You won’t believe how peaceful and untouched Kadavu in Fiji is. It’s like a secret you’ll be glad you discovered. Let me tell you about some amazing things you can do there that’ll stick with you forever.

If you’re there with your family, the snorkeling is a must. The coral reefs are alive with so many colors and fish, and the water is unbelievably clear. It’s like you’re all floating in a huge, natural fish tank.

Are you visiting with your special someone? You’ve got to find one of those hidden beaches. There’s a lot of them, and they’re perfect for a quiet day to just chill with your partner. It’s super romantic and feels like you’ve got a piece of paradise all to yourselves.

Now, if you love trying new foods, you’ll enjoy the local Fijian dishes. Don’t skip the kava ceremony – it’s a real cultural experience. The food is full of unique flavors that match the island’s vibe.

Worried about spending too much? Kadavu’s got your back. Take a hike through the green rainforests, and you won’t need to spend a dime. You might even spot a waterfall or some rare birds, which is pretty cool.

The thing about Kadavu is, it’s not just about what you do, but how you feel while doing it. The laid-back lifestyle, the stunning nature, and the friendly people make the whole experience super special. You’ll carry that feeling with you long after you’re back home.

The 16 Best Things To Do In Kadavu, Fiji

1. Paddle Out in a Kayak or Outrigger Canoe

I had an amazing time kayaking over the crystal-clear waters around Kadavu. It’s like you’re floating on glass and can see all the marine life just beneath you.

The most of the resorts let you use kayaks for free, which is pretty awesome. I stayed at Matana Beach Resort, and it was perfect for paddling out to those hidden beaches and beautiful lagoons.

It’s definitely an experience I’d recommend to anyone looking for a little adventure and some tranquility.

Oneta Resort has fun mangrove forests to explore at high tide, while Waisamlima Beach Resort has some picturesque nearby bays to discover.

It makes a great way to explore the coast with kids, where you can find more recommendations like this in 10 Things To Do on Kadavu with Kids.

There’s also the option to be guided to remote villages, reefs, and islands on an outrigger canoe tour with Astrolabe Reef Outrigger Adventures on full-day and multi-day trips around Kadavu.

2.Go game fishing

Several fish world records are caught in Kadavu’s waters – the International Game Fishing Association has caught some. 

Sailfish can be found on most reef edges from June to September. Overcrowded packs of wahoo hang out around the reef edges, and mahimahi, giant trevally, and blue marlin can be seen all year round.

Bite Me Gamefishing Charters, located at Matava Lodge on Kadavu’s southeast coast, will ensure visitors a satisfying fishing experience at every time of year. 

“Superb blue water game fishing awaits you around the Great Astrolabe Barrier Reef, oceanic pinnacles, 4,000-metre-deep (13,000ft) trenches, and nearby seamounts,” says O’Brien.

3. Exploring the great Astrolabe Reef

The Great Astrolabe Reef is the most prominent attraction on Kadavu Island.

This reef runs parallel to Kadavu’s southern shore and arcs north-east past Ono Island until it reaches Buliya Island – the perfect snorkeling spot for manta rays.

Great Astrolabe Reef, named after the French ship Astrolabe, is home to big fish, including tuna, marlin, giant trevally, and sharks. 

The gaps in coral reefs can have strong currents; however, these currents also carry plenty of nutrients, which sustain the entire food chain, from coral to reef fish to large fish. 

Divers can experience big fish action as they explore places like Naiqoro Passage, where they can enjoy soft coral-covered walls against a backdrop of colorful soft coral. 

Ono and Buliya are two of the gentler sites around Kadavu, offering encounters with mantas and other aquatic species in shallower, sheltered waters. 

In addition to the Pacific Voyager Wreck, located on the island, there is also the Muto Marine Protected Area and the Great Astrolabe Reef, which are accessible from the island’s resorts.

Kadavu’s remoteness means resorts are run sustainably, with eco-friendly yet comfortable (and sometimes luxurious) facilities, and much of the food served comes from local farmers.

