Walks and Hikes on Kadavu
Kadavu surely is a hiker’s paradise. With fewer than 30 vehicles on the island’s very limited roads, the way most locals get around is by boat or by hiking. Along Kadavu’s coast and throughout the lush rainforest interior is a network of trails that villagers have been using to get between villages for centuries. Trails are often rough, only maintained by the occasional whack of a cane knife, but they certainly provide a real tropical adventure. Check out some of the guided and self-guided walks in Kadavu in the list below!
Note that insect repellent is a must in the jungle! The best time of day for hiking is as early as possible before the peak heat of the day arrives. Learn about more things to do in Kadavu in 10 Best Things to Do on Kadavu.
Table of Contents
1. Namuana Village Waterfall Walk
The village of Namuana can be found near Vunisea on Kadavu Island. On the edge of the pretty Namalata Bay, villagers of Namuana are known to perform an occasional turtle-calling ceremony. But if you don’t manage to see a turtle calling ceremony, then at least you can walk a 20-minute trail to the top of a hill behind the village offering amazing vistas before continuing to Waikana Falls for a refreshing dip. Ask the villagers for directions, and don’t forget to offer a “sevusevu” – get more information from Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village.
Location: Behind Namuana Village, Vunisea – ask locals to direct you.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Papageno Resort to One Mile Beach
One of the longest and most popular trails for hikers to do independently is the 10 km (6 mi) trail between Papageno Resort and the old Matana Beach Resort. From Papageno Resort, follow the northern coastline trail to Naivakarauniniu Village. The final part of the trail brings you to the stunning cove of One Mile Beach. Ask to arrange guides from Papageno Resort so you don’t get lost. See more activities like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Kadavu.
Location: Papageno Resort, Naivakarauniniu.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Kavala Bay Waterfall Trail
A must-see waterfall on Kadavu, the Kavala Bay Waterfall Trail is a 45-minute moderate climb to a high waterfall with a natural swimming hole at its base. The Kavala Bay Waterfall Trail is best accessed when the tide is transitioning to high tide, so boats can get through a mangrove forest to the village where the trail begins. Kadavu resorts that offer transport to this hike include Tiliva Resort, Kokomo Island and Oneta Resort.
Location: Start from Tiliva Resort, Kokomo Island or Oneta Resort.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Naikorokoro Cascades Trail
Situated near the Papageno Resort, the Naikorokoro Cascades Trail is a one-hour hike from Naikorokoro Village. The best way to get there is by boat from Papageno, where resort guides will take you through the verdant forest alive with endemic wildlife. You’ll arrive at two sets of waterfalls, where you can climb to one of the jumping spots, either from 5 m (15 ft) at the first waterfall or 10 m (30 ft) from the second.
Location: Papageno Resort, Naivakarauniniu.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Vatalutu Trails
Vatalutu Island is a walking haven! Resorts, such as Matava Eco Adventure Resort, Tiliva Resort and Oneta Resort offer transport to the island at half or high tide for you to enjoy with a guide or independently. There is a network of trails on this island, boasting stunning viewpoints, unusual rock formations and tropical forest. Hikes here include a 2-3-hour hike on a well-maintained trail winding its way from the bayside of the island to an epic viewpoint then down to a beach nearest to the Great Astrolabe Reef. Alternatively, there’s a day-long hike that circles the island, stopping at various beaches where you can swim/snorkel. See more island excursions like this in The Best Day Trips on Kadavu.
Location: Vatalutu Island, accessible with Matava Eco Adventure Resort, Tiliva Resort and Oneta Resort.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Kadavu Trail
For an epic mission on Kadavu, walk from one end of the island to the other on the Kadavu Trail. This 110 km (70 mil) trail goes from village to village, where overnight stops will need to be arranged at local villages, as well as resorts. There is no accurate map for the trail so hikers will need a guide, as well as a tour company, like Tamarillo Active Travel, to make all of the village arrangements.
Location: Arrange with Tamarillo Active Travel who can arrange pick-ups from Oneta, Matava and Papageno Resorts.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Malawai Waterfall Hike
A walk you can do independently from the Papageno Resort, the Malawai Waterfall Hike takes you to a small but picturesque waterfall. Resort staff at reception will point the way, where the rest of the 3.5 km (2 mi) track is easy to navigate following the black arrow markers. At the end of the trail, enjoy the waterfall view and dip your feet into the refreshing pool. Guides are also available at the resort to explain some of the flora and fauna seen along the way.
Location: Papageno Resort, Naivakarauniniu.
© Papageno Resort8. Teitei Walk
At the Matava Eco Adventure Resort, join one of your resort hosts for a guided walk through the gorgeous Kadavu landscapes, starting from the resort’s teitei or garden. Trips can be curated to how long you’d like to hike, from birdwatching in the jungle close to the resort, a 45-minute hike to a waterfall, or even a 3-hour trip to a local village. The trail has endured some damage recently, so enquire about hiking before you book should your heart be set on the adventure.
Location: Matava Eco Adventure Resort.
© FijiPocketGuide.com9. Tamarillo Day Hikes
Get ready for an adventure that combines the best of land and sea with Tamarillo Active Travel! These folks don’t just stick to the water; they’ve got some cracking hiking experiences up their sleeve too. It’s the perfect way to see Fiji from all angles. If the sea’s playing up and kayaking’s off the cards, don’t worry! The tour can easily switch gears to a village walk, so you’ll still have an awesome day out. Just remember to pack your reef shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. A Tamarillo day hike offers breathtaking views of Fiji’s lush landscapes, cultural insights with village visits, and a chance to stretch your legs when the sea won’t cooperate.
Location: Arrange with Tamarillo Active Travel who can arrange pick-ups from Oneta, Matava and Papageno Resorts.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Walks on Kadavu
That’s it for our guide to walks in Kadavu, for more information about hiking and outdoor activities in Fiji, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Kadavu and 10 Best Places to Stay on Kadavu.
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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