© Captain Cook Cruises
© Captain Cook Cruises

The Complete Travel Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands

© Captain Cook Cruises

A Travel Guide 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 the experience the Lomaiviti Islands in your own way with this complete travel guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Fast Facts About the Lomaiviti Islands

Location: The Koro Sea, east of Viti Levu and south of Vanua Levu (see map below)

Population: 16,461

Climate: Daily average temperature – 25°C/77°F, yearly average rainfall – 1,826mm/71.9″″
Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Time Zone: FJT / GMT+12/+13
Find out more in What is the Fiji Time Zone?

How to get to the Lomaiviti Islands: Direct international flights from the South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand and Korea land at Nadi International Airport on the western side of Viti Levu. The Lomaiviti Islands are most accessible from Suva on the eastern side of Viti Levu by water and air transport. See 5 Ways to Get to the Lomaiviti Islands for more information.

complete guide to lomaiviti islands-Credit-Captain-Cook-Cruises© Captain Cook Cruises

Budget Holidays in the Lomaiviti Islands

One of the best Fiji destinations for backpackers, the Lomaiviti Islands mostly consists of cheap accommodation 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 resorts on Caqalai Island and Leleuvia Island provide that backpacker resort experience, similar to what is found in the Yasawas (but much less busy). Find out more in The Guide to Lomaiviti Islands on a Budget.

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 9 Best Budget Accommodation in the Lomaiviti Islands.

guide-to-the-lomaiviti-islands-Credit-Tourism-Fiji-Chris-McLennan© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

Luxury Holidays in the Lomaiviti Islands

Compared to elsewhere in Fiji, luxury accommodations are few and far in 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 Koro Island also provides the only formal accommodation on the most isolated island in the Lomaivitis. Get more advice in The Luxury Guide to Lomaiviti Islands.

5 Luxury Activities in the Lomaiviti Islands

  • Fly over the Lomaiviti Islands in a helicopter tour
  • 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 8 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 a couple of high-end resorts, which still make guests feel like royalty. Check out your options in our list of the 5 Best Luxury Accommodation in the Lomaiviti Islands.

lomaiviti-islands-travel guide-Credit-Tourism-Fiji-Mark-Snyder© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

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 accommodation to suit all budgets. Families staying on Ovalau can expect a more independent style of travel, while 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. The Guide to Lomaiviti Islands for Families.

5 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
  • Enjoy some downtime with volleyball, tennis, golf or petanque.

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 accommodation in the Lomaiviti Islands being fewer than the main tourist districts in Fiji, the islands still have a wide variety of family accommodation 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 9 Best Family Resorts in the Lomaiviti Islands.

complete guide lomaiviti islands-Credit-Pxhere© Pxhere

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 where resorts are much quieter
  • Avoid school holidays – 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 a similar outer islands experience to the Lomaivitis but is 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.

guide-to-the-lomaiviti-islands-Credit-Emily-Bauman-on-Unsplash© Emily Bauman on Unsplash

Foodie Holidays 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 else 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 Foodie Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

5 Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands for Foodies

  • Try a Fijian lovo
  • Browse the produce at the Levuka Municipal Market
  • 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 8 Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands for Foodies.

Where to Stay in the Lomaiviti Islands for Foodies

Looking for a place to stay with authentic Fijian food and plenty of food-related activities? Or perhaps some accommodation with self-catering facilities so you can experiment with local ingredients? Check out the 10 Best Accommodation in the Lomaiviti Islands for Foodies.

travel-guide-to-the-lomaiviti-islands-Credit-Chris-McLennan - Tourism Fiji© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

Wedding 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 or honeymoon, 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, whereas the island resorts provide more opportunities to relax and indulge in doing little. Find out more in The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

5 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.

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.

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