4. Bird Watching

Kadavu’s diverse birdlife is among its many attractions, from a brightly colored endemic parrot to flocks of rowdy seabirds. Unleash your inner Attenborough on a birding quest through the island’s dense rainforests, mangrove warrens, and muddy coastal flats to observe some of these beautiful birds up close.

To the uninitiated, spending hours scanning the canopy for sightings of rare birds is not particularly exciting. But birders know that their unusual hobby often leads them to some pretty exotic places.

Kadavu is one such place. Fiji’s bird fauna is small, and Kadavu supports only a fraction of the country’s 81 land and freshwater bird species. But their rarity and vulnerable population sizes are precisely why you should visit.

Kadavu’s Endemic Birds

At the top of your Kadavu birding list should be its 4 endemics. Here’s a rundown of the island’s avian stars.

Kadavu Shining Parrot (Prosopeia splendens)

Fiji’s flamboyant shining musk parrots are a clutter of vivid blues, reds, yellows, and greens. The Kadavu species differs slightly from its close cousins by a crimson head and breast with an attractive blue-collar on its nape. The bird’s brilliant red feathers were at the center of a booming trade with Tonga and Samoa in the 1800s which has thankfully ceased. Flocks of this noisy bird can be found feasting on seeds, fruits, and flower buds in forests and farms.

Kadavu Honeyeater (Xanthotis provocator)

Cloaked in a drab olive-brown coat, the Kadavu honeyeater is easily mistaken for Fiji’s Spotted honeyeater. The bird’s light green eye patch is the best way to tell them apart.

Kadavu Fantail (Rhipidura personata)

The absence of 3 small spots on its exposed fantail differentiates this small bird from the closely related Streaked fantail in the rest of Fiji. Look for the Kadavu version in lowland coastal forests, where it is usually foraging for insects.

Kadavu Whistling Dove (Chrysoenas layardi)

The Kadavu whistling dove is the most primitive of Fiji’s trio of striking ‘golden doves.’ Their yellow-head and velvety green plumage make them hard to see in the forest, but you’ll instantly locate them by their distinctive whistle.

Native Birds

While you’re out and about, keep an eye out for other Fijian endemic birds that call Kadavu home, like the Fiji Goshawk, Peale’s ‘barking’ pigeon, the Collared Lory, and several others. Fergus Clunies’ Birds of the Fiji Bush’ is an excellent resource if you’d like to learn more.

Seabirds

Kadavu is also a haven for seabirds and shearwaters; petrels, terns, herons, and frigates can be spotted roaming remote coastal flats and small islets. Tiny, uninhabited Yabu island (‘Birdland’) just north of Ono island is Fiji’s largest booby rookeries. One of the best experiences on Ono is a sunset cruise to the island where you’ll see the sky darken with hundreds of red-footed and brown boobies returning from the hunt to roost for the night.

5.Swim with Manta Rays

Floating among these gentle filter-feeding giants is a bucket-list experience that has to be done in Kadavu. 

While feeding or hovering above a reef cleaning station, watching these majestic creatures perform graceful somersaults is both calming and fascinating.  

Kadavu is the most popular reef site in Fiji for swimming with manta rays, and you can get your fix off eastern Ono Island or Kadavu’s south coast. 

6.Kayak around Kadavu’s wild coast

Set off around the island in an outrigger canoe, a sea kayak, or an outrigger and guide to explore lonely lagoons, remote villages, and coral reefs up close with a mask and snorkel. 

“The Great Astrolabe Reef protects the lagoons and islands of the Kadavu group from the ocean swell,” says Anthony Norris of local kayak company Tamarillo Active Travel. “This creates an ideal environment for sea-kayaking.”

Tamarillo Active Travel and Astrolabe Reef Outrigger Canoes offer a range of itineraries ranging from one to ten days, which include stays in various resorts around the island. 

On most tours, guests will paddle two to four hours per day at their own pace; there are always support boats available for paddlers needing a break!

7.Tour an Organic Farm

I had such a great time eating on Kadavu, it’s like all their meals come straight from the farm or the ocean – that’s probably why everything tasted incredibly fresh! I got curious about how they live sustainably on the island, and it turns out, I wasn’t the only one; lots of folks end up getting hooked on the topic.

