Ovalau & the Lomaiviti Group

Introducing Ovalau & the Lomaiviti Group

Rustic and peaceful, this string of islands, just off the east coast of Viti Levu, has an infectious and languid pace that belies its historical significance, for this is where the Fijian nation was made. Picturesque Levuka, Ovalau's main town, was Fiji's earliest European settlement and the country's first capital, but political machinations have long since departed and today Lomaiviti, which literally means 'Middle Fiji', equally literally feels like the middle of nowhere.

South of Ovalau, the tiny coral islands of Leleuvia and Caqalai have sandy beaches, good snorkelling and simple budget resorts. Hawksbill turtles visit to lay their eggs and a pod of around 10 humpback whales passes the east coast of Ovalau on their annual migration between May and September.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009