Kadavu

An unspoiled corner of Fiji, Kadavu is a beautiful mountainous island with waterfalls, rounded hilltops, outstanding beaches and high rocky cliffs. It offers interesting bush walks, charming rockpools, luxuriant native trees and fascinating birdlife, particularly the famous red and green Kadavu parrots. Kadavu (pronounced Kahn-da-voo), has a population of approximately 8700 and lies only 88 kilometers south of Suva. Kadavu is approximately 48 kilometers in length and varies in width from 365 meters to 13 kilometers. Its area is 411 square kilometers, just a bit less than Taveuni. Kadavu has several high mountains and numerous precipitous cliffs. In short it is a rugged island with few roads, which makes water taxis the prime mode of transportation. The airport, a government station and a new hospital are located at the eastern end of the island in the village of Vunisea. From every corner your eye is met with spectacular views overlooking extensive coral reefs located just ten minutes off shore. Northeast of the main island is the smaller Ono Island and the fabulous Great Astrolabe Reef stretching halfway to Suva. It was named after Dumont d'Urville's ship Astrolabe which sailed past in 1827. The longest sandy beach on the island is at Ndru, an hour's walk north from Vunisea the largest of the island's 60 Fijian villages, situated on a narrow hilly isthmus where Ngalao Harbour and Namalata Bay almost cut Kadavu in half. Legend says that the women of Namuana village west of the airstrip could summon giant turtles up from the sea by singing traditional chants from a bluff 60 metres above the sea. The waters around Kadavu are one of Fiji's richest fishing grounds and home of the Pacific Blue Marlin, the Sailfish and Wahoo, Trevally and Coral Trout. You can hire a boat and dive from the offshore reefs of Malawai, visit the hard and soft corals in the Coral Gardens, or snorkel amongst the abundant tropical fish life inside Great Astrolobe Reef. Kadavu is the fourth largest island in the Fijian group, 100km south of Suva, reached by Air Fiji from Suva five times a week, or by Sunflower Airlines which flies Nadi-Kadavu daily. Boats arrive at Vunisea from Suva twice a week calling at villages along the north coast. Things to do: Diving is first class on this island and all the resorts have dive operations. Trekking to some degree, is also possible and overnight stays in villages can be negotiated through some of the resorts. Surfing, as mentioned above is can also be quite good but rather inconsistent compared to Tavarua and Na Motu. Bird life is rich and no doubt you'll spot a Kadavu Parrot while you're on the island. You'll also be offered kava, which is exceptionally strong on Kadavu. Finally, kayaking has become a big deal on Kadavu. A kayaking holiday combines the best elements of Fiji -- the natural beauty of the land and seascape plus the hospitality of the inhabitants. Though the scene is constantly changing to the best of my knowledge kayaking trips are available in Taveuni, Vanua Levu, Kadavu and the Yasawa Group. For a first person account of what it's like to go on a kayak trip check out Paddling Fiji's Kadavu Island. Kayak Kadavu, not surprisingly is based in Kadavu, Fiji's fourth largest island. Extremely remote, Kadavu is one of the least developed islands and has a spectacular array of bird life, including an indigenous parrot. Led by Michael and Melissa McCoy of Maui, Hawaii, they stress that the most important part of the experience is the cross-cultural dialogue with the Fijians. Travelers have the opportunity to visit villages, sip kava, watch a meke (traditional dance) and partake in a feast prepared in a lovo or underground oven. The tell me that they have a new route that starts at the top of Kadavu and follows the west shore. There are reportedly miles of perfect white sand beach, awesome calm waters, incredible sea shell collecting and a couple waterfalls. The kayak trip begins and ends at Dive Kadavu, a mid-range property located on a gorgeous beach. Guests may choose to cool their heels at the resort before or after the kayaking adventure. Where to Stay Accommodation includes plantation style hideaways, exclusive resorts, spacious traditional Fijian bures and dormitory share facilities. There are no restaurants at Vunisea, only a coffee shop at the airstrip which opens mornings only and there are two general stores selling canned goods. There are no banks so change enough money before coming. Visitors normally book package holidays which include accommodation and meals.