The Complete Travel Guide to the Lau Islands 🏝️ [2025]

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What to Do in the Lau Islands

The Lau Islands offer a plethora of exciting activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy during their stay in this remote Fijian paradise.

The Top Experiences in the Lau Islands

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

• Explore pristine beaches and swim in crystal-clear lagoons
• Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life
• Visit traditional Fijian villages and experience local customs
• Hike through lush tropical forests and discover hidden waterfalls
• Try your hand at sailing or kayaking in the calm waters
• Indulge in fresh seafood caught by local fishermen
• Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean
• Join a traditional kava ceremony with friendly locals
• Go birdwatching and spot rare endemic species
• Learn about the islands’ rich history and cultural heritage

… And the list continues over in our 15 Best Things to Do in the Lau Islands. Or go nuts with our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List!

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Where to Stay in the Lau Islands

The remote and pristine Lau Islands offer a unique Fijian experience, far from the usual tourist haunts. While accommodation options are limited, they range from luxurious private islands to authentic homestays. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect place to rest your head in this island paradise.

Private Island Resort

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and seclusion, Vatuvara Private Islands is the crème de la crème of Lau accommodation. This exclusive resort offers just three villas on a private island, each with its own beach, infinity pool, and breathtaking views of the South Pacific. It’s the kind of place where you might bump into a celebrity or two (we hear the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are fans!).

Sailing Charters

If you fancy exploring the Lau Group by sea, consider booking a private sailing charter. These floating accommodations not only provide a comfortable cabin to sleep in but also offer the flexibility to island-hop at your leisure. Recommended sailing charters are listed in the Lau Islands Transport Guide.

Lau Islands Homestays

For a more authentic and budget-friendly experience, homestays are available on Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, and Moala islands. Vanua Balavu has one homestay option, while Lakeba offers two choices. A typical homestay will set you back around FJ$120 per day, which includes three hearty meals.

The Lau Provincial Office is your go-to resource for booking these homestays and coordinating transport to the islands. Keep in mind that getting to Lau can be a bit of an adventure in itself, as transport depends on the availability of boats or planes – see the Lau Islands Transport Guide.

Whether you choose to splurge on a private island, sail the seas, or live like a local in a homestay, the Lau Islands promise an unforgettable stay. For more detailed information on accommodation options, check out our guide to the 5 Best Accommodations in the Lau Islands.

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Where to Eat in the Lau Islands

Food is going to be a fundamental part of your trip to the Lau Group, so here’s a quick rundown on what to expect.

Meals at Guesthouses and Homestays

Guesthouses and homestays offer the real deal, where food is authentically Fijian using fish fresh from the sea (bones and all), root crops straight from the gardens such as cassava, fruit from the trees such as breadfruit, and more. Be sure to have a few bottles of water with you (better yet, a Lifestraw Bottle), as many outer islands in Fiji use rainwater storage in barrels that may or may not have traces of waterborne viruses that our foreign stomachs may not be used to. See Is the Water Safe to Drink in Fiji? for more tips.

Meals at Vatuvara Private Islands

This island resort is where you’ll find the Lau Group’s only restaurants – two restaurants, in fact. Dining here is a gourmet experience using ingredients from the resort’s garden and fish from the surrounding waters. Find out more about the dining experience at this private island resort in The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands.

Meals on Sailing Charters

Your hosts on multi-day sailing charters to the Lau Islands keep guests well-fed, usually with three meals a day and snacks like morning and/or afternoon tea. A significant aspect of your cruise with Sailing Fiji is the gastronomic experience of your private chef, who combines local ingredients to create European specialities. Safari Charters Fiji takes pride in their food service and offers a variety of fresh, healthy meals to its guests. The menu includes fresh garden salads, fresh fish, sashimi, and Thai or Italian dishes, catering to individual tastes.

Sailing Yacht Provisioning

The Lau Islands present a unique challenge for sailors due to their extreme remoteness and lack of tourism infrastructure. Most villages have small stores, but supplies are limited and frequently run low due to infrequent cargo ship visits. Fresh produce to purchase is particularly scarce. Cruisers are strongly advised to stock up on essentials like sugar, rice, and flour in Savusavu or Suva before setting sail. These items can be useful for trades or as alternatives to yaqona in sevusevu ceremonies. Self-sufficiency is key when exploring this pristine archipelago. For more detailed information on provisioning and sailing in Fiji, check out The Sailing Guide to Fiji and A Sailing Guide to Port Savusavu.

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Budget Holidays to the Lau Islands

Being on a budget is the way to have the biggest adventure in the Lau Islands. This might look like getting on a cargo boat in Suva, equipped with yaqona roots for village homestays, some cash to get you by, and having an open mind for whatever adventures come your way. The hospitality on the Lau Islands is generous and provides, so if you plan a homestay or a stay in one of the guesthouses (see below), then hosts are usually very eager to show you around and offer plenty of things to do. However, be prepared to pay your way for guides, accommodation (meals will certainly be included) and possible boat trips. The former two will cost you FJ$50-$120 each time, while boat trips with locals will be your biggest expense of up to FJ$400 in cash or around FJ$50 an hour.

