Free Lau Islands Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Lau Islands with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Lau Islands
Lau Islands photo 2
Lau Islands photo 3
All photos

Explore Fiji’s Lau Islands for remote lagoons, reef-fringed villages, traditional culture and carefully planned South Pacific journeys.

The Lau Islands form Fiji’s far-eastern island group, scattered across a wide expanse of the South Pacific between the main Fijian islands and Tonga. Rather than a single compact destination, Lau is an archipelago of limestone islands, volcanic peaks, reef-fringed islets and sheltered lagoons. Its distance from Fiji’s principal tourist centres is central to its character: visits require careful planning, suitable weather and sensitivity to communities where tourism remains limited.
Read more about Lau Islands
The islands differ markedly from one another. Lakeba, the administrative centre of the Lau Group, has a long history of chiefly authority, Christianity and interaction with Tonga. Vanua Balavu, in the northern Lau Islands, is known for the intricate sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, where forested limestone islets, mangrove edges and coral reefs create a remarkable seascape. Fulaga, in the south, is a low limestone island surrounded by a lagoon and scattered mushroom-shaped islets, while Cicia and Vanuavatu combine village life, agricultural land and reefs with a more modest visitor infrastructure.
Lau’s most compelling experiences are shaped by nature and community rather than by a dense programme of commercial attractions. Coastal exploration may include snorkelling, diving, kayaking, fishing and sailing, although conditions, equipment and local access arrangements vary considerably. On land, visitors encounter coconut plantations, breadfruit and taro gardens, beaches, pandanus and village paths rather than conventional resort facilities. Birdlife and marine environments are important parts of the ecosystem, and low-lying islands require particular care around fresh water, waste and reef conservation.
The islands also preserve a distinctive cultural world within Fiji. Lauan communities speak varieties of Fijian and maintain strong links with chiefly institutions, churches, traditional crafts and village protocols. Tongan influence is especially visible in parts of the group’s history, architecture and social traditions, but Lau is not simply an extension of Tonga: it is an integral and culturally varied part of Fiji. Ceremonial presentation of yaqona, known elsewhere as kava, may form part of a village welcome, and visitors should follow local guidance rather than treat ceremonies as performances.
Lau is best approached as a low-impact expedition destination. Transport can be irregular, accommodation is scarce outside selected community or private arrangements, and communications may be limited. The rewards are quiet lagoons, clear reef waters, historic villages and a close understanding of island life, but the region demands flexibility. Travellers who allow time for weather delays and arrange permission, supplies, guides and transport before departure will be better placed to appreciate the archipelago without placing unnecessary pressure on its communities or environment.

When is the best time to visit Lau Islands?

Best: June–August · 28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30300
February30250
March30230
April30200
May29170
June (best)28150
July (best)28140
August (best)28150
September28170
October29200
November30230
December30270

Getting to and around Lau Islands

How to get there

The Lau Islands are reached from Fiji rather than directly from most international destinations. International visitors normally fly first to Nadi International Airport or, where their itinerary permits, connect through Fiji’s domestic network to Suva or another major Fijian hub. Access onward to individual Lau islands may involve limited domestic flights, chartered aircraft, government or cargo-linked shipping, private vessels, or organised expedition arrangements; options vary considerably by island and season. Vanua Balavu and Lakeba are among the better-known access points, but services are not interchangeable and should be confirmed locally before departure. There are no assumptions of frequent scheduled connections, so allow substantial contingency time.

Transportation

Travel within Lau is primarily by boat, small aircraft, vehicle on individual islands, and walking. Inter-island sea journeys depend on vessel availability, weather, local cargo movements and the consent of communities or operators. Roads are limited, often unsealed and not designed for conventional sightseeing circuits; on smaller islands, walking is the practical way to reach villages, beaches and gardens. Private yachts and expedition vessels may provide the most flexible access to remote lagoons, but anchoring and shore visits should follow local guidance. Do not rely on mobile booking platforms or same-day connections, and keep gear secure against salt spray during boat travel.

Best attractions in Lau Islands

The Lau Islands’ attractions are primarily natural, cultural and experiential rather than built for mass tourism. Vanua Balavu’s Bay of Islands is the archipelago’s best-known seascape, with sheltered channels, forested limestone islets and coral reefs suited to carefully guided boating, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Fulaga presents a different landscape: a low island encircled by a lagoon and scattered limestone outcrops, where shallow-water exploration depends closely on tides and weather. Lakeba, Cicia and Vanuavatu offer village visits, coastal walks, agricultural landscapes and opportunities to understand everyday island life when arranged with local permission. Reef fishing, sailing and birdwatching can be rewarding, but equipment and guides are not consistently available. Churches, village meeting spaces and traditional craft practices provide cultural interest, while coconut plantations and garden plots reveal the continuing importance of subsistence and small-scale production. There are no extensive collections of conventional museums or large family attractions, and many experiences are community-led or self-sufficient in character. Visitors should avoid treating remote villages and reefs as open-access attractions: permission, modest behaviour and low-impact travel are essential parts of the visit.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Lau Islands

