Kadavu & Southern Islands
Go BackUntouched, Adventurous, Authentic
The Kadavu & Southern Islands offer an unspoilt, rugged slice of Fiji far from the main tourist trails. Situated south of Viti Levu, the main island of Kadavu and its surrounding smaller islets, including Ono Island, are defined by their wild coastlines, verdant rainforests, and proximity to the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. This is a destination where nature takes centre stage and events unfold in a setting that feels truly remote yet warmly welcoming.
Kadavu Island itself is renowned for its pristine diving and marine conservation. The island’s minimal road network means most travel is by boat, giving guests an immediate sense of adventure and exclusivity. Event planners can leverage this remoteness for intimate gatherings, eco-focused workshops, and adventure-themed corporate retreats. Imagine a wellness group greeting the sunrise with yoga on a hidden beach, or a marine science symposium where reef surveys form part of the hands-on agenda.
The Great Astrolabe Reef is a defining feature, providing spectacular opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and underwater photography. Marine biologists, conservation NGOs, or adventure sports organisers can create events where the reef is both classroom and playground. Post-dive, beachfront lodges and eco-resorts serve freshly caught seafood and produce grown in lush inland valleys.
Inland, Kadavu’s forested interior and bird-rich highlands make it a natural choice for eco-tourism and conservation events. Groups can trek to waterfalls, visit village schools, or take part in tree-planting projects that align with sustainability goals. Cultural immersion is equally rich here, with villages welcoming visitors for meke dances, lovo feasts, and traditional storytelling sessions. These can be woven into weddings, conferences, or creative retreats for a distinctly Fijian flavour.
Ono Island, smaller and even more secluded, is ideal for remote retreats and small group escapes. Accessible only by boat, it offers total seclusion — perfect for intimate weddings, high-level executive meetings, or artist residencies. White-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral gardens surround the island, while modest resorts and private villas offer exclusive buyouts for event privacy. Ono is especially suited to holistic wellness events, thanks to its tranquillity and the gentle rhythm of island life. Activities like guided reef snorkels, sunset kayak paddles, and open-air dinners under star-filled skies create a relaxed but unforgettable event atmosphere.
The Kadavu region is also emerging as a hub for adventure sports events, particularly sea kayaking and sailing regattas. Its natural harbour points, reef passages, and island-to-island paddling routes are among the most scenic in Fiji. Combining competitive or leisure-based water sports with cultural and environmental engagement makes for a distinctive and marketable event product.
Accommodation options in Kadavu and its southern islands are typically eco-conscious and small-scale, reinforcing the destination’s sustainable ethos. Event menus often feature reef-to-table dining, where freshly caught fish is paired with tropical fruits and root crops grown in local gardens. These culinary touches, combined with genuine community interaction, make gatherings feel both personal and culturally connected.
Access to Kadavu is via a short domestic flight from Nadi or Suva, followed by boat transfers to outlying islands such as Ono. While travel logistics require more planning than mainland destinations, the reward is a location where every guest feels like they’ve discovered their own private corner of Fiji.
Best suited for:
- Marine conservation retreats and educational workshops
- Adventure sports events such as kayaking or sailing
- Wellness retreats and holistic gatherings in secluded settings
- Eco-focused corporate getaways and sustainability programmes
- Small, intimate weddings with exclusive use of boutique resorts