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Viti Levu

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Viti Levu can be considered 'the buried land' as it has spent much of its life submerged in either water or lava. The island eventually chipped and broke its way through and resulted in the perfectly symmetrical shape that it is now. This is an island where there is truly something for everybody whether you are looking for a resort-style vacation, plentiful cane fields that make up much of the island's industry, and quaint villages. Of course one of the most valuable resources on this picturesque island is one that holds true for the entire country of Fiji and that is the people's friendliness.

Areas

Viti Levu is a very large island and therefore is generally divided into four different sections. These are Nadi, Suva, Rakiraki, and the Coral Coast. Nadi is the most popular spot for tourists as this is where most of the island's hotels and its close proximity to the airport. The roads can be a bit rougher here than in other areas however the beaches are surprisingly somewhat unpopulated. The weather on this part of the island is also very temperate and calm, which is also a draw for visitors. The Coral Coast is probably the second favorite stop among visitors and is very close to Nadi. Though the name sounds very romantic, the actual coral coast is filled mainly with dead coral and can be an unpleasant sight. The beaches here are also not recommended for swimming due to the conditions of the water. However, in this area of the island you will find many world-class resorts and will be able to take a few trips into the rain forest!

Suva has weather that is a bit damper than that of Nadi however it is the capital of Fiji, making it an attractive place for tourists to visit. Suva remains the capital as well for arts and culture but it has also recently been making its way onto the business and academic side of Fiji. Rakiraki is probably the least visited area of the island and it lies on the northern part. It is often left unexplored as the roads are quite rough, almost to the point of undeveloped and it is quite farther away from some of the more visited areas of the island. However, the scenery in this part of Viti Levu is something you have to see to believe so the more adventurous type will probably find the trek well worth it!

Weather

Because it is situated within the Tropic of Capricorn, Viti Levu is a very hot and humid climate with the sun appearing in full force for most of the year. The country's summer season is during the months of November through March and it is during this time that the weather becomes very hot and very humid. It is also during this time that the weather can change rapidly and a calm day can turn into a tropical storm, which can bring cyclones. The months between May and September are usually quite a bit drier and at times can cause areas of drought.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	80	80	80	78	76	74	73	73	74	75	77	79
C	27	27	27	26	24	23	23	23	23	24	25	26

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	11.4	10.7	14.5	12.2	10.1	6.7	4.9	8.3	7.7	8.3	9.8	12.5
CM	29	27.2	36.8	31	25.7	17	12.4	21.1	19.6	21.1	24.9	31.8

Getting There

By Plane

Because Viti Levu is an island, most visitors will arrive by way of Nadi International Airport, which is not only a gateway to the island but also a place where the tourism begins right away and there is just about any vendor or service available that you could need! You will also notice right away the friendliness of the people as there are often bands and such set up to sing, play and dance all in an attempt to welcome visitors!

Getting Around

Getting around this massive island will take some time so if you're planning on seeing it in its entirety, it's best to plan and prepare so you don't miss any of it or are too rushed to enjoy it.

By Car

There is one main road that lies along the cost of Viti Levu and while you could drive around the entire island in one day, it would not be a pleasant experience and certainly not one that you could enjoy what you were seeing. It is however, worth reserving two or three days out of your trip to do this. It's truly a unique way to see the island! Don't be confused while driving; this road is actually divided into two sections: Queen's Road and King's Road.

Public Transportation

There is also a public bus transportation system in most of the areas of the island and this is certainly the cheapest way to travel and see the different areas. An added bonus to this type of travel is that you will get to see how the locals really live and will be able to talk and mingle with the friendly folks! An express bus is also available to connect the four main areas of the island together.

On Foot

While you are in some areas, and certainly resort areas, you should be able to see everything you want walking on foot.

Food & Dining

Viti Levu is covered with many small cafes and restaurants where you can find many of the island's delicacies. Entrees often include some of the freshest fruit of whatever is in season and this same fruit can be found in many farmers' markets both in local and tourist areas. Being the largest island in Fiji, there are many areas of coast from which the locals catch some of the finest in the sea to serve throughout the island. The island has three main specialties. The first is paulsami, which is made from marinating baked taro leaves in lemon and coconut milk. Sometimes, meat such as lamb, pork, or fish is added along with onion and garlic. Kokoda is a similar dish but it is instead fish or another type of seafood that is marinated in lemon and coconut milk. Anything baked in a lovo, which is a pit oven, is also considered a specialty in Viti Levu.

Beaches

Natadola Beach (Sand beach) Location: Sigatoka Here at Natadola Beach you will find some of the whitest sand you will ever see and while the blazing sun is bright and hot, there are also many trees available that will loan their shade so you can cool down. Visit one of the horses for hire and trot along the coast at sunset -- there is truly nothing like it! There are child, beginner, and advanced horseback rides available so everyone can take part in the fun and if you feel like taking a dip, you can go pretty far out before it gets too deep for wading.

Denerau Beach (Sand beach) Location: In Nadi These waters are so warm that it's not hard to see why many believe that they have healing powers. One of the most popular beaches in Viti Levu because it caters to tourists with the resort-lined shore, there are many amenities such as boutiques and cafes nearby. Take a long walk along the miles of soft sand, stop for a game of volleyball, or take a dip, you'll sure to find something to suit your fancy at Denerau Beach!

Sights & Activities

Tomb of Udre Udre

Be sure to bring your bravery as you go to visit this tomb that belongs to the former tribal chief, Udre Udre, who was also a cannibal. If you count the stones that lay outside of his tomb, there are 872; each stone to represent one of his victims.

Adventures in Paradise Fiji

Don't let the advertising of this tourist attraction fool you. Although it totes itself as a waterfall, this is actually where tourists come to find out about ancient folklore, superstitions, ancient herbal remedies, and old practices of witchcraft. The waterfall that is used to market this area is especially beautiful and the lagoon at the bottom practically beckons you to take a swim. The guides following you on your adventure will also encourage you to take a therapeutic dip as they teach you how to husk a coconut while serving you tropical fruit.

Kula Eco Park

This park is a must-see on your visit to Viti Levu and houses some of the most amazing wildlife on earth. Not only will you be able to see rare birds and fruit bats hiding amongst the tall trees but you will also have the chance to hold iguanas, feed sea turtles and hang onto a snake if you dare!

Fiji Museum

History buffs may be interested in visiting this tourist attraction as there are many artifacts and remnants from the Fiji that was known over 3500 years ago. Here you can look through the many different displays and wander around absorbing all of the very interesting facts. This is a great activity to put on your itinerary should you get caught in a tropical storm!