The Complete Travel Guide to Kadavu 🦜 [2025]

Last Updated: 23 October, 2024

How to Plan the Best Trip to Kadavu, Fiji

A 57 km (35 mi) island meandering in the southern reaches of Fiji, Kadavu (pronounced “Kan-daa-vu”) is Fiji’s fourth-largest island. While Kadavu is a top destination for scuba diving in the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, the Great Astrolabe Reef, and surfing on advanced reef breaks, the island also offers something for families, couples and backpackers looking to get off the beaten track. Much of the volcanic island is untouched, promising glorious jungle hikes to the rhythm of birds only found on this island, the Kadavu fantail, musk parrot and velvet dove. The 75 coastal villages have distinct traditions, such as turtle calling, and can only be accessed by boat or hiking trail. There’s everything from humble homestays to luxurious private island resorts, so start planning your Kadavu getaway with this complete travel guide to Kadavu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kadavu

We’re here to plan the best trip ever, so we won’t waste any time in this Kadavu travel guide giving you the questions that most travellers have about visiting.

Where is Kadavu located?

Kadavu is situated approximately 100 km (62 mi) south of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. It’s the fourth largest island in Fiji and is known for its rugged, unspoiled landscapes and surrounding barrier reef. For more information, check out Where is Fiji Located?

How do you get to Kadavu?

The most common way to reach Kadavu is by taking a short domestic flight from Nadi International Airport to Vunisea (Kadavu) Airport on Kadavu. Flights operate twice a week and take about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Suva, which is a longer journey but offers beautiful views. For more information, check out our Guide to Kadavu Transport.

What is Kadavu known for?

Kadavu is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, world-class diving opportunities, and the Great Astrolabe Reef – the fourth-largest barrier reef in the world. It’s also famous for its bird-watching, particularly for spotting the rare Kadavu musk parrot. The island offers an authentic Fijian experience with traditional villages and a slower pace of life. For more information, check out our 20 Best Things to Do in Kadavu.

When is the best time to visit Kadavu?

The best time to visit Kadavu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. However, Kadavu’s tropical climate means it’s a year-round destination. For more information, check out our Guide to the Fiji Climate.

What accommodation options are available on Kadavu?

Kadavu offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range eco-resorts. Most accommodations are small, intimate properties that focus on sustainability and providing an authentic Fijian experience. Luxury options are limited, but the island’s natural beauty more than makes up for it. For more information, check out our 10 Best Resorts & Places to Stay on Kadavu.

Is Kadavu suitable for families?

While Kadavu is more geared towards adventure seekers and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, it can be suitable for families who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. However, facilities are more basic compared to more developed tourist areas in Fiji. Families should be prepared for a more rustic experience. For more information, check out our Guide to Kadavu for Families.

How much does a trip to Kadavu cost?

The cost of a trip to Kadavu can vary widely depending on your accommodation choice, activities, and length of stay. Budget travellers can expect to spend around FJ$100-$350 per day, while mid-range travellers might spend FJ$350-$500 per day. Remember to factor in the cost of flights or ferry transport to the island. For more information, check out our Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?

The Complete Travel Guide to Kadavu ???? [2025]

What to Do on Kadavu

Kadavu is an untouched paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This pristine gem offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class diving opportunities that’ll make your holiday truly unforgettable.

The Top Experiences on Kadavu

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Kadavu highlights:

Dive or snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs (you’ll be amazed by the vibrant marine life!)
Kayak through the lush mangrove forests and spot exotic birds
Trek to hidden waterfalls in the island’s rugged interior
Experience authentic Fijian culture in traditional villages
Try your hand at game fishing in the surrounding waters
Relax on pristine, secluded beaches
Join a guided birdwatching tour to spot the rare Kadavu musk parrot
Experience Fiji’s best-kept surfing secrets
Indulge in fresh, locally-sourced seafood at your resort
Take a boat trip to the nearby Ono Island for even more secluded beaches…

… And the list continues over in our 20 Best Things to Do on Kadavu or check out the 101 Best Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List!