Things to Do on the Lau Islands on a Budget

• Remarkable snorkelling can be found just about anywhere, but you will need your own snorkelling gear.
• Immerse in the unique Fijian-meets-Tongan culture in a village homestay, experiencing a kava ceremony soon after arrival (see Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village for advice)
• Explore Vanua Balavu – one of the largest and easiest islands to get to – with a guided 5 km (3.1 mi) walk from Lomaloma to the southern tip of the island, hot springs and burial caves from Namaka Village, and boat trips to the Bay of Islands in the north.
• Go island-hopping on a cargo boat from Suva. The six to seven-day excursion has you stopping by up to eight islands, each for a few hours at a time – find out more in 5 Ways to Get to the Lau Islands
• Explore Lakeba, which has homestays in the village of Tubou, impressive limestone caves and a scattering of islands to explore by boat – hire a guide from Nukunuku Village.

Where to Stay in the Lau Islands on a Budget

With fewer than five official accommodations on the Lau Islands, budget travellers are in luck, with the majority of them being budgeted. Moana’s Guesthouse is on Vanua Balavu and includes board and meals. A similar deal can be found at the Lakeba Guesthouse (Jeke Qica’s Guesthouse) on Lakeba. Alternatively, alternative homestays with Fijian families provide an insightful cultural experience in basic accommodation staying with families. These are best organised with the Lau Provincial Council Office in Suva. Expect to pay around FJ$120 per person per night at any guesthouse in the Lau Islands, which includes all meals.

Where is the Lau Provincial Office?

The Lau Provincial Office is usually the key for budget travellers and backpackers who want to organise trips to the Lau Islands. You’ll find the Lau Provincial Office at the top of the multi-storey car park on Struan Street in Suva. They’ll happily make a booking for you, co-ordinating homestays with transport schedules, and the best part? There’s usually no waiting time; just hop on the next available cargo ship or flight.

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Luxury Holidays to the Lau Islands

Perhaps the most straightforward way of exploring the Lau Islands is to travel in luxury. Charter flights, sailing charters and cruise ships make it easy to stay, travel and see the sights of the Lau Islands. Additionally, the Lau Islands’ only resort is the five-star Vatuvara Private Islands. Start planning your luxury getaway with The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands.

Luxury Activities in the Lau Islands

• Play golf on a private island
• Scuba dive among some of Fiji’s untouched reefs
• Visit the Bay of Islands by seaplane
• Treat yourself to some deep-sea game fishing
• Experience true serenity with a private beach picnic.

See more indulgent activities in our list of the 10 Luxury Activities in the Lau Islands.

Where to Stay in Luxury in the Lau Islands

The Lau Group’s only official resort is the luxurious private island resort, Vatuvara Private Islands. Other accommodations can be found in the cabins of sailing charters offering trips to the Lau Islands, such as Sailing Fiji, departing Taveuni, and Safari Charters Fiji and QUIXOTIC, departing Denarau on Viti Levu. Learn more about these accommodations in the 5 Best Accommodations in the Lau Islands.

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Family Holidays to the Lau Islands

Needless to say, there are no kids’ clubs or babysitting services in the Lau Islands. Due to the lack of tourist infrastructure on the Lau Islands, travelling to this island group with young children can be a challenge. However, here are some suggestions.

Are the Accommodations Suitable for Families?

The resort in the Lau Islands, Vatuvara Private Islands, is for guests over 16 years old, therefore is not suitable for families. Homestays and guesthouses are an option, but best left for families with older kids, as there may be a concern with having safe drinking water for the little ones and a lack of life jackets available on local boats.

Alternative, Family Holidays in Fiji

If you want the adventure and off-the-beaten-track holiday that the Lau Islands provide, take a look at similar options by following these guides:

• The Guide to Taveuni for Families
• The Guide to Lomaiviti Islands for Families
• The Guide to Kadavu for Families

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Adult-Only Holidays to the Lau Islands

Those looking for paradise without kids are in luck, as the Lau Group’s only resort is, in fact, an adults-only resort. With a policy of guests being over 16 years old, Vatuvara Private Islands achieves effortless tranquillity and the right tone for a romantic getaway.

Another option for an adults-only experience in the Lau Islands is embarking on a private sailing charter, where you get to choose who you share this exclusive experience with. Find out more in our 5 Ways to Get to the Lau Islands.

For inspiration on what to do while you’re in the Lau Islands, see the 15 Best Things to Do in the Lau Islands.

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Romantic Getaways and Honeymoons in the Lau Islands

Finally, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway to some of the most pristine islands in the South Pacific, then the Lau Islands are pretty tempting. The Lau Group can be an ultra-special honeymoon destination, especially at the Vatuvara Private Islands or onboard the private sailing yacht.

Romantic Things to Do in the Lau Islands

Couples can indulge in private island picnics, private yoga classes, breathtaking scenic flights and more. See The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands, which is the best resource for planning your honeymoon in the Lau Group. You can also incorporate ideas from The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Fiji and 15 Most Romantic Things to Do in Fiji.