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Lomaiviti

Lomaiviti, an island group in Fiji, blends rugged volcanic landscapes and coral-rich waters with the old capital charm of Levuka, where Fiji's colonial past still shapes the waterfront.

Country
Fiji
Population
15,657
Area
411 km²
Time zone
Fiji Time (UTC+12)
Language
Fijian and English
Nearby airport
Levuka Bureta Airfield (Ovalau)

Passengers

Luggage

About Lomaiviti

Lomaiviti is an island province in eastern Fiji, stretching across the Koro Sea between Viti Levu and the Lau Group. Its centrepiece is Levuka, on the island of Ovalau, a historic port town that served as Fiji's first capital and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Levuka grew from a 19th-century trading and whaling settlement into the colonial capital after Fiji was ceded to Britain in 1874. Wooden shopfronts, churches, the old town hall and Nasova House still line its beachfront, giving Ovalau one of the most intact heritage streetscapes in the South Pacific.

Beyond Ovalau, the province spreads across islands such as Koro, Gau, Nairai, Batiki and Makogai, along with the private resort island of Wakaya. Reef passages and channels draw divers to sites known for soft corals, manta rays, sharks and schooling fish, while Makogai is known for its turtle conservation and former leprosy settlement.

Lomaiviti feels quieter and more traditional than Fiji's main resort areas, with village life, small-scale guesthouses and island-hopping at its core. It suits travellers interested in heritage, diving and off-the-beaten-track islands rather than large hotels or busy nightlife.

Access is easiest from Suva by ferry to Ovalau or by light aircraft to Bureta Airfield, making the province a practical short hop from Fiji's capital for both leisure travellers and small business or event groups.

Waterfront of historic Levuka on Ovalau Island in Fiji's Lomaiviti group, backed by green volcanic peaks and a turquoise Pacific lagoon

Lomaiviti Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

May to October is the best period, with drier weather, cooler temperatures and clearer conditions for diving and snorkelling. November to April brings heat, humidity and the risk of cyclones, but fewer visitors and lush green scenery.

How to Get Around

Most visitors reach Ovalau by ferry from Suva via Natovi jetty to Buresala Landing, then continue by bus or taxi to Levuka. On the islands, local buses, taxis and village boats handle short trips, and car rental or a private driver is useful for exploring Ovalau's coastal road.

Where to Stay

Levuka has small heritage guesthouses, hotels and homestays close to the historic centre, while Ovalau offers a few coastal lodges. Private islands such as Wakaya provide upscale resorts, and village stays offer a more traditional Fijian experience.

Food & Drink

Local food centres on fresh seafood, kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut and lime), lovo earth-oven cooking, cassava and taro. Levuka has simple cafés, restaurants and shops, while village visits often include traditional meals and the ceremonial drink kava.

Ground Transportation Services in Lomaiviti

Airport Transfers

Arrange transfers between Nausori International Airport in Suva and the ferry or flight connections to Ovalau and Levuka, as well as onward pick-ups from Bureta Airfield.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private chauffeur by the hour on Ovalau for heritage sightseeing in Levuka, coastal drives, business meetings and flexible island travel.

Car Rental

Rent a car or 4WD in Levuka for independent travel around Ovalau, with its scenic but sometimes rough coastal road linking villages, beaches and the airstrip.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organise minibuses or charter vehicles for group travel between Suva, Natovi jetty and Levuka, and for events, tours and island excursions across Lomaiviti.