Rainy Day Activities

Being a tropical island, it’s no secret that it rains on Kadavu. If you find your trip coinciding with excessive showers, then try these wet weather activities:

Indulge in a spa treatment
Experience the glorious singing of a Sunday church service
Make the most of your resort’s indoor experiences (Fijian crafting, board games and table sports)…

… And much more that we mention in the 10 Things to Do in Fiji on a Rainy Day.

Things to Do at Night

Needless to say, most of the inhabitants of Kadavu create their own after-dark fun, rather than relying to clubs and cinemas (by the way, there are none). This gives visitors the opportunity to experience the real culture of Kadavu and Fiji:

Try local food at your resort, guesthouse or homestay
Sample kava, locally known as “grog” with the locals or resort staff
Enjoy sundowner cocktails and beers at the resort bar…

… And find more nighttime entertainment in the 10 Best Things to Do in Fiji at Night.

Where to Stay on Kadavu

Aside from our top recommendations listed beside this complete travel guide to Kadavu (or below, if you’re reading this on mobile), we’ve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for couples or families, as well as more premium offerings. What’s more, each article is written by real travel writers; not some dodgy algorithm!

For all of Kadavu’s accommodations listed in one place, check out the 10 Best Places to Stay on Kadavu.

Where to Eat on Kadavu

Dining on Kadavu offers a mix of local flavours and resort experiences. In Vunisea, you’ll find a handful of small stalls and takeaways for a quick bite. Most accommodations provide meals as part of your stay, ranging from shared dining at eco-resorts to upscale restaurants at luxury establishments. Whether you’re after a simple local dish or a gourmet feast, Kadavu’s dining scene caters to various tastes and budgets. (Don’t forget to try some fresh seafood caught right off the island’s shores!)

The Best Restaurants on Kadavu

Vou Coffee Hub (Biana Bayview, Vunisea Waterfront)
Vunisea Market (Vunisea Waterfront)…

… As for other dining options, all accommodations on Kadavu offer ways to keep you well-fed, whether it’s the included meals at the eco-resorts like Matava Eco Adventure Resort or Papageno Resort or fine dining at the restaurant of Kokomo Private Island. B&Bs in Vunisea also have breakfast included, as well as meals available to purchase.

Things to Do on Kadavu for Foodies

Tour an organic farm at Matava or Kokomo
Join a traditional lovo (underground oven) cooking experience
Try your hand at fishing and enjoy your catch of the day
Visit Vunisea Market to sample exotic fruits and vegetables
Learn to make rourou (taro leaf) curry from friendly Fijian locals

Learn more about each activity in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Kadavu.

Budget Holidays in Kadavu

Kadavu doesn’t seem like a budget destination in Fiji at first glance. But with the cheap passage on the ferry from Suva and resorts offering all meals and plenty of activities at their accommodation rates, things quickly seem more affordable… We give you ways how to save money on a trip to Kadavu in The Guide to Kadavu on a Budget.

Things to Do in Kadavu on a Budget

Snorkel off the beach of the Great Astrolabe Reef
Witness a turtle calling ceremony or walk to a waterfall from Namuana Village
Spend some time watching Kadavu’s unique birds
Drink kava and watch a meke
Go kayaking or paddleboarding.

For more inspiration, check out our 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Kadavu.

Where to Stay in Kadavu on a Budget

Kadavu’s backpacker accommodation is limited to the town of Vunisea. Homestays also make an affordable option. While resorts appear to be a little more expensive than elsewhere in Fiji at first sight, remember that Kadavu’s resorts are all-inclusive resorts. See our recommendations in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations on Kadavu.