Lau’s most recognisable landmarks are landscapes and community structures rather than monumental urban buildings. The Bay of Islands at Vanua Balavu is defined by steep-sided limestone formations, narrow waterways and sheltered anchorages that demonstrate the geological variety of the northern group. Fulaga’s lagoon and its scattered mushroom-shaped limestone islets form an equally distinctive southern seascape, shaped by reef, erosion and changing tides. On Lakeba, village churches and chiefly spaces reflect the religious and political transformations that reshaped Lau during the nineteenth century, although these are living places rather than museum pieces. Coconut groves, village greens and traditional homes provide a human scale to the islands’ scenery, while reefs and mangrove-fringed shores mark the boundary between settlement and ocean. The significance of these places lies in the relationship between land, sea and community: a landmark may be a lagoon used for daily travel, a church central to village life or a reef protected through local custom. Access and photography should always be agreed with residents or guides.

Show more landmarks

Explore Lau Islands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Lau Islands

Dining in the Lau Islands is generally informal, locally arranged and closely linked to household gardens, fishing and community hospitality rather than a restaurant industry. Meals may include freshly caught fish, reef seafood where sustainably available, cassava, sweet potato, taro, breadfruit, coconut, island greens and tropical fruit. Rice, tinned goods and other imported staples are also common, particularly where shipping is irregular. On Lakeba and other larger islands, visitors may find simple accommodation kitchens, guesthouse meals or food prepared by arrangement, while remote islands can have very few purchasing options. Traditional lovo cooking, in which food is prepared in an earth oven, may occur for communal occasions but should not be assumed as a daily service. Carrying supplementary provisions is sensible, especially for dietary requirements. Alcohol availability is limited and should never be presumed. Ask hosts about local food customs, fishing seasons, water supplies and payment before arrival, and avoid placing demands on household resources in communities with restricted deliveries.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Lau Islands

The Lau Islands do not have a conventional bar or nightclub scene. Evening social life centres on village homes, community gatherings, church activities, guesthouse meals and quiet conversation rather than commercial entertainment. Kava, or yaqona, may be shared in a formal or informal setting, but participation should follow local invitation and etiquette; it is not a performance arranged on demand. Beer and other alcoholic drinks may be available through private supplies or limited local shops, but visitors should not rely on them, and public drunkenness is particularly inappropriate in small communities. On larger or more frequently visited islands, an accommodation provider may organise a meal, music or cultural evening, subject to local arrangements. Remote anchorages are valued for darkness, stars and the sound of the sea, not late-night venues. Bring reading material or other quiet activities, respect church observances and keep noise low after dark near villages.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Lau Islands

The Lau Islands do not have a conventional bar or nightclub scene. Evening social life centres on village homes, community gatherings, church activities, guesthouse meals and quiet conversation rather than commercial entertainment. Kava, or yaqona, may be shared in a formal or informal setting, but participation should follow local invitation and etiquette; it is not a performance arranged on demand. Beer and other alcoholic drinks may be available through private supplies or limited local shops, but visitors should not rely on them, and public drunkenness is particularly inappropriate in small communities. On larger or more frequently visited islands, an accommodation provider may organise a meal, music or cultural evening, subject to local arrangements. Remote anchorages are valued for darkness, stars and the sound of the sea, not late-night venues. Bring reading material or other quiet activities, respect church observances and keep noise low after dark near villages.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Lau Islands

