Lomaiviti Islands
Go BackHistoric, Nautical, Cultural
Sitting to the east of Viti Levu, the Lomaiviti Islands are steeped in history, maritime tradition, and cultural richness. Scattered across a swathe of turquoise ocean, the group includes Ovalau — home to Fiji’s former capital, Levuka — and several smaller islands where community life and seafaring heritage remain central. This is a region for event planners seeking to blend historical depth with coastal beauty, appealing to guests who value authenticity as much as scenery.
Levuka, on Ovalau Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric towns in the Pacific. Its colonial architecture, old wharf buildings, and preserved streetscape tell the story of Fiji’s early European settlement and trade. As an event setting, Levuka offers something rare: the ability to stage celebrations, conferences, or cultural festivals in a place where history is not just preserved but lived. Heritage halls, restored churches, and seafront gardens provide unique venues, while the local community’s involvement can bring authentic Fijian hospitality into every aspect of an event.
For heritage-themed events, Levuka shines. Organisers can design itineraries that combine daytime seminars in heritage buildings with evening meke performances on the seafront. Weddings here might incorporate a church ceremony followed by a reception in a historic hall, complete with tropical flower arrangements and fresh seafood menus. The town’s walkability means guests can explore between scheduled activities, dipping into local cafés and craft shops.
Beyond Levuka, the Lomaiviti Islands offer secluded beaches, deep-water anchorages, and villages where traditional boatbuilding and fishing techniques are still practised. Yachting regattas and sailing events are a natural fit for the region, with anchor points across Ovalau, Wakaya, and Koro. For smaller groups, island-hopping cruises can combine business meetings with diving, snorkelling, and cultural visits.
Koro Island is a standout for nature retreats and community-based gatherings. Known for its fertile soils and lush landscapes, Koro has an eco-conscious population and is home to initiatives focused on sustainable living and reforestation. For wellness retreats, yoga sessions on hilltop clearings with panoramic sea views are unforgettable, while educational workshops can engage with local farmers and conservationists. Event menus here often highlight farm-to-table dining, with coconuts, papayas, taro, and freshly caught fish forming the core of feasts.
The Lomaiviti group is also a prime stage for marine conservation events. The surrounding waters teem with coral reefs, marine life, and migratory whale routes. Conferences or workshops on marine biology, eco-tourism, or sustainable fishing can take advantage of both the setting and the expertise of local guides and organisations. Field trips to observe reef health or participate in mangrove planting make for memorable and impactful activities.
Accommodation options range from heritage guesthouses in Levuka to boutique resorts on outer islands. Many properties embrace Fiji’s maritime character, with décor inspired by nautical heritage and menus reflecting the ocean’s bounty. A chartered yacht can double as both transport and accommodation for mobile events across the island group.
Cultural immersion remains one of Lomaiviti’s greatest assets. Visitors can join village feasts cooked in lovo earth ovens, learn traditional canoe carving, or watch skilled fishermen work with handlines and nets as they have for generations. These experiences can be woven seamlessly into event itineraries, giving guests a sense of connection that goes far beyond the event itself.
Access to the Lomaiviti Islands typically begins with a short flight or ferry from Suva to Levuka, followed by boat transfers to smaller islands. While this extra step adds to travel time, it also filters arrivals to those seeking the region’s genuine, unhurried charm.
Best suited for:
- Heritage and cultural festivals in Levuka
- Sailing and yachting regattas with multi-island itineraries
- Community-based events and educational workshops on Koro
- Marine conservation conferences with practical field activities
- Intimate weddings in historic and coastal settings