The Complete Travel Guide to Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands

Last Updated: 6 October, 2024

How to Plan a Trip to the Lomaiviti Islands

A world away from the bustling tourist hubs of Nadi and the Mamanucas, the Lomaiviti Islands decorate the waters off the coast of Suva in lush volcanic islands and rich history. In fact, the main hub of the islands Ovalau is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Levuka. Levuka was Fiji’s first capital, now with beautifully preserved colonial buildings. The island also provides the opportunity to visit or stay in Fijian villages, with a highlight being a hike to Lovoni Village set on the side of a volcanic caldera. Your island resort holiday can also be found in the Lomaiviti Islands, with a mix of budget island resorts for backpackers and up-market resorts for honeymooning couples. You’ll also get your dose of all the things that make Fiji great, from scuba diving in diverse marine reserves, home to sharks, turtles, sea snakes and thousands of fish species, to lounging by the pool sipping on tropical cocktails. Find out more about how to experience the Lomaiviti Islands in your own way with this complete travel guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

FAQ About Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands

Before we jump into our complete travel guide to Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands, here are the answers to the internet’s frequently asked questions about this historical town and stunning island group!

How do I get to Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands?

To reach Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands, you have a few options:

Fly from Nadi to Suva, then to Bureta Airport on Ovalau Island, and then take a taxi to Levuka (about 20 minutes)
Take a ferry from Suva to Ovalau Island (3-4 hours), then a bus or taxi to Levuka.
For other Lomaiviti Islands, take domestic flights or ferries from Suva.

Keep in mind that transport schedules can change, so it’s best to check with local operators for the most up-to-date information. For more information, check out our guide on getting around the Lomaiviti Islands.

What are the islands in the Lomaiviti Islands?

The Lomaiviti Group consists of seven main islands and lots of tiny islands and islets, but not all are easily accessible to tourists. The most popular islands for visitors include:

Ovalau – island of Levuka the principal island and location of the local government
Koro – known as the “Garden Island” of Lomaiviti
Gau – the largest island in the Lomaiviti group
Makogai – government-owned island, home to a historic leper colony and giant clam reserve
Wakaya – private island, location of The Wakaya Club resort
Nairai – native island
Batiki – described as a stunning, picturesque island
Moturiki – known for Fijian villages welcoming to foreigners
Caqalai – a small island which used to hold a backpacker resort
Naigani – has a small resort and large hill forts
Nukulevu – scarcely developed island
Leleuvia – small coral island with a backpacker resort
Toberua – small island with a resort
Yanuca Lailai – volcanic rock, limestone island
Motoriki – off the coast of Ovalau with a small village

It’s worth noting that there are other smaller islands or islets in the Lomaiviti Group that are not specifically named here. The Lomaiviti archipelago covers a total area of 411 km² (159 mi²) and consists of seven main islands and a number of smaller ones.

When is the best time to visit Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands?

The best time to visit Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands is during Fiji’s dry season, from May to October. This period offers: 1. Less rainfall and humidity 2. Ideal conditions for outdoor activities 3. Pleasant temperatures (average 22-28°C / 72-82°F). However, the islands can be visited year-round, with the wet season (November to April) offering lush landscapes and fewer tourists. For more information, check out our guide to the best time to visit Fiji.

The Complete Travel Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands

What to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands

Discover the hidden gems of Fiji’s historical heart in the Lomaiviti Islands, where colonial charm meets island paradise.

The Top Experiences in Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands

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

Explore Levuka‘s UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial architecture
Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs around Leleuvia Island
Hike to the summit of Ovalau Island for panoramic views
Visit a traditional Fijian village on Moturiki Island
Dive with sharks and manta rays off Wakaya Island
Enjoy authentic island life on Koro Island
Hike to Lovoni Village in a volcanic crater
Visit the site of a historic leper colony at Makogai
Go game fishing in the deep waters around Gau Island

… And the list continues over in our 20 Best Things to Do in Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands. Or go nuts with our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List!