So, I asked around and got to go on this casual tour of the local farms. Over at Matava Resort, they showed me this cool organic garden where they grow their own food, and they even have their own beekeeping thing going on to make honey. It’s pretty awesome to see how they do it all.

For something a bit more organized, I checked out the Farm Tour on Kokomo Private Island. They walked us through their gardens and explained how they grow all sorts of fruits and veggies.

Plus, they have bees and chickens, and they take care of them right there on the island. It was super interesting to learn about all that stuff first-hand.

8. Hike Hidden Trails

If the coral reefs didn’t grab your attention, wait until you see the rainforests inland. I took a hike to the stunning Kavala Bay waterfall recently. The path wound through the most beautiful forests and past some really quaint villages – it’s a great way to get your fill of nature.

I stumbled upon this trail on Kadavu’s northeast coast, and let me tell you, the views were nothing short of amazing. And guess what? You can even hike across the island for a whole day with a guide if you’re up for it. It’s a bit of a hidden treasure, but totally worth the trek.

9. Experience local lifestyles on the island of Dravuni

Similar to Moana’s tropical island, Dravuni has a beach and a river:

• White beaches
• There’s a baby volcano to climb.
• The area is only 0.8 square kilometers (0.3 square miles).
• A population of just 125 people

There are no resorts, but some village families offer homestays, which are worth it if you want to sample traditional foods like fresh fish, coconut, and taro and learn about village life. 

They make and sell gorgeous floor mats made of pandanus palm. The souvenirs are gorgeous. 

“The sea color was amazing, just beautiful,” says visiting photographer Kevin Walker. “It is one of the Pacific’s most unspoiled destinations.”

10.Hit Kadavu’s Epic Surf Breaks

If you’re into surfing and looking for some space to catch waves, Kadavu in Fiji is a real gem. Trust me, the breaks here are super chill and not crowded at all.

I had a blast surfing at King Kong Left – the waves can get pretty big, like up to 8 feet! And there’s this spot called Typhoon Ally; it’s the go-to for a steady surf.

But hey, just a heads-up, the waves around Kadavu can be pretty intense. So, it’s best for surfers who’ve got some experience under their belt. If that’s you, you’re going to have an epic time!

Surf trips can be organized, including board rentals, from Kokomo Private Island, about a 45–90-minute boat ride from the breaks.

Alternatively, Matava Island makes a good base if you have your gear, offering 3-hour surf boat trips to breaks only 10-20 minutes away.

11.Take part in a Yaqona Ceremony

The traditional drink Yaqona (pronounced ‘yangona’ and known in other Pacific areas as ‘kava’) is often taken to make peace and settle arguments. 

Using the Piper methysticum plant’s roots, water is mixed with a grayish liquid similar to dishwater. The liquid acts as a mild relaxant and can numb the lips and tongue.

Visitors to Kadavu will likely be invited to a yaqona circle at certain points and given a coconut-shell bowl, referred to as a bilo, of the bitter drink. 

In Fiji, the custom is to clap once, say “Bula!” (hello/good health in Fijian), drain the bilo all at once, then clap three more times, then say “maca” (which means “finished”).

Visitors are advised not to drink too much Yaqona – and not try to drink their seasoned Fijian counterparts under the table!

12. Attend Sunday Church

The culture of Kadavu is distinctively conservative, and churches play a significant role. 

Services will be in Fijian but are worth attending for the congregation’s beautiful singing in multi-part harmony and to see everyone’s white Sunday best (especially impressive in a place without washing machines! ). 

“The power of their music will captivate you, and you won’t want the singing to end,” describes O’Brien.

One of the biggest challenges might be choosing which church to attend as the area is home to various Christian denominations. For example, there are Catholics, Methodists, Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists, and Assemblies of God. 

Visitors should confirm that they are allowed to attend and dress appropriately in clothes covering shoulders and knees.

