The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Kadavu

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How to Get to Kadavu on a Budget

Kadavu is located about 100km/62 miles south of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. While there are flights to Kadavu from Viti Levu, the cheapest option for travelling across the Kadavu Passage is via ferry, which arrives on Kadavu at Vunisea. There is budget accommodation and homestays in Vunisea or Kadavu’s resorts will provide transport to transfer you from Vunisea.

Ferry to Kadavu

Providing a cheap but time-consuming passage to Kadavu, ferries from Viti Levu depart from Narain Wharf, Walu Bay in Suva. With a 7-hour journey, sharing the passage with livestock and cargo, this is definitely an “adventurous” option to make the journey to Kadavu. Check prices at How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji?, while more details on ferry operators and schedules can be found in How to Take the Ferry to Kadavu.

Scheduled Flights to Kadavu

Domestic flights to Kadavu twice a week from Nadi International Airport (NAN). The flight from Nadi take approximately 50 minutes. All flights arrive at Kadavu Airport (KDV) in Vunisea. Resorts will transfer you to and from flights via boat (be sure to make arrangements before arrival). Find out more about the specifics of flying to Kadavu in our Kadavu Transport Guide.

How to Get Around Kadavu

Kadavu has two dirt roads winding across Central Kadavu and West Kadavu. Needless to say, road transport is very limited, with just a few minivans and trucks shuttling people across the island from Vunisea. Most transport occurs on the water. All resorts offer boast transfers between the resort and Vunisea. Depending on the time, this may require you to wade out in shallow water so be prepared.

For getting around Vunisea, local carriers (that’s trucks or utes with seating in the back and a tarp roof) typically wait at both the wharf and the airport for your convenience, but if not, can be contacted by phone (ask for the airport to call them if needed). Getting from A to B comes with a cost, of course. You’ll find that prices can vary, but generally, you’re looking at a set fee for each place you visit, plus a little extra if you need the driver to wait. Pay with cash. For those who prefer a bit more rugged transport, there’s also a 4×4 taxi service available. It’s perfect for exploring some of the island’s more adventurous spots! Remember, Kadavu is all about laid-back island living, so don’t stress too much about the details. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! For more about carriers and how they work, check out Minivans & Carrier Vans in Fiji: What You Need to Know.

For more information on alternative ways to get to Kadavu, see our complete Kadavu Transport Guide.

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Free and Cheap Activities on Kadavu

Those staying at the resorts on Kadavu will find a wealth of activities included in the resort rate. Otherwise, being able to communicate well with the locals will be advantageous for budget travellers here where they are often friendly enough to show you their village and the best walks, fishing and snorkelling spots around.

Browse the Vunisea Market

For a taste of local life and budget-friendly shopping on Kadavu, head to the bustling Vunisea Market. This vibrant marketplace is the heart of commerce on the island, offering a fantastic opportunity to mingle with locals and sample authentic Fijian produce without breaking the bank. Outside, you’ll find an array of colourful stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local goods. Inside the market building, sample home-cooked Fijian meals prepared by friendly locals at wallet-friendly prices. What’s more, the market is also a treasure trove of affordable handmade crafts. Keep an eye out for intricate woven baskets, colourful sarongs, and unique shell jewellery. These locally-made items not only make for great mementos but also support the island’s artisans.

Witness a Turtle Calling Ceremony or Walk to a Waterfall from Namuana Village

Kadavu’s villages have their own distinct cultures, especially in the village of Namuana near Vunisea. The village on the edge of the pretty Namalata Bay performs an occasional turtle calling ceremony. It’s said that two maidens are lost at sea and are only summoned to the surface if the local women chant. If you don’t manage to see a turtle calling ceremony, then at least you can walk a 20-minute trail to the top of a hill behind the village offering amazing vistas before continuing to Waikana Falls. See more village excursions in The Best Day Trips on Kadavu.

Go Birdwatching

If the lush forests, waterfalls and pristine beaches haven’t amazed you then maybe Kadavu’s island wildlife will. Watching the colourful array of birds is just another free activity here on the island where some bird species are only found in this part of Fiji. Look out for the Kadavu fantail, Kadavu honeyeater, velvet dove, and our favourite, the Kadavu shining parrot! On top of that, it’s also possible to see a whole array of bird species found in Fiji, from the Fiji goshawk to the collared lory. While most resorts will be able to point you in the right direction for the best birdwatching in the area, the Matava Eco Adventure Resort is blessed with birds living grounds of the resorts.

Hike to Kadavu’s Waterfalls

Kadavu boasts an impressive array of waterfalls, with one of the most spectacular being the 20 m-high (66 ft) cascade tumbling down a volcanic cliff behind Kadavu village. Many resorts offer waterfall walks, with Papageno Resort having a waterfall just a short stroll away. Don’t fret if you’re staying elsewhere; Kokomo Island and Oneta Resort on Ono Island provide boat trips through mangroves followed by a rainforest trek to breathtaking waterfalls on Kadavu. These excursions typically cost around FJ$70-$100 per person. For a more accessible option, consider the Kadavu Coral Waterfall with Matava Eco Adventure Resort, a stunning natural feature reached by a 40-minute walk. Check out more of Kadavu’s walks in the 9 Best Walks on Kadavu.

More Things to Do on Kadavu

From making use of the free kayaking equipment at your resort to snorkelling off the beach, there are many more free/cheap things to do on Kadavu as listed in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Kadavu. But for more options that don’t necessarily fall into the budget category, but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do in Kadavu.

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Dining on Kadavu

With most locals engaged more in subsistence farming to provide for their villages, you won’t find many independent restaurants on Kadavu. Regardless, because the cost of food is a major factor in your budget, we’ll lay out what to expect.

Resort Meals on Kadavu

When staying in Kadavu, the food provided by your resort will almost always be your only choice of meals. When looking at resort room rates, know that all of the resorts on Kadavu include meals in their rates, often leading to good value for money when it comes to food. Apart from the high-end resorts, meals are shared “family style” usually at a long table with other guests. Private dining may be available at an added cost. Food is typically Fijian with tropical root crops like taro, hearty fruit like breadfruit, and fresh seafood. Some Western and Asian favourites also find themselves on the menu some evenings of the week.

B&B Meals on Kadavu

When it comes to meals at the B&Bs on Kadavu, you’ll find a few tasty options (and we’re not just talking about the breakfast included in your stay!). Most of the lovely B&Bs listed in our guide only include brekkie in their rates, but if you’re staying at Navutovuto Accommodation, you’re in for a treat – they throw in dinner too!

Expect to savour some delicious traditional Fijian fare during your stay. While you might not get to experience a lovo (underground oven) feast every day, there are plenty of other local delicacies to tickle your taste buds. And don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit peckish between meals – all the B&Bs come with kitchen facilities, so you can whip up a snack whenever you fancy, as you can stock up on groceries nearby (see the Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu).

Restaurants on Kadavu

Vunisea is the only place in Kadavu where you’ll be able to buy takeaway food. A consistent option is Vou Coffee Hub (Biana Bayview, Vunisea Waterfront). Enjoy fast food items like chicken, fries, and pizza, as well as coffee. It is open from 7 am to 7:30 pm, closed on Sundays​​​​. Vunisea Market (Vunisea Waterfront) also have home-cooked food for sale from Monday to Saturday.

Homestay Meals on Kadavu

Homestays on Kadavu will also have meals included in the rate (yes, even when the rates are FJ$35-$120 per night). Note that you will not get a choice on meals, so must be willing to try the real Fijian cuisine – bones and all!