Rainy Day Activities

Being a tropical getaway, it’s no secret that it rains in Fiji (but, luckily, not as much in the Yasawas as elsewhere in Fiji). If you find your trip coinciding with excessive showers, then try these wet weather activities:

Spend the day at the spa
Check out the Levuka Museum and Community Centre [Update: Double-check that the Levuka Museum has reopened before making plans to visit].
Experience a church service in one of Levuka’s historical churches…

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

Things to Do at Night

The fun doesn’t have to stop just because the sun has gone down. Levuka surprisingly has plenty to liven up the evenings with experiences such as:

Enjoy a tropical cocktail at the Koromakawa Bar behind the Horizon Restaurant
Dance the night away at the Levuka Club nightclub (Thursday through Saturday)
Take a moonlit stroll along Beach Street and soak in the colonial atmosphere

… And find more after-dark entertainment in the 10 Things to Do in Fiji at Night.

Where to Stay in the Lomaiviti Islands

Aside from our top recommendations listed alongside this complete travel guide to the Lomaiviti Islands (or at the bottom, if you’re reading this on mobile), we’ve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for families or couples, as well as more premium offerings. What’s more, each article is written by real travellers rather than some dodgy algorithm!

For a comprehensive overview of all of the Lomaivitis’ accommodations, head over to the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands.

Where to Eat in the Lomaiviti Islands

A foodie getaway to the Lomaiviti Islands is mostly an affordable experience, where accommodation providers serve authentic Fijian meals at a cheap price. With this being Fiji, food and culture are often combined in the activities available, such as lovo feasts and kava ceremonies. On the island resorts, you’ll only have one option for restaurant food, or you’ll have to make your way to Levuka on Ovalau to find a small but good selection of restaurants. Check out more advice in The Food Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

The Best Restaurants in Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands

Kumar’s Kozy Kafe (Beach Street, Levuka)
Paak Kum Long/Naova’ke Uptown Cafe (Beach Street, Levuka)
Horizon Restaurant (Beach Street, Levuka)
Ovalau Holiday Resort (Ovalau Road, Vatukalo)
Kara’s BBQ Stand (Hennings Street, Levuka)

Learn more about these eateries in The Food Guide to Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands.

Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands for Foodies

Try a Fijian lovo
Browse the produce at the Levuka Municipal Market [Update: Double-check that the Levuka Market has reopened before making plans to visit].
Do a plantation walk with Nox
Drink kava with the locals
See a coconut demonstration.

And if that hasn’t tickled your tastebuds enough, then check out the 10 Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands for Foodies.

Budget Holidays in the Lomaiviti Islands

One of the best Fiji destinations for backpackers, the Lomaiviti Islands mostly consists of cheap accommodations and island resorts with affordable food, activities and free historical sites for sightseeing. Ovalau makes an excellent base for trying different accommodation experiences and finding cheap tours to explore the island. Alternatively, the resort on Leleuvia Island provides that backpacker resort experience, similar to what is found in the Yasawas (but much less busy). Find out more in The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Lomaiviti Islands.

Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands on a Budget

Explore the historic town of Levuka
Climb up 109 steps to Mission Hill
Hike to Lovoni Village in a volcanic crater
Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs
Trek to the Ovalau Waterslides with Bobo.

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

Where to Stay in the Lomaitivi Islands on a Budget

Most of the accommodation in the Lomaiviti Islands is affordable. Budget travellers have a choice of cheap hotels, guesthouses, homestays and resorts with dormitories. Check out our 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Lomaiviti Islands.

Luxury Holidays in the Lomaiviti Islands

Compared to elsewhere in Fiji, luxury accommodations are few and far between. The luxury private island resorts that are available consequently have a more exclusive feel, giving resorts like Wakaya Club & Spa a reputation for attracting the rich and famous. The up-market resort on Tambua Island also provides another private island experience just off the coast of Suva. Get more advice in The Luxury Guide to Lomaiviti Islands.

Luxury Activities in the Lomaiviti Islands

Fly over the Lomaiviti Islands in a scenic flight
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment
Scuba dive with sharks, turtles and vibrant coral reefs
Play golf or tennis at a private island resort
Fish for some of the world’s most exciting game species.

Like the sound of those? See more details on these “treat yourself” activities in the 10 Luxury Activities in the Lomaiviti Islands.