Luxury Holidays in Kadavu

Kadavu is one of those rare destinations in Fiji where the luxury accommodation options are limited, with most resorts providing a more “rustic” accommodation experience. That’s with the one exception of Kokomo Private Island, Kadavu’s exclusive luxury resort. The resort offers five-star villas and bures with private pools, as well as a wealth of services, from a kids’ club to wellness retreats. Take a look through our other guides for Kadavu, such as The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Kadavu and The Family Travel Guide to Kadavu where Kokomo Island and its experiences are mentioned extensively.

Family Holidays in Kadavu

If you’re the adventurous type of family who wants to see beyond the typical Nadi/Denarau Fiji family holiday then Kadavu is an excellent choice. The culture here is authentic, the land and seascape preserved, and the activities on offer are plentiful for the whole family. Kadavu strikes the right balance of adventuring together while giving parents time to relax with babysitting services available in almost all resorts. Get more advice in The Guide to Kadavu for Families.

5 Family Activities in Kadavu

Discover the island culture through Fijian arts and crafts
Blast across the waters in a banana boat or biscuit
Introduce the little ones to scuba diving
Walk to one of Kadavu’s exciting waterfalls
Make use of one of the babysitting services or kids’ club.

And the list goes on! Check it out in 10 Things to Do on Kadavu with Kids.

Where to Stay in Kadavu with Kids

All of Kadavu’s resorts are child-friendly, offering family rooms and activities for the whole family. See the 5 Best Family Resorts on Kadavu for more information.

Adult-Only Holidays in Kadavu

While adult-only resorts are becoming ever more popular in Fiji, unfortunately, this trend is yet to reach the less-developed Kadavu. Nevertheless, the dread of being surrounded by noisy children can be easily remedied by following these simple tips:

Plan your visit to Kadavu during Fiji’s low seasons – preferably between January and March where resorts are much quieter
Avoid school holidays – the month of July is best avoided altogether
Matava Eco Adventure Resort is a good option for a more “adult-only” vibe as the majority of the clientele are adults
Ask about the quietest rooms in the resorts, such as the Hillside Bures at Matava, the Beachfront Villas on Kokomo Island and the Deluxe Oceanfront Bure at the Papageno Resort, for example.

If you have your heart set on adult-only resorts, then think about changing your destination. There are adult-only island resorts in the island groups of the Mamanucas, the Yasawas and Taveuni. See 7 Best Adult-Only Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, 5 Best Adult-Only Resorts in the Yasawa Islands and 5 Best Adult-Only Resorts on Taveuni.

Romantic Getaway and Honeymoons on Kadavu

Finally, Kadavu certainly does not neglect romance with many of the resorts offering wedding venues, romantic experiences and secluded honeymoon suites. If you’re looking for romance in the pristine island nature, the heartwarming culture or the exclusivity of a less-visited Fiji destination then Kadavu is well worth considering for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding. Start planning with The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Kadavu.

5 Things to Do in Kadavu for Couples

Run away together to your own secluded beach getaway
Get out on the water on a romantic sunset cruise
Indulge in a couples massage or wellness class
Learn to scuba dive at the Great Astrolabe Reef
Perfect the art of doing nothing at all…

So make your special time away together truly special with these 10 Romantic Activities on Kadavu for Couples. Plus, check out the 5 Best Wedding Venues on Kadavu.

Where to Stay in Kadavu for Couples

Whether you’re seeking a base for a romantic getaway, renewing your vows or starting the rest of your lives together, we list your best options in 5 Most Romantic Resorts on Kadavu.

Accommodation on Kadavu

Matava Eco Adventure Resort
Papageno Resort
Kokomo Private Island
Oneta Resort
Tiliva Resort
Navutovuto Accommodation
Biana Bayview BnB
Nonnie’s Bed & Breakfast

Find out more about each accommodation in the 5 Best Resorts on Kadavu and 10 Best Places to Stay on Kadavu.

More About Kadavu

That’s it for our guide to Kadavu, for more information about this stunning Fijian island, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Information, Shops & Services 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])
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 Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - 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])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])

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

About The Author

Laura (Lora) 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.

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