reach your resort in comfort and style, bypassing the lengthy sea transfer options that can consume much of your day. Pacific Island Air ensures a seamless and scenic journey, letting you start your holiday the moment you take off. PERMANENTLY CLOSED


Island Hoppers departs from Nadi Airport – A direct flight to Plantation, Musket Cove, Lomani, Mana. These flights are equipped with a large cargo pod for surfboards, fishing rods, and dive gear. The modern aircraft feature air conditioning, large windows for optimal visibility, and an international baggage allowance, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.


South Sea Cruises provides quick and seamless transfers to the Mamanuca Islands from Port Denarau, with complimentary pre-booked coach transfers available from most Nadi, Wailoaloa, and Denarau hotels. Their fleet of modern catamarans boasts air-conditioned lounges, outdoor viewing decks, and licensed bars, ensuring a relaxing start to the holiday. Departing daily, with multiple services to some islands and resorts, the cruises offer flexible travel options, including those from Awesome Adventures, which allows you to explore the Mamanuca Islands at your own pace.


SeaFiji, with 16 years of experience, offers fast and reliable boat transfer services from Naisoso Island to the stunning Yasawa Islands. Renowned for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, SeaFiji ensures a smooth and efficient journey, guided by experienced captains aboard comfortable vessels. Passengers can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views, knowing they are in good hands. Whether traveling for leisure or adventure, SeaFiji provides a hassle-free, affordable, and memorable way to reach some of Fiji’s most spectacular destinations.


Malolo Cat – Malolo Cat operates four scheduled ferry transfers daily between Malolo Lai Lai and Port Denarau, serving Plantation Island, Musket Cove, and Lomani Island Resort. The ferries always run on time, with the trip taking just 50 minutes. Ticket prices include shuttle bus transfers between Nadi Airport or mainland hotels and Port Denarau.


Funky Fish Beach Resort Vessels – Funky Fish Beach and Surf Resort offers both scheduled and off-schedule high-speed boat transfers, providing a fast and affordable service from the mainland. Guests traveling from Vuda, Port Denarau, or Nadi Airport will be welcomed with shell leis and escorted to the ferry transfer service by resort staff. The fleet includes vessels that meet MSAF safety and crew licensing standards.
Event Venues
At Lomani Island Resort, preserving the Fijian way of life and protecting the environment are central to its mission. The resort has implemented several initiatives to support sustainability, with more in the pipeline. As part of its commitment to a greener Fiji, the resort promotes a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy. Water conservation is a key focus due to the challenges of water scarcity on Malolo Lailai Island. Guests are encouraged to conserve water by turning off taps while brushing teeth, limiting pool towel changes, and only requesting room towel changes when necessary. The resort also asks guests to take inflatable beach or pool toys home to prevent environmental harm, as plastic waste poses a significant threat to Fiji’s natural beauty.


Coral Gardening – The coral reefs around Malolo Lai Lai Island face significant threats from pollution, invasive species, and the climate crisis. The coral gardening project, in partnership with Corals for Conservation, seeks to address this issue by involving guests in the restoration and protection of the surrounding reefs. Coral nurseries are placed throughout the reefs of Malolo Lai Lai Bay, where they grow in their natural environment before being transplanted back onto the reefs.


Trap Neuter Release (TNR) Program – Every 6 to 12 months, Lomani Island Resort collaborates with local charity Animals Fiji, along with Plantation Island Resort and Musket Cove Island Resort, to carry out a Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program aimed at controlling the stray cat population on Malolo Lailai Island. The program involves de-sexing all resident cats, ensuring they are fed twice daily to keep them healthy and content, while also helping to manage the rodent population at the Resort.


Say No to Plastic – Lomani Island Resort is committed to minimizing plastic waste by banning plastic shopping bags. Upon check-in, guests receive a complimentary reusable canvas bag for shopping, wet beach towels, and more. The resort has also stopped offering plastic straws, replacing them with paper straws upon request, which are easier to recycle. Additionally, all plastic bottles used and collected on the grounds are recycled, and guests are encouraged to dispose of bottles in the provided recycling bins to ensure proper processing.
Nakelo Treasure Island Resort is committed to providing an exceptional Fijian holiday experience while prioritizing environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. The resort follows a company-wide Environment and Sustainability Policy that guides its practices to minimize environmental impact and protect natural and cultural resources. As a Sustainable Tourism Champion, the resort collaborates with the South Pacific Tourism Organization on a pilot project to develop industry benchmarking criteria, focusing on marine conservation, energy and water reduction, waste management, and community support.


Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Nakelo Treasure Island Resort has been dedicated to the conservation of Hawksbill Turtles for over forty years, making it one of the pioneering resorts in the Mamanuca Islands to establish a full-time Environmental Officer and team for this purpose. The resort’s Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Programme has successfully released hundreds of turtles annually, with the initiative now adopted by other local resorts. The nesting season for Hawksbill Turtles in Fiji runs from October to June, during which the resort conducts regular patrols to identify and monitor nests. The hatchlings are cared for in dedicated turtle ponds until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.
The resort’s conservation approach, known as the Hatchling Headstart Programme, involves the careful nurturing of turtles under the necessary permits from the Department of Fisheries. The goal is to ensure the turtles develop natural behaviors before release. Best practices are followed, with expert consultations and the submission of data to regional and national databases for better conservation strategies. When possible, turtles are tagged and released close to the water’s edge, allowing them to imprint on the location for future nesting.


Coral Planting Programme In December 2015, Nakelo Treasure Island Resort reinstated its coral planting programme as part of a long-term strategy to enhance reef resilience against natural events like cyclones and coral bleaching. The programme focused on transplanting young corals onto artificial reef points around the island. Once the planted corals reached the appropriate size, the first artificial reef structures were to be implemented. Coral fragments were harvested using global best practices to minimize the impact on donor colonies and increase survival rates. The resort encouraged guests to participate in planting sessions, providing a hands-on opportunity to contribute to reef regeneration.
The resort’s commitment to reef restoration extended to continuously improving coral gardening methods and actively monitoring the coral nursery to maximize survival rates. In addition, Nakelo Treasure Island Resort hosted a workshop with stakeholders from the tourism, private, and government sectors to share ideas for boosting the success of coral gardening projects. This initiative, which focused on fast-growing and bleaching-resistant species like Acropora and Pocillopora, aimed to gradually increase the number of transplanted corals, helping to regenerate habitat and attract more marine life. The resort’s efforts contributed to global conservation strategies, with the goal of protecting and enhancing its marine reserve for future generations.


Traditional Medicinal Plants The Fijian people have long relied on traditional natural medicine, with medicinal plants often being the first choice for treatment before turning to modern medicine. This practice is deeply rooted in Fijian culture, and its conservation is vital for preserving traditional ways of life. At Nakelo Treasure Island Resort, various medicinal plants and herbs are grown, many of which are used by the resort’s staff. The resort also offers regular Herbal Medicine Talks to share this traditional knowledge with visitors, allowing them to learn about the ancient practices that have been passed down through generations and continue to contribute to Fiji’s rich cultural heritage.


Fijian Crested Iguanas The Fijian Crested Iguana, native to Fiji and closely related to the Banded Iguana, is critically endangered due to factors like predation, habitat destruction, and illegal trade. Numbers are rapidly declining, with more iguanas now held in captivity than remaining in the wild. Nakelo Treasure Island Resort is home to a wild breeding population of these rare iguanas, providing a predator-free environment and suitable native habitat for their protection. The resort’s conservation program includes a photo database to track individual iguanas and prevent genetic issues, with the long-term goal of reintroducing them to the wild.


Treasure Island Nature Reserve Nakelo Treasure Island Resort is proud of the diverse wildlife found on the island, and its conservation program is dedicated to minimizing the impact on native animal species and their habitats. Native Fijian species, such as the Buff-Banded Rails and Fijian Red Shining Parrot, have been introduced to the island to provide a safe haven, as these species face threats like farming, habitat loss, and introduced predators. Since their introduction 15 years ago, these endangered species have thrived on the island, demonstrating the success of the resort’s long-term conservation efforts.
Six Senses Fiji is committed to sustainable practices, including energy and water conservation, waste management, and eliminating plastic. The resort uses one of the largest off-grid solar installations in the Southern Hemisphere, powered by Tesla batteries, to supply energy to the resort and desalination plant. It also produces clean drinking water, grows organic produce, and maintains Cluckingham Palace with over 100 chickens that provide fresh eggs. Protected beehives nearby produce honey and honeycomb. Guests can participate in activities at the Earth Lab, creating jewelry, oils, soaps, and beeswax from upcycled materials. The resort also supports the local community through infrastructure restoration, clean water access, education, and tree-planting projects, while working to protect the endangered Fijian crested iguana and restore coral reefs in the region.


