Vanua Levu Vacation and Travel Guide

Vanua Levu, or “great land of the people,” is the second largest of the Fiji islands. Although not as many visit this island as they visit the largest island of Viti Levu, there is still much to do and see, plus you can get away from the tourist crowds. Vanua Levu is home to around 20% of Fiji’s population and is largely used for growing sugarcane.

A few sights you can see here are lush tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, and, within its beautiful seas, rich coral reef systems and other various forms of marine life. Vanua Levu also has a good transportation system, so it is quite easy to get around and explore the island. The majority of the population on Vanua Levu is centered around the towns of Savusavu and Labasa. The island is home to numerous rivers, including the Wailevu, Labasa and Qawa. Vanua Levu is an excellent area to visit if you want to see great places and lovely sights without the crowds.

Savusavu

Savusavu is a scenic town where you can see copra plantations, white-sand beaches and the gorgeous Savusavu Bay. It is world-renowned for its diving because of its rich marine life and is the most popular of the areas on Vanua Levu among tourists. Besides diving, it is also a great area for snorkeling, sailing and fishing. In addition, it is a popular transit point for ferries and flights to other islands, so this town is a great location for those seeking to explore other remote areas in Fiji as well.  

Labasa

Labasa is the largest city on Vanua Levu and is a major area for Fiji’s sugar industry. It is a lovely countryside town covered with rolling hills and sugarcane. The population of this city is largely Indian in origin, consisting of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. The Wasavula Ceremonial Site is the main tourist attraction in Labasa, located in the southern part of the town.

Vanua Levu facts

Area: 5,587.1 sq km (2,157 sq mi)
Length: 180 km (110 mi)
Width:  50 km (31 mi)
Population: 130,607
Population Density: 23.27/sq km (60.3/sq mi)
Ethnic Groups:  Mainly Native Fijians and Indo-Fijians
Highest Point: Mt. Batini (1,111 meters, or 3,650 ft)