Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu© FijiPocketGuide.com
Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu

Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 23 October, 2024

What Services Are Available in Kadavu?

One of the most underdeveloped yet populated islands in Fiji does have its charms. However, that comes with some limited downfalls, especially concerning information, shops and services in Kadavu. You won’t find car rentals, in fact, getting between villages mainly relies on boat travel. The main village on the island is Vunisea where you’ll find a handful of shops, the school, the hospital and the post office. Find out more about the services and shops in Kadavu in the guide below.

And for more tips for planning a trip to this remote island in Fiji, check out The Complete Travel Guide to Kadavu.

Table of Contents

Useful Services for Tourists

  • Public transport – See our Kadavu Transport Guide
  • Car rental – There are no car rental companies on Kadavu
  • Accommodation – See the 10 Best Places to Stay on Kadavu
  • Things to do – See the 20 Best Things to Do in Kadavu
  • Police Station – Off the road between Vunisea waterfront and Mbiana Wharf
  • Visitor information centres – There are no visitor information centres in Kadavu (or Fiji for that matter). This sort of service is available via resort concierge services
  • Kadavu Airport – Vunisea waterfront, see Airports in Fiji.

Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu© FijiPocketGuide.com

Food and Groceries

Kadavu has a number of convenience stores selling a range of tinned goods and staple foods (basically, anything that is easy to keep), as well as seasonal produce from the local plantations. Due to late shipments to the island, there’s not always the variety of foods you might expect, so it’s best to approach grocery shopping with an open mind. Most shops can be found in the largest village on the island, Vunisea.

Supermarkets in Vunisea

While stall vendors come and go from Vunisea and Kadavu, some notable supermarkets include (but are not limited to):

  • Kem’s Wholesalers & Retailers, Vunisea Waterfront (between Nonnie’s B&B and the Airport)
  • Advanced Shop, Biana, Vunisea
  • Uro Shop, Vunisea Waterfront (Between Nonnie’s and Biana Bayview B&B)
  • Vunisea Post Office, Vunisea (Inland near the Police Station and Hospital)

It’s best to pay with cash at Kadavu supermarkets, although some accept Vodafone’s M-PAiSA payments and the Post Office accepts card payments. Note that electronic payment systems can shut down, so be prepared with cash.

Learn more about buying groceries in The Guide to Food Shopping & Supermarkets in Fiji.

Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu© FijiPocketGuide.com

Dining in Vunisea

Most visitors to Kadavu dine with their chosen accommodation, so be sure to check out the 5 Best Resorts on Kadavu or 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Kadavu to organise a place to stay with meals. Otherwise, Vou Coffee in Biana, Vunisea (in the Biana Bayview B&B building) is open from 7 am to 7 pm, serving fast food and coffee.

Vunisea Market

For more grocery needs in Kadavu, head to the Vunisea Market. Open from Monday to Saturday, this bustling hub offers a delightful mix of fresh produce, both locally grown and imported. You’ll find a supermarket-style convenience store stocked with all the basic essentials you might need during your stay. And if you’re not in the mood to cook, don’t worry! The market also serves up tasty cooked meals, perfect for a quick and easy dining option.

For more dining recommendations across Fiji, head to our Fiji Food & Drink category.

Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu© FijiPocketGuide.com

Medication, Toiletries and Pharmaceuticals

While light medications (like painkillers), baby products and toiletries can be found in Vunisea’s convenience stores, it is best not to rely on getting medication in Kadavu – as you will not be able to access these essentials once you leave Vunisea and arrive at your resort. Bring anything to the island that you might need – see What to Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Fiji for advice.

Vunisea Hospital

The one hospital and health service in Kadavu is the Vunisea Hospital, which is easy to find up the hill from the coast. There is also the Vunisea Medical Centre next door, which is open from Monday to Thursday 8 am to 4:30 pm and Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Note that there is no pharmacy on Kadavu.

Services here are limited, however, so if you are unwell, it’s best to leave Kadavu and seek medical help in Suva – see the Information, Shops & Services in Suva.

Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu© FijiPocketGuide.com

Post Office, Banks and Communication

Kadavu has limited services when it comes to banking and communication. Visitors are recommended to bring all of the cash they need (Fijian Dollars) and don’t rely too much on access to WiFi. Those who need a phone and internet are best getting a local SIM card – although there are some areas of Kadavu with no network connection, especially at the resorts. Whatever service you might need, the island’s sole post office is the first go-to.

Vunisea Post Office

The Vunisea Post Office is an important service on Kadavu. Not only does the Post Office offer the usual postal service, but it also sells groceries, clothes and other items such as stationary. Find the Post Office up the hill from the coast in Vunisea, bearing left as you pass the hospital.

Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu© FijiPocketGuide.com

WiFi and Internet

WiFi is available at some of the resorts on Kadavu, either free in the communal dining area or for a fee. Resorts that offer a WiFi service include Kokomo Private Island, Tiliva Resort and Matava Eco Adventure Resort. For more internet tips, check out Where to Get WiFi in Fiji.

Phone Network on Kadavu

Digicel has a shipping container office on the Vunisea waterfront (it’s bright red, you can’t miss it!) which is your best option for purchasing a local SIM card on Kadavu. Otherwise, those with a Vodafone SIM card can top their phones up at convenience stores such as Vunivaivai Stores. Learn more about local SIM cards in The Best SIM Card in Fiji for Travellers.

More About Information, Shops and Services on Kadavu

That’s it for our guide to information, shops and services on Kadavu, for more information about this beautiful island, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to 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:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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