Shopping in the Lau Islands is limited and practical, with no concentrated retail district or dependable tourist market across the group. Village shops and small trading points may stock basic food, drinks, household goods and locally available produce, but supplies depend on shipping and can vary considerably. Visitors may encounter woven mats, baskets, fans, pandanus work or other handicrafts made for household and ceremonial use; purchasing should be arranged respectfully and directly, with fair payment and no pressure to sell culturally significant items. Copra, coconut products, fresh produce and fish are part of the islands’ economic life, although availability for travellers is seasonal and transport-dependent. Bring essential toiletries, medicines, specialist food and durable equipment from Fiji’s larger urban centres rather than expecting to buy them in Lau. Souvenirs should not include coral, shells, archaeological objects, feathers or other wildlife. The most appropriate purchases are locally made crafts or food products that communities have chosen to offer, supported by clear agreement about price, ownership and transport.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Lau Islands, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lau Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Fijian dollar, coded FJD, as throughout Fiji. Card payments and cash machines should not be assumed outside the main urban centres, and many village-level purchases or local transport arrangements require cash. Carry clean Fijian notes in suitable denominations, while keeping funds and documents protected from water during sea journeys. Exchange facilities are concentrated on Fiji’s larger islands, so arrange cash before travelling east. Confirm in advance how accommodation, guides, boat hire and supplies are to be paid, as connectivity and electronic payment services can be intermittent.
Safety
Lau is remote, so the principal safety concerns are limited medical access, sea conditions, sun exposure, dehydration, reef injuries and delayed transport rather than a dense urban crime environment. Check weather and sea forecasts before any boat journey, use a properly maintained vessel with flotation equipment, and avoid travelling alone in unfamiliar waters. Strong currents, coral, changing tides and isolated beaches require caution when swimming, snorkelling or kayaking. Roads and tracks may be rough, and there may be no immediate assistance after an accident. Comprehensive travel insurance, evacuation cover and a personal medical kit are particularly important.
Emergency Situations
Fiji’s national emergency arrangements apply in the Lau Islands: dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance assistance where a telephone connection is available. In practice, remote islands may have limited coverage, small health posts or no resident emergency service, and response times can be extended by distance and weather. Ask your host or vessel operator about the nearest clinic, radio contact and evacuation plan on arrival. For serious injury or illness, evacuation to a larger Fijian medical centre may be necessary. Carry written details of allergies, prescriptions and emergency contacts, and do not depend solely on a mobile phone.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting villages, cover shoulders and knees where local custom expects it, and ask permission before photographing people, homes, churches, ceremonies or community activities. Follow local guidance about entering settlements, beaches, gardens and sacred or chiefly places. Remove hats and sunglasses and avoid loud conversation during a formal welcome when requested. Do not take shells, coral, archaeological material or other natural objects, and do not step on living coral. Ask before serving or consuming yaqona, respect church observances, and remember that customary protocols are local practices rather than tourist entertainment.
Local Tips
Plan around island geography, not just a map: a short distance across open water can become a lengthy journey when seas are rough or a vessel is unavailable. Lakeba offers a useful historical and administrative context, while Vanua Balavu and the southern islands have different landscapes and access arrangements. Learn a few greetings in Fijian, accept that schedules may change, and bring reusable water and storage containers. Community-hosted visits are best arranged through a trusted local contact, with clear agreement about fees, meals, transport and photography before arrival.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBula[boo-lah]
GoodbyeMoce[moh-theh]
YesIo[ee-oh]
NoSega[seh-ngah]
Please/You're welcomeYadra[yah-drah]
Thank youVinaka[vee-nah-kah]
Excuse me/SorryTukuna[too-koo-nah]
How are you?O cei na nomu bula?[oh thay nah noh-moo boo-lah]
Fine. And you?Vinaka. O iko?[vee-nah-kah. oh ee-koh?]
Do you speak English?O ni vosa vakavalagi?[oh nee voh-sah vah-kah-vah-lah-gee]
I don't understandAu sega ni kila[ow seh-ngah nee kee-lah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAu via raica na menu, yadra[ow vee-ah rye-kah nah meh-noo, yah-drah]
I don't eat meatAu sega ni kana na manumanu[ow seh-ngah nee kah-nah nah mah-noo-mah-noo]
Cheers!Bula![boo-lah]
I would like to pay, pleaseAu via sauma, yadra[ow vee-ah sow-mah, yah-drah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Vuke![voo-keh]
Go away!Sega ni tu![seh-ngah nee too!]
Call the Police!Vakacuruma na Polisi![vah-kah-thoo-mah nah poh-lee-see!]
Call a doctor!Vakacuruma e dua na dokita![vah-kah-thoo-mah eh doo-ah nah doh-kee-tah!]
I'm lostAu sa taqomaki[ow sah tah-koh-mah-kee]
I'm illAu sa mate[ow sah mah-teh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Au via volia...[ow vee-ah voh-lee-ah]
I'm just lookingAu soqo ga[ow soh-ngoh gah]
How much is it?E levu cava?[eh leh-voo thah-vah?]
That's too expensiveSa levu sara[sah leh-voo sah-rah]
Can you lower the price?E rawa ni vakalailai na isau?[eh rah-wah nee vah-kah-lie-lie nah ee-sow?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Cava na gauna?[thah-vah nah gow-nah?]
It's one o'clockE dua na hora[eh doo-ah nah hoh-rah]
Half past (10)Taba ni (10)[tah-bah nee (10)]
MorningMuri[moo-ree]
AfternoonVuli[voo-lee]
EveningBogi[boh-gee]
YesterdaySiga sa oti[see-ngah sah oh-tee]
TodaySiga o ni[see-ngah oh nee]
TomorrowSiga mai[see-ngah my]
1Dua[doo-ah]
2Rua[roo-ah]
3Tolu[toh-loo]
4Vaka[vah-kah]
5Lima[lee-mah]
6Vau[vah-oo]
7Vitu[vee-too]
8Walu[wah-loo]
9Ciwa[thee-wah]
10Sega[seh-ngah]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?E na vuka na...?[eh nah voo-kah nah...?]
What's the address?Cava na adresi?[thah