The Family Travel Guide to Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands

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How to Get to the Lomaiviti Islands

With around seven main islands scattered 411 km² (159 mi²) across the Koro Sea, the Lomaiviti Islands are accessed by air or by sea. Flights from Nausori Airport in Suva are the easiest and quickest way to get to the main islands of Ovalau, Gau and Koro, while ferry and shipping companies offer a cheaper (and slower) alternative. First, see how to get to Suva with the Suva Transport Guide.

Lomaiviti Islands by Plane

All passenger flights to the Lomaiviti Islands depart from Nausori Airport near Suva. From Nausori Airport, weekday flights go back and forth to Ovalau, while flights to Gau and Koro typically depart once a week. Full flight details, including the airlines that fly to the Lomaiviti Group, can be found in The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji.

Lomaiviti Islands by Ferry

A more economical way of getting to the Lomaiviti Islands is via a ferry. Ferry services depart daily (although not every Sunday) from Natovi Landing, just north of Suva, to Buresala on Ovalau. There is a connecting bus service between the Suva city bus stand and Natovi Landing. To reach Koro, a weekly ferry service departs from Suva. Find out more about the details of ferry travel in How to Take the Ferry to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Resort Boat Transfers

Resorts on selected islands in the Lomaiviti Group offer ways to access their islands by boat. For instance, Leleuvia Island Resort offers transfers between Bau Landing (near Suva) and Leleuvia Island, as well as to and from Levuka. High-end resorts on Toberua and Wakaya islands offer personal 24-hour transfers between Viti Levu and their islands. You will be transferred to Toberua Island Resort from Suva or Nausori Airport, whereas Wakaya Club & Spa will arrange transfers from Nadi International Airport in a private plane.

How to Get Around the Lomaiviti Islands

Those staying on private island resorts will rely on the transport provided by their hosts, usually in the form of boat tours and excursions. Road transport is available to get around Ovalau Island, with a road running around the perimeter of the island. Taxis and carrier vans are based beside the seawall, opposite the church, in Levuka. Shuttle services run between the Bureta Airstrip and Levuka in time for incoming flights. Some accommodation providers also offer transfers between Levuka and the Bureta Airstrip if booked in advance, as well as guided tours around Levuka and the greater Ovalau Island.

Again, more details on how to get to the islands can be found in the Lomaiviti Islands Transport Guide.

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Family Activities on the Lomaiviti Islands

From the island villages to the coral reefs, there are plenty of exciting activities to do away from the crowds to make the most of your time together as a family. Here are just a few ideas…

Snorkelling in the Lomaiviti Islands

If your kids can swim, then don’t miss the opportunity to discover the amazing underwater world of the Lomaiviti Islands. While scuba diving is often the more desirable option, snorkelling can be just as spectacular while being much more accessible for kids. There is fantastic snorkelling available off the shores of Leleuvia Island Resort. Boat trips to Honeymoon Island are also available from the island, offering an exciting opportunity to see reef sharks among the coral – don’t worry, they’re perfectly friendly. On Ovalau, some of the best snorkelling can be found at a fringing reef about 1 km (0.6 mi) past Wagadaci Village and at the stretch of beach just off the Ovalau Holiday Resort – you will need your own snorkel gear.

Discover Ovalau’s Natural Waterslide

The Lomaiviti Islands don’t need children’s playgrounds when nature has already provided. Join Bobo from Bobo’s Farm for a trip to the natural playground of Na Vu Wai – Ovalau’s waterslide. The walk to the waterslide is only a 20-minute walk through the forest where you’ll find a small cascade of waterfalls to swim under, relax by or slide down. For more day trips for the family, check out The Best Day Trips from the Lomaiviti Islands.

Explore the Islands by Kayak

Kayaking is a safe, family-friendly activity in the Lomaiviti Islands, even for the youngest of your group, where life jackets will be provided. What’s more, it’s a free activity at resorts on the Lomaiviti Islands. Discover this relaxing way to explore the bays and reefs, which is easy to learn. For a bit of structure, kayak through the mangroves from the Kauwai Retreat on Ovalau – one of their shorter kayaking trips on offer, so it’s a good choice for kids (see the 10 Best Kayak Tours in Fiji). Or, for something a little different, paddle out on one of Leleuvia Island Resort‘s outrigger canoes, pretending you’re an early Pacific Islander navigating the seas! Finally, on the subject of kayaking, Old Capital Inn in Levuka offers island tours with kayaks, and lunch and drinks are provided.

