Guide to Fiji’s Largest Islands
Fiji is made up of 333 islands, The country has an estimated population of 860,000 people, with over 70% of them living in Fiji’s main island known as Viti Levu.While it would take a long time to list them all, we list the biggest Islands in Fiji and a guide about these islands.
Vitu Levu
Image courtesy of Fiji Travel
Viti Levu is the biggest island in Fiji and houses more than 600,000 people. The Fijian capital is also found on the island. The island has it’s current formation from a series of geographical events where it was submerged in the sea and buried under massive amounts of lava and volcanic materials. The eastern side of the island experiences heavy rainfall, while the western side is drier most of the time. On the west side of the island, sugarcane production is more dominant while dairy industries and cattle ranching are more prominent on the eastern side. Mount Tomanivi (Mount Victoria), is the highest peak in the country and rises to 1,324 meters. Unique insects such as the Giant Fijian long-horned beetle are only found in this island.
Vanua Levu
Image courtesy of Fiji Travel
Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji with an area of 5,587 square kilometers. It is located 64 kilometers to the north of Viti Levu. The island’s population centers around main towns such as Labasa in the north and Savusavu at the foot of the peninsula. The island is popular with tourists who enjoy diving and yachting. The economy of Vanua Levu is driven by the sugar production industries and tourism.
Taveuni
Taveuni is the 3rd largest island in Fiji. Known as the Garden Island for good reason: Lush jungle, gorgeous beaches, secluded waterfalls and abundant wildlife make Taveuni an eco-tourist’s dream. Fiji’s third largest island is separated from Vanua Levu by the Somosomo Strait. The island is between 10 and 14 kilometres (6 and 9 miles) wide and 42 km (26 mi) long. The island had a population of around 19,000, some 75 percent of them indigenous Fijians. Taveuni has abundant flora and is known as the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’. It is a popular tourist destination. Taveuni is spectacularly scenic with lush flora and numerous waterfalls, while the southern town of Savusavu is Vanua Levu’s main visitor centre. Eco adventures can be enjoyed on these islands.
Kadavu
Image courtesy of Fiji Travel
Kadavu, the 4th largest island, has a total area of 450 square kilometers. It has an airport, a high school, a hospital, and a government station in the main administrative center of Vunisea. It has a population of over 10,000 in the most recent census. Tourism is the main industry here and offers many employment opportunities to the locals. The reef at Kadavu (pronounced kan-davu) is a prime dive site with drop-offs, underwater caves and walls and a rich array of coral and marine life. There are also kayaking safaris.
Gau
Gau is the the 5th largest island in Fiji. A 5,200 hectares (13,000 acres) area covering the entire forested interior (just over 50% of the entire island) is the Gau Highlands Important Bird Area. It has one airstrip at Lovu at the southern tip of the island. The island has plenty of beautiful flora and fauna and is surrounded by clear blue waters. As long as you love the outdoors, you will love spending your next holiday relaxing on the beaches, hiking in the wilderness and enjoying all the fantastic outdoor activities and fun things to do in Gau Island.
Ovalau
Ovalau is the 6th largest island in Fiji. The island is about 13 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide. It covers a total area of 106.4 square kilometers and has a population of around 9,100, approximately. It is rugged with little flat land. There is one road which circles the island. However, between the villages of Rukuruku and Buresala the road is little more than a track, as travel between these points is uncommon, most traffic being directed from these two villages to Levuka. Levuka Airport, which handles twice-daily Air Fiji flights to and from Suva is located on the west of the island, next to the Bureta District School compound. Transport around the island is mainly by carrier. There is one bus service, which runs once daily from the west of Ovalau to Levuka in the morning, and returns at 5pm, and is mainly used by schoolchildren.
Koro
Koro is a volcanic island of Fiji that forms part of the Lomaiviti Archipelago. It is the 7th largest island in Fiji. The island has an airport, situated on its eastern coast. Forestry and timber logging are the major economic activities. The island has several small medical stations and schools up to High school. A Western Union and a post office are also on the island.
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