Six Senses Fiji is home to critically endangered Fijian Crested Iguanas, with their population growing from 17 to 40 since the resort’s opening in April 2018. The resort is dedicated to protecting these unique creatures and expanding their habitat in the “Green Belt” forest. Guests may spot these elusive iguanas while strolling the boardwalk or join the Iguana Spotting experience to learn more about these reptiles and the conservation efforts to protect and expand their habitat.


Six Senses Fiji prioritizes hiring locals and offers apprenticeships and development programs to nurture homegrown talent. The resort actively supports cottage industries, boosting the local economy. In partnership with the NGO “Rise Beyond the Reef,” which empowers women in remote communities, traditional crafts are created and displayed in villas and restaurants, as well as in the resort’s boutiques. Sales of these goods directly benefit the communities, helping women combat poverty and achieve financial independence.


Mission Blue Hope Spot Certification – Tavarua Island Resort is proud to be an official Mission Blue Hope Spot, a prestigious title recognizing the resort’s commitment to protecting and rehabilitating Fiji’s unique ecosystems. Mission Blue, founded by legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, works globally to support marine protected areas and raise awareness for ocean conservation. Tavarua’s dedication to the health of the oceans aligns with Dr. Earle’s vision, with Tavarua offering hope for local marine wildlife and the broader Fijian islands.


STOKE Certified Sustainability – As one of the first resorts to achieve STOKE Certified status, Tavarua Island Resort has implemented a comprehensive Sustainability Management System. The resort’s sustainability efforts include an advanced water treatment and rain catchment system, as well as energy-efficient policies. Additionally, Tavarua ensures all solid waste is avoided, reused, recycled, and safely disposed of at properly managed landfills, reflecting the resort’s strong local commitment to environmental stewardship.


Solar Power System – Tavarua Island Resort has embraced clean energy with the installation of 483 high-efficiency solar panels and Tesla Power Packs, capable of storing 1.4 megawatt hours of energy. This state-of-the-art system generates power from the sun and provides reliable energy during the night or in low-light conditions. The resort continues to use backup generators during adverse weather but is otherwise fully committed to a clean, sustainable energy system for the island.


Stories from the Past
Fijian mythology traces the history of Fiji and its islands back to around 1500 BC, when a grand voyage was led by warrior Chief Lutunasobasoba and his General Degei. They sailed on the colossal double-hulled canoe named “Kaunitoni,” part of an armada originating from Taganika, north of Egypt. The fleet carried precious cargo from the Temple of King Solomon in Judah, including a magical box called the Katonimana, meaning “Box of Blessings” in Fijian. The armada, which included families, warriors, and skilled Lapita potters, navigated treacherous reefs around Vita Levu, eventually finding a passage into Fiji’s waters through the Momi Passage.
As the fleet approached the islands of Matamanoa, Mana, and Likuliku, inclement weather caused the “Box of Blessings” to slip from the canoe. Chief Lutunasobasoba, interpreting this as a divine sign, decided to abandon the box and named the islands to mark the event: Mata-manoa (“eye of the strong wind”), Mana (“magic”), and Likuliku (“calm waters”). The convoy continued to Vuda Point on Viti Levu, where Lutunasobasoba decreed that the box should remain in the Mamanuca seas, warning that anyone who attempted to retrieve it would be cursed. Despite the warning, Degei returned to retrieve the box but only found a large diamond, which led to his transformation into a snake marked by the diamond on his head. He was condemned to crawl on his stomach and remain trapped in an ocean cave in Sawa-i-lau. Fijian legend holds that the box is still buried between Likuliku and Mana, guarded by giant clams. It is believed to have brought great blessings to the local villages and visitors to the islands, adding a sense of mystique and enchantment to the waters around Likuliku.
Island News & Tidbits
Additional Information
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.
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- Likuliku Lagoon Resort, ‘Island Transfers’, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, 2025, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
- Lomani Island Resort, ‘Getting Here’, Lomani Island Resort, 2023, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
- Malolo Island Resort, ‘Island Transfers’, Malolo Island Resort, 2024, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
- Musket Cove Fiji, ‘Facilities & Transfers FAQ’, Musket Cove Fiji, 2025, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
- Mana Fiji, ‘Location and Transfers’, Mana Fiji, 2024, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
- Nakelo Treasure, ‘Transfers’, Nakelo Treasure, 2024, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
- Tropica Island Resort, ‘Getting Here’, Tropica Island Resort, 2023, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
- Plantation Island Resort, ‘Fiji Tours & Transfers’, Plantation Island Resort, 2025, Link [accessed 30 March 2025].
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