The Best Walking Trails in the Yasawa Islands
About 20 volcanic islands are strung across the Yasawa Islands, each offering an array of landscapes to explore. Rocky volcanic outcrops, golden grasslands, tropical jungle, rock pools and beaches await on the walking trails of the Yasawas.
For the traveller who wants to spend a couple of hours hiking on their Fiji getaway, the Yasawa Islands make an excellent destination. With each island in the Yasawas being quite small, there are often only one or two hikes to choose from at each resort.
Some trails require a guide, should you be visiting villages or following rough trails, while other trails are well-formed and easy to follow on your own.
Although almost all of the 10 Best Resorts in the Yasawa Islands have at least one walk, we’ll list some of our top recommendations in this list of the best walks in the Yasawa Islands.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 20 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands and The Best Day Trips from the Yasawa Islands.
Table of Contents
1. Kuata Island Walks
Barefoot Kuata Island Resort offers plenty of hiking options on this rugged private island at the entrance to the Yasawas. The iconic hike is the 45-minute return to the summit, which passes under towering cliffs and up to a grassy hilltop that looks stunning at sunrise. Let reception know before you head up.
If you don’t feel like sweating in the tropical heat, you can follow the flat walking trails and signage to The Cave, which is typically set up for the resort’s cultural demonstrations and tours. It’s definitely worth doing as part of said tour, FYI.
Short walking trails also connect the front and back beaches of the island, while another very short ascent by the swimming pools and main restaurant takes you to a stellar sunset lookout.
Location: Barefoot Kuata Island Resort – Kuata Island, the southern region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Islands Transport Guide to learn more about transfers to the island. Day trips are also available directly through Barefoot Kuata Resort and South Sea Cruises.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Waya Island (Waya Levu) Walks
Often described as one of the best islands for walks in the Yasawas, Waya Island has a number of tracks meandering through the hills and along the coast, offering several hilltop summits to capture outstanding vistas.
From the Octopus Resort, join one (or both) of the two guided hikes offered. One option is the cross-island hike to visit Waya Levu Village, while the other is a hike to one of the island’s highest peaks. Walks here feature vast grassy plains, stunning island views and rough terrain that requires sturdy walking shoes.
Alternatively, the adults-only Waya Island Resort offers guided hikes through the jungle, taking in stunning mountain views.
Location: Octopus & Waya Resort – West coast of Waya Island, the southern region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Islands Transport Guide to learn more about transfers to the island. Overnight stops at Octopus Resort are also part of the Coconut Cruiser Package with Awesome Adventures.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Nanuya Lailai Walks
Experience an unforgettable island adventure on Nanuya Lailai, accessible from Nanuya Island Resort, Boathouse Nanuya and Blue Lagoon Cruises. On select four– and seven-night itineraries, you’ll have the chance to embark on a scenic hike across the island, which will reward you with breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
Your journey begins with a leisurely 45-minute walk to the other side of the island, where you’ll discover the charming Lo’s Tea House. Here, you can indulge in a slice of delicious cake, island-style – the perfect treat after your invigorating trek!
After savouring your well-deserved refreshment, you have two options to return: 1. Take a relaxing stroll back to the Fiji Princess or your resort, or 2. Hop aboard a tender that will whisk you away from the beach in front of the Tea House, delivering you back to the ship in style.
Guests at Sunrise Lagoon Homestay can also access the walking trail in reverse.
Location: Nanuya Lailai Island, the central (Blue Lagoon) region of the Yasawa Islands. Accessible as part of Blue Lagoon Cruises’ four– and seven-night cruises.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Mt Tamasua
Soak in some sensational views from the top of Mt Tamasua on Yasawa Island. The hiking trail begins from the village of Nabukeru, taking you on a gentle climb to begin with. The track then has a few steep sections, but there are plenty of reasons to stop and take in the vistas from the exposed grassy hilltops.
The final stint is the hardest, but you’re rewarded with expansive views of Yasawa Island and the surrounding islands from the 232 m (763 ft) summit.
Location: Nabukeru, south coast of Yasawa Island, the northern region of the Yasawa Islands.