Where to Stay in Luxury in the Lomaiviti Islands

The Lomaiviti Islands consists of one five-star resort and one other high-end resort, which still makes guests feel like royalty. Otherwise, boutique B&Bs provide another alternative. Check out your options in our list of the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in the Lomaiviti Islands.

Family Holidays in the Lomaiviti Islands

The Lomaiviti Islands is a fantastic Fiji destination for active families, with historical sites to discover, an exciting underwater world and a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Families staying on Ovalau can expect a more independent style of travel. In contrast, those staying at one of the island resorts have more reasons to relax, with activities organised straight from the resort and babysitting services an option. Discover more about planning a family trip with The Family Guide to Lomaiviti Islands.

Family Activities in the Lomaiviti Islands

Discover what the schools are like in Fiji with a village visit
Learn to weave Fijian hats and baskets
Meet the farm animals at Bobo’s Farm
Kayak through the mangroves, over coral reefs or on an outrigger canoe
Soak up the history of Levuka Town.

And the list goes on! Check it out in our 10 Things To Do in the Lomaiviti Islands with Kids for more ideas.

Where to Stay in the Lomaiviti Islands

Despite the number of accommodations in the Lomaiviti Islands being fewer than the main tourist districts in Fiji, the islands still have a wide variety of family accommodations to suit all styles and budgets. Affordable family rooms with self-catering facilities are easy to come by, while the island resorts offer more luxurious options for families where babysitting services are available. Check out your best options in the 10 Best Family Resorts in the Lomaiviti Islands.

Adult-Only Holidays in the Lomaiviti Islands

While adult-only resorts are becoming increasingly popular in Fiji, this trend is yet to reach the Lomaiviti Islands. However, the dread of being surrounded by boisterous children can be easily remedied by following these simple tips:

Plan your visit to the Lomaiviti Islands during Fiji’s low seasons – preferably between January and March when resorts are much quieter
Avoid school holidays – it is best to avoid the month of July altogether if you can help it
Consider staying at one of the accommodations on the Lomaiviti Islands that are much more targeted at couples rather than families, such as Wakaya Club & Spa.

If you have your heart set on adult-only resorts in Fiji, then think about changing your destination. The Yasawa Islands provide an outer island experience similar to the Lomaivitis but are situated off the west side of Viti Levu. See this region’s selection of adult-only resorts in the 5 Best Adult-Only Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.

Wedding, Romantic Getaways and Honeymoons in the Lomaiviti Islands

It’s true that the offering of resorts with wedding packages and venues in the Lomaiviti Islands is limited, but they still create a stark contrast to the busier resorts elsewhere in Fiji. If you’re looking for a more intimate wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway, when it often feels like you have the whole place to yourself, then you could consider the islands of the Lomaivitis. Ovalau is a good option for couples looking to fill their honeymoon or a romantic getaway with things to do. In contrast, the island resorts provide more opportunities to relax and indulge in doing little. Find out more in The Romantic Getaway & Honeymoon Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands for Couples

Get the “castaway” experience on an uninhabited island
Enjoy a private candlelit dinner
Indulge in a couples spa treatment
Get competitive with a game of golf, tennis or volleyball
Enjoy your resort’s Honeymoon Bonus!

So make your romantic getaway truly special with these 7 Romantic Activities in the Lomaiviti Islands for Couples.

Where to Stay in the Lomaiviti Islands 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 6 Best Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts in the Lomaiviti Islands.

Accommodation in the Lomaiviti Islands

Toberua Island Resort
Wakaya Club & Spa
New Mavida Lodge
Leleuvia Island Resort
Old Capital Inn
Heritage Guest House Levuka
Ovalau Holiday Resort
Bobo’s Farm
Royal Hotel
Kauwai Retreat
The Baystay
The Sailorshome
Levuka Homestay

Find out more about each of these accommodations in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in the Lomaiviti Islands.

More About the Lomaiviti Islands

That’s it for our guide to the Lomaiviti Islands; for more information about these stunning islands, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands.

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:

Levuka Tourism Association (Regional tourism website)
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 Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - 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])
Levuka Tourism Association (Regional tourism website)

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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