13. Get Out on the water on a Romantic Sunset Cruise

If you’re having a couple’s retreat in Kadava, you just can’t skip a cruise when the sky’s at its prettiest. I had the best time on a sunset cruise at Kokomo Island. It’s this cozy spot where the crew takes you and your partner on a lovely sail around the area.

They even serve yummy snacks and drinks while you’re on board. It feels super special and romantic. Oh, and Matana Beach Resort offers these sunset cruises too. You should definitely check it out!

14.Enjoy a Secluded Beach Getaway

Kadavu is this hidden gem that’s perfect for unwinding. If you’re looking to really get away from it all, picture yourself on a secret beach or a little island that’s off the radar.

I remember when I stayed at Papageno Resort with my family. It was like we had our own slice of paradise, with a gorgeous beach we could only get to by boat.

And then there’s Ono Island. It’s got these cozy spots on the beach where you can go snorkeling, cast a line for some fishing, or just paddle around in a kayak. I had a blast exploring around in a kayak and finding my own little private beach to chill on.

It’s like stepping into a whole other world where you can just be present with nature and the people you care about. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure.

15.Try a Traditional Fijian Lovo

If you’re a food lover and find yourself in Kadavu, you’ve got to try the local Lovo. It’s this cool way of cooking where they wrap the food in banana leaves and cook it underground on hot stones. Trust me, it’s delicious – everything comes out tender and smoky.

It’s not just about the food, though. It’s a whole vibe. You hang out, sip on kava, which is this traditional Fijian drink, and you can’t help but get into the spirit when everyone starts singing Fijian songs. It’s a blast.

Places like Oneta Resort, Papageno Resort, and Matana Beach Resort do a Lovo night once a week. Definitely worth planning your trip around it to catch one. It’s such a unique and fun experience – you’ll love it!

16.Visit One of Kadavu’s Exciting Waterfalls

I’ve discovered some resorts that are a treasure trove for nature lovers like me. Just a 3.5km walk from Papageno Resort, I found the beautiful Malawai Falls. It’s an easy hike and so worth it. There’s also Waisalima Beach Resort, where they organize guided hikes to a hidden waterfall. It’s a little adventure that adds so much to the stay.

For those stays where you can’t just stroll to a waterfall, resorts like Oneta have something special too. They set up boat trips that glide through lush mangrove forests leading to this stunning 30ft waterfall that’s just pouring down a volcanic ridge. It’s a whole different experience, but equally memorable.

What are the best walks in Kadavu, Fiji?

Kadavu surely is a hiker’s paradise. With fewer than 30 vehicles on the island’s very limited roads, the way most locals get around is by boat or by hiking.

Along Kadavu’s coast and throughout the lush rainforest interior are a network of trails that villagers have been using to get between villages for centuries.

Trails are often rough, only maintained by the occasional wack of a cane knife, but they certainly provide a real tropical adventure. Check out some of the guided and self-guided walks on Kadavu in the list below!

• Teitei Walk
• Malawai Waterfall Hike
• Kadavu Trail
• Vatalutu Trails
• Naikorokoro Cascades Trail
• Kavala Bay Waterfall Trail
•  Matana Beach Resort to Papageno Resort
• Namuana Village Waterfall Walk

What are the best resorts in Kadavu?

In the southern reaches of Fiji, Kadavu is a hidden paradise dominated by beautiful species of birds and dense forests and waterfalls. 

It might be a little hard to get to, which is the whole point, but you will be well looked after by one of the eight all-inclusive resorts once you arrive. 

Although they may not all be five-star resorts, they boast more “rugged luxury” and authentic experiences. It’s the real Fiji waiting to be discovered, so check out this list of resorts on Kadavu.

• Waisalima Beach Resort & Dive Centre
• Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort
• Tiliva Resort
•  Papageno Resort
• Matana Beach Resort
• Kokomo Private Island
• Oneta Resort
• Matava Resort

What are the best hotels to stay in in Kadavu, Fiji?

The remote location of Kadavu is often described as the final frontier of Fiji because of its remoteness. 

Kadavu is much less developed than the other islands in Fiji, offering a more limited accommodation range. Rather than hotels, Kadavu offers guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. 

