Rotuma

Introducing Rotuma

Rotuma is an isolated, volcanic island, 450km northwest of Suva. The vast distance between its tiny frame and the mainland is an accident of geography, but the divide nurtures an inimitable culture of which Rotumans are fiercely proud. Ethnically and linguistically distinct from Fiji, the island provides travellers with a unique opportunity to experience a Polynesian outpost and visitors are welcomed as participants rather than spectators.

Physically, Rotuma resembles a whale, with the larger body of land linked to the small tail end to the west by the Motusa isthmus. The island is about 13km long by 5km at its widest point, with extinct volcanic craters rising up to over 250m. The smaller offshore islands of Uea, Hatana and Hofliua, west of Rotuma, are important seabird rookeries. Uea is a high, rocky island and the spectacular Hofliua is also known as 'Split Island' because of its unusual rock formation. The driest and most comfortable months to visit are between July and September, although the best time to visit is during the Fara festival.

Rotuma is administered by Fiji. Most young people leave their remote island home to find work, and about 6500 ethnic Rotumans live elsewhere in Fiji, mostly in Suva on Viti Levu. Rotuma produces copra, which is processed at the mill near Savusavu on Vanua Levu.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009