The Top Places to Visit in the Lomaiviti Islands
You’ve made it all the way to the less-visited side of Fiji; don’t waste your whole time here sunbathing on the beach. There are many exciting day trips from the resorts of the Lomaiviti Islands, from excursions to bird sanctuaries to villages rich in history and culture. The main way to get around the Lomaiviti Islands is by boat with the exception of the roads on Ovalau, so in most cases, you will need to organise transport with your accommodation. Nevertheless, we’ll give you the best day trips from the Lomaiviti Islands to ask about at your resort, as well as list guided day tours, in this ultimate guide to the best places to visit in the Lomaiviti Islands.
While you’re here, be sure to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands for more trip-planning success.
5 Best Day Tours from the Lomaiviti Islands
Before we dive into the amazing day trips from the Lomaiviti Islands, here is a quick list of guided options where all of the transport is included:
- Levuka Town Trip with Leleuvia Island Resort
- Bird Island Trip with Toberua Island Resort
- Epi’s Midland Tour (Ovalau)
- Naigani Island Trip with Bobo’s Farm
- Moturiki Island Trip with Leleuvia Island Resort.
Levuka
The Best Day Trip in the Lomaiviti Islands for Budget Travellers
Relevant tour: Levuka Town Trip with Leleuvia Island Resort
The beautifully preserved Levuka town was the capital of Fiji and bustling metropolis between 1871 and 1881. Now, the town’s beautifully preserved colonial buildings are part of its UNESCO World Heritage status. Start your exploration at the Morris Hedstrom building, now home to the Levuka Museum. Other historical points of interest include the Church of the Sacred Heart (1858), the Ovalau Club (1904), the Town Hall (1898) and the Navoka Methodist Church (1862).
For more about Levuka, see 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in the Lomaiviti Islands.
Gau Island
The Best Day Trip in the Lomaiviti Islands for Luxury Travellers
Relevant tour: Bird Island Trip with Toberua Island Resort
One of the larger islands in the Lomaiviti Group, Gau Island is also one of only two bird sanctuaries in Fiji. Getting there means joining a tour with those such as Toberua Island Resort who can transport you there and guide you through the island’s diverse plants and birds, as well as tell local legends and point out plants used in Fijian medicine. There are also 16 villages on the island.
For more places to birdwatch, check out the 10 Best Places to See Birds in Fiji.
Lovoni Village
The Best Day Trip in the Lomaiviti Islands for Foodies
Relevant tour: Epi’s Midland Tour
The village of Lovoni was once home to a feared tribe living in the centre of the impenetrable volcanic crater. The stories of this village on Ovalau are best told (in detail) on a tour with Epi’s Midland Tour. It’s a bumpy ride up the dirt road from Levuka leading to Lovoni where Epi will present a sevuesvu (gift) to the village chief on your behalf before you enjoy lunch with Epi’s family in the village.
For more adventures like this, see the 10 Best Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands.
Moturiki Island
The Best Day Trip in the Lomaiviti Islands for Families
Relevant tour: Moturiki Island Trip with Leleuvia Island Resort
Just off the shores of Ovalau and Leleuvia Island, Moturiki Island is steeped in fascinating history and authentic culture. Not only is the island home to 10 different villages where you’ll get to see the lives of day-to-day Fijians in action, but the island also holds the site of one of the earliest Lapita settlements. There are many fascinating stories from this island and a village visit there will definitely be one to remember.
For more family day trips, see the 10 Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands with Kids.
Naigani Island
The Best Day Trip in the Lomaiviti Islands for Couples
Relevant tour: Naigani Island Trip with Bobo’s Farm
About 10km (6 miles) off the north coast of Ovalau, Naigani Island is a fascinating place to visit. During the reign of Cakabau, Naigani’s villagers were aligned with his enemy, Verata, where a famous invasion of the island in 1860 left all but two villagers dead (and taken to Bau to be eaten). Today, the island has a small population living in villages, some of which are the descendants of the survivors. You may be able to get a tour of the original village on the northernmost peak of the island as well as an old hillfort.
For more idyllic islands to visit as a couple, see the 7 Romantic Activities in the Lomaiviti Islands for Couples.
More Day Trips from the Lomaiviti Islands
- Lomaiviti Islands Transport Guide
- 6 Best Resorts in the Lomaiviti Islands
- Information, Shops & Services in the Lomaiviti Islands
That’s it for the best day trips in the Lomaiviti Islands. Plan more of your trip in Fiji with the following compilations of itineraries: The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks, The Best Fiji Itineraries for 1 Week, The Best Fiji Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend.
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.