With this list of hotels on Kadavu, you’ll get a rundown of your options for staying on this island well worth visiting.

• Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort
• Papageno Resort
• Waisalima Beach Resort & Dive Centre
• Tiliva Resort
• Kokomo Private Island
• Matava Resort
• Oneta Resort
• Matana Beach Resort
• Kini’s BnB
• Navutovuto Accommodation

What romantic things to do in Kadavu?

Couples looking for a romantic getaway should consider Kadavu, one of Fiji’s lesser-known islands. 

This large island lies south of the mainland, Viti Levu, and is covered with lush vegetation, volcanic cliffs, and turquoise waters. Viti Levu is home to the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. 

The island offers everything from private island luxury to barefoot getaways where you can immerse yourself in the island’s local culture, wildlife, and rhythm in no time. 

No matter what type of getaway you’re looking for, from an outdoor wedding to an adventurous honeymoon, Kadavu offers something for everyone. 

• Runaway together to your secluded beach getaway
• Join together in a kayak as you paddle across the azure waters
• Enjoy a peaceful hike to a waterfall.
• Take a romantic sunset cruise on the water.
• Experience a couples massage or wellness class.
• Enjoy a romantic dinner at your resort.
• Get to know each other on a nature walk.
• Explore the Great Astrolabe Reef through scuba diving
• Take part in a game of tennis or beach volleyball.
• Become experts at doing absolutely nothing…

What best things to do in Kadavu for foodies?

You may want to spend all your time diving in the Great Astrolabe Reef, hiking to giant waterfalls in Kadavu village, and surfing King Kong Left, but you should also spend some time enjoying the foodie experiences. 

As part of the cultural immersion experience on this Fijian island, guests can sample the cuisine and practice hunting and gathering methods. 

Check out this list of things to do on Kadavu for foodies to excite your tastebuds and experience this Fiji island in an alternative way.

• Enjoy a Private Dining Experience with Your Loved One
• Sample “Sea-to-Table” and “Farm-to-Table” Dining
• Join a Herbal and Medicine Tour
• Visit a private island retreat for wellness cuisine
• Indulge in a Private Gourmet Beach Picnic
• Tour an Organic Farm
• Try a Traditional Fijian Lovo
• Catch Dinner on a Fishing Trip

What best fun things to do in Kadavu with Kids and family?

Despite being one of Fiji’s isolated outer islands, Kadavu surprises families with all that it has to offer. As one of the country’s outer islands, there’s a misconception that Kadavu doesn’t offer much to families. 

You can keep the whole family entertained while on your vacation, thanks to some fantastic family resorts in Kadavu. 

Whether your kids enjoy wildlife, watersports, culture, or discovering something new, there’s sure to be something for them on this list of things to do with kids in Kadavu…

• Take advantage of the babysitting services or kids’ club
• Look Out for Fiji’s Rarest Birds
• Introduce the Little Ones to Scuba Diving
• Teach the Youngsters How to Fish
• In a kayak, paddle out with your family.
• Enjoy a day of tennis, basketball, and more with your family.
• Float across the water in a banana boat or biscuit
• Snorkel at the Great Astrolabe Reef
• Walk to one of Kadavu’s Exciting Waterfalls
• Discover Fijian culture through arts and crafts

Best Things To Do In Kadavu, Fiji
1. Paddle Out in a Kayak or Outrigger Canoe
2. Go game fishing
3. Exploring the great astrolabe reef 4. Bird Watching
5. Swim with Manta Rays
6. Kayak around Kadavu’s wild coast
7. Tour an Organic Farm
8. Hike Hidden Trails
9. Experience local lifestyles on the islet of Dravuni
10. Hit Kadavu’s Epic Surf Breaks
11. Take part in a yaqona ceremony
12. Attend Sunday church
13. Get Out on the water on a Romantic Sunset Cruise
14. Enjoy a Secluded Beach Getaway
15. Try a Traditional Fijian Lovo
16. Visit One of Kadavu’s Exciting Waterfalls