Levuka has a way of slowing you down before you even realise it. Set on the eastern shore of Ovalau Island, this small seaside town was once Fiji’s first capital and remains one of the country’s most historic places. Rows of timber buildings from another era line Beach Street, facing the sea much as they did more than a century ago. Life here moves at an easy pace, shaped by the tides, the hills behind the town, and the close-knit community that still calls Levuka home.
Ovalau Island and a Town with Deep Roots
Ovalau is part of the Lomaiviti Group, located east of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. It is a green volcanic island with steep ridges, quiet villages, and calm bays edged by reef. The island feels settled and lived in, shaped by generations of families who know the land and sea well. Levuka sits gently between the shoreline and the hills, and its small size makes it easy to explore on foot. The town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not because it is grand, but because it has kept its shape, its buildings, and its stories largely intact.
Most visitors reach Levuka by ocean, usually taking a scenic bus to Natovi Jetty, just outside Suva near Nausori, and then a ferry to Levuka Wharf. Small plane flights to Ovalau are also possible but less common.
Walking Through Living History
A walk along Beach Street is the best way to get to know Levuka. Many of the buildings date back to the 1800s and once housed shops, boarding houses, and the site of some of Fiji’s first institutions, including early banks and even a newspaper, marking the town as the centre of trade in its day. The Sacred Heart Church, with its well-known clock tower, still stands as a landmark for the town and the bay.
One of Levuka’s most familiar walks is the climb up the 99 Steps to Mission Hill. The path passes old mission buildings and homes, leading to wide views across the town and out to sea. From here, Levuka’s layout is easy to see, the curve of the shoreline, the wharf, and the close connection between land and water. Nearby Nasova Village marks the place where the Deed of Cession was signed in 1874, a key moment in Fiji’s history that still shapes the nation today.
PAFCO and Everyday Life in Levuka
At the edge of the town sits PAFCO, the tuna processing factory that has operated in Levuka since the 1970s. While not a visitor attraction, it plays an important role in local life. For many families on Ovalau, PAFCO provides steady work and remains part of the town’s modern story, showing that Levuka is both historic and lived in.
The Levuka Market hums with activity as locals sell fresh produce, seafood, and artisan crafts, giving the old capital a sense of daily life and community rhythm.
While Levuka is a small town, it continues to sustain itself and its people. In recent years, new learning opportunities have reached the island, with tertiary level courses available locally and online through the University of Fiji in areas such as maritime studies, giving residents on Ovalau and nearby islands more reasons to stay, study, and build their future close to home.
Time for the Sea and Diving
Levuka also offers time on the water. The surrounding reefs and bays are suitable for snorkelling and diving, with coral gardens and reef fish found close to shore. Local operators can arrange boat trips for diving in Levuka waters and nearby passages, making it an easy addition to a visit without travelling far.
Getting Around Levuka and Ovalau
Levuka is small and quiet. You will not find traffic jams here. One of the best ways to experience Ovalau is to take a leisurely drive around the island, either on your own or with a local tour operator, to discover its villages, farms, bays, and scenic ridges.
Things to Keep in Mind
Levuka is best enjoyed slowly. Plans may shift with weather or ferry schedules, and shops and services follow local rhythms. When visiting villages, churches, or community spaces, dress modestly and ask before taking photos. Respect for the town and its people is part of the experience.
For First Timers and Return Visitors
First time visitors often enjoy the simple pleasures of Levuka, morning walks, local bakeries, and conversations with residents who are happy to share their stories. Those returning for the fifth time or more often come back for the feeling rather than the sights. Each visit reveals something new, a detail missed before, a familiar face, or a quiet moment by the sea.
EXPLORE Fiji photo.
Where to Stay
Levuka Listings on EXPLORE Fiji – https://explorefijionline.com/place-city/levuka-ovalau/
Accommodation in Levuka is modest and welcoming, with guesthouses and homestays offering a close connection to town life. Staying locally allows you to experience Levuka fully, from early morning sounds to calm evenings by the water.
Levuka continues to captivate not through spectacle, but through its steady presence and strong sense of place. It is a town that stays with you, long after you leave Ovalau.
Story curated by EXPLORE Fiji, bringing local places and stories to life.
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