© Captain Cook Cruises6. Blue Lagoon Resort to Safe Landing Resort
Walk from resort to resort on Nacula Island by taking the beach trail between Blue Lagoon Resort and Safe Landing Resort.
The 45-minute to one-hour walk follows a well-formed trail through a mix of coastal forest, past various beaches and mudflats. The walk also passes by Nabua Lodge, where some trails lead to remnants of an old village, and a lookout point can be found at the Safe Landing Resort-end of the trail.
Location: Blue Lagoon Resort, Safe Landing & Nabua Lodge – Southwest coast of Nacula Island, the central (Blue Lagoon) region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Islands Transport Guide to learn more about transfers to the island. Overnight stops are also part of the Coconut Cruiser Package with Awesome Adventures.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Blue Lagoon Hilltop Walk
Another excellent option from the Blue Lagoon Resort is the hilltop walk, which is offered as a free guided hike once a week. Join a local guide on this one-hour return hike, starting out in the jungle before abruptly ascending steeply up a hill.
The forest eventually dies away, revealing an exposed hilltop awash in grasslands and black volcanic rock. From the top, enjoy commanding views of the resort, Nacula Island and the surrounding vibrant waters.
Location: Blue Lagoon Resort – Southwest coast of Nacula Island, the central (Blue Lagoon) region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Islands Transport Guide to learn more about transfers to the island. Overnight stops at Blue Lagoon Resort are also part of the Coconut Cruiser Package with Awesome Adventures.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Drawaqa Island Hike
From the Barefoot Manta Island Resort, you will have epic views of the peak of Drawaqa Island. While it’s possible to explore caves, jungles, rock pools and beaches on the island, one of the most popular walks is to the top of a peak.
The well-formed trail is easy enough to follow, taking you slowly uphill to exposed grasslands offering tremendous views of Drawaqa’s beaches and the surrounding islands. The walk takes approximately 1 hr 30 mins to complete the return journey.
Location: Barefoot Manta Resort – Northwest coast of Drawaqa Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Islands Transport Guide to learn more about transfers to the island. Overnight stops at Barefoot Manta are also part of the Coconut Cruiser Package and Tropical Tempter Package with Awesome Adventures.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Wayasewa (Waya Lailai) Island Mountain Hike
Wayasewa, also known as Waya Lailai Island, is easily recognisable from its rocky volcanic peak at the centre of the island.
There are a number of trails leading to the peak, accessible with guides if staying in one of the villages – see the 10 Best Budget Homestays in the Yasawa Islands – or from one of the resorts, such as Naqalia Lodge and Wayalailai Eco Haven.
After a steep climb through the jungle, you’ll reach a breathtaking viewpoint featuring views of Kuata Island, Waya Island and the many shades of blue of the surrounding ocean.
Location: Naqalia Lodge & Wayalailai Eco Haven – South coast of Wayasewa Island, the southern region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Islands Transport Guide to learn more about transfers to the island.
© FijiPocketGuide.com9. Navokavoka Trail
Just behind the adults-only Navutu Stars Resort on Yanggeta Island lies the Navokavoka Trail. The trail leads up a hilltop at the rear of the resort, rewarding those who climb it with full 360-degree views of the surrounding Yasawa Islands.
The resort can even pack you a picnic should you desire. See more resorts like Navutu in 10 Adult-Only Activities in the Yasawa Islands.
Location: Navutu Stars – North coast of Yanggeta Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.com10. Turtle Island Trails
The private island paradise of Turtle Island offers a vast array of walking trails across the 500 acres (200 ha) island.
Those staying at the luxury Turtle Island Resort can make the most of the trails, either with a guide or safely on their own, through varying landscapes from dense jungle to landscaped gardens to golden grasslands.
Learn more about Turtle Island in the 5 Best Luxury Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Location: Turtle Island, the central (Blue Lagoon) region of the Yasawa Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Walks in the Yasawa Islands
That’s it for our guide to walks in the Yasawa Islands. For more information about activities in the Yasawa Islands, check out the following articles:
- 10 Best Walks in Fiji
- 20 Best Resorts in the Yasawa Islands
- 20 Amazing Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
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