Visit a Fijian School

Village visits are an immersive cultural experience and are likely to be one of the most memorable moments of your family visit to the Lomaiviti Islands. Join resorts such as the Toberua Island Resort for a local village visit where your family will have the opportunity to visit a Fijian school – a donation to the school is much appreciated, otherwise the resort works to support the school. The visit also includes a “meke” dance performance and the chance to participate in a kava ceremony (don’t worry, the kids aren’t expected to drink kava). On Ovalau, Bobo at Bobo’s Farm offers a trip to the local village of Rukuruku to visit the school, where visitors are welcomed enthusiastically.

Craft Fijian Souvenirs

If your kids love to craft, then they’ll get on well with Fijians, where crafting has been part of their lives for hundreds of years. On Toberua Island, join the staff for their regular basket weaving lessons, where you’ll all learn more about this ancient Fijian tradition while weaving your own funky hat or basket. Coconut husking is also always a popular one with the kids, getting them prepared for the big things in life, like getting marooned on an island! Check out the coconut husking demonstrations at the Ovalau Holiday Resort and Toberua Island Resort.

More Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands for Families

The rest of your time in the Lomaiviti Islands can be enjoyed by exploring pristine beaches, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or taking part in traditional Fijian activities with the locals, which you can find out more about in the 10 Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands with Kids. For experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the family-friendly category but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands.

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Family-Friendly Dining in the Lomaiviti Islands

Dining in the Lomaiviti Islands offers a variety of options for families. In Levuka, guesthouses and hotels provide home-cooked meals to order, self-catering facilities, and/or breakfast included. Island resorts typically offer set meals or island buffets through meal plans, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience for the whole family.

The Best Restaurants in Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands for Families

The Wakaya Club & Spa offers a family-friendly dining experience with its farm-to-table approach. Enjoy fresh seafood and local produce at the Palm Grove restaurant or the beachside Baravi Lai Lai. Don’t miss the unique beach cookouts and private picnics for a memorable family meal.

Toberua Island Resort caters to families with its diverse meal plans. Enjoy fresh seafood, local produce, and delectable desserts prepared by Fijian chefs. The resort’s bar and wine cellar offers a variety of drinks for parents, while the option for private beachside dinners adds a special touch to family gatherings.

Kumar’s Kozy Kafe (Beach Street, Levuka) is a family-friendly spot offering a diverse menu, including curries, fried chicken, and pizza. With affordable prices and customisable dishes, it’s perfect for families seeking comfort food and sweet treats.

Paak Kum Long/Naova’ke Uptown Cafe (Beach Street, Levuka) serves up various family-friendly dishes, including stir-fries, curries, and schnitzel. With options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, plus kid-friendly favourites like fried rice, it’s an excellent choice for a family meal out.

For more about dining in the islands, including navigating dietary requirements, self-catering and more, check out The Food Guide to Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands.

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Resort Activities for Kids

Unlike its neighbouring resorts on the Coral Coast, Yasawas and Mamanucas, the Lomaiviti Island resorts do not have kids’ clubs or playgrounds. Nevertheless, some of the high-end resorts offer additional facilities that will keep the kids entertained in between your chosen family activities. Nanny and babysitting services are available at the Toberua Island Resort and Ovalau Holiday Resort.

Facilities on the Lomaiviti Islands for Kids

While the resorts on the Lomaiviti Islands do not have kids’ clubs, resorts such as Toberua Island Resort can organise games and activities for children staying at the resort. In addition, the resort has a pool table, table tennis, petanque, volleyball, “path-putting” (like mini golf) and board games, which also help keep the little ones entertained. Wakaya Club & Spa has a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts, suitable for older kids to enjoy.

If all else fails, we all know how kids love to splash in the pool. Resorts on the Lomaiviti Islands with pools include Ovalau Holiday Resort, Royal Hotel and Toberua Island Resort. The Sega Na Leqa accommodation at Wakaya Club & Spa has a private infinity pool.