Walks and Hikes on the Suncoast of Fiji
Anyone who wants to do some serious hiking in Fiji should definitely take a look at the Suncoast. The northern coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, provides the best access to the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park and Fiji’s highest peak, Mt Tomanivi. Admittedly, there are very few walks for travellers to enjoy independently, aside from on the off-shore island of Nananu-i-Ra Island, as many of the trails are difficult to follow without a guide. Nevertheless, with local knowledge and often excursions to local villages included, you’ll soon see that hiking on the Suncoast is more than just a hike – it’s a cultural experience. Check out some of our top recommended hikes in this list of best walks on the Suncoast.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 10 Must-Dos on the Suncoast and The Best Day Trips from the Suncoast.
1. Nacagicagi Mountain Hike
Get epic views from atop the Nacagicagi Mountain with Wananavu Beach Resort. Their one-hour guided trek takes you through lush tropical rainforest on trails and across streambeds to a lookout. Along the way, you’ll learn about the local history, as well as plants, trees and ferns you’ll see along the way. Check out more resorts on the Suncoast offering activities here.
2. Nabalasere Waterfall Walk
Join the Volivoli Beach Resort for a guided walk to the Nabalasere Waterfall, deep in the interior of Viti Levu. The full-day tour includes a scenic drive to a pretty inland village of Nabalasere. From the village, you’ll do a 1km walk, usually taking around 15 minutes on a rough trail, until you reach Savulelele Waterfall. You’ll get ample time to relax by the waterfall, eat a packed lunch and swim in its refreshing waters. This activity is also one of the 10 Things to Do on the Suncoast with Kids.
3. Nananu-i-Ra Island Walks
An island paradise just off the Suncoast, Nananu-i-Ra is a hilly 3.5km2 (3.8ft2) island with white sand beaches, mangroves and budget accommodations. The island is good for trekking offering amazing views of the mainland and the Nakauvadra Ranges from its inland 4WD tracks that also make excellent walking trails. At low tide, it’s possible to walk around the entire perimeter of the island in about 4-5 hours. If you want to stay on the island, check out its accommodation listed in 8 Best Budget Accommodation on the Suncoast.
4. Waterfall Walk in Koroyanitu National Park
The Korotanitu National Heritage Park offers some of the most accessible hikes in Fiji to visit independently. Either hire a 4WD rental vehicle and make your way there via Tavakuva Road off Drasa Avenue in Lautoka, take a taxi or book a tour with Fiji Eco Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) including transportation to Abaca Village where all the walking trails start. At Abaca Village, one of the locals will find you where you’ll need to pay a small fee – around FJ$15 for a map and directions and FJ$25 for a guide. A popular walk to suit most fitness levels is the waterfall walk. This 1h30min-2 hours loop walk takes you to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole.
5. Mt Koroyanitu Walk
An alternative walk in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is up Mt Koroyanitu itself! This walk is accessed the same way as the waterfall hike mentioned above from Abaca Village. Mt Koroyanitu, otherwise known as Mt Evans, is Fiji’s fourth highest mountain at 1,195m (3,920ft) and provides an excellent mix of rainforest and mountainous landscapes. While it’s usually said to take 4 hours to complete, those with a higher fitness level could complete the walk within 2 hours. Guided tours to this hike are also available with Nadi Urban Adventures who may be able to pick passengers up from Lautoka on the way to the national park – find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor.
6. Mt Batliamu Hike
Another fantastic mountain hike in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, Mt Batliamu offers more of a challenge for hikers. You will need a local guide from Abaca Village to tackle this unmarked trail taking around 3-5 hours to complete, depending on which route your guide takes you. For a good portion of the trail, you will be in open grassland with very little shade (so take a sunhat/cap and sunglasses) before delving into lush tropical rainforest. The mountain stands 1,110m (3,649ft) high, where you’re likely to be taken to a brilliant viewpoint overlooking the outer islands of Fiji.
7. Mt Tomanivi Hike
If you have a “go big or go home mantra”, then be sure to tackle Fiji’s highest mountain, Mt Tomanivi. A guide for this hike is a must, which is available with Talanoa Treks, offering a full-day or overnight hikes with pick-ups from Suncoast hotels and resorts. After a 4WD excursion, you’ll get to the base of the mountain with a steep climb through the forest to the top with, hopefully, epic views if the weather is clear! The tour also includes lunch at a Fijian village, as well as afternoon tea.
8. Cross Highland Hike
Another hike with Talanoa Treks takes adventurous hikers on a 4-day, 3-night hike across Viti Levu’s remote interior. The tour includes expansive views over grasslands, remote village stays and visits, cultural experiences, lush rainforests, rivers and a local guide who has grown up in the area. See a side of Fiji far from the beaches and coral reefs!
9. Dolphin Island Walks
The Suncoast’s own luxury private island has a short network of walking trails to enjoy. Those staying at the Dolphin Island Resort will have access to a couple of walking trails across the small island, through coconut groves and past sandy beaches. See more resorts like this in the 5 Best Luxury Resorts on the Suncoast.
More About Walks on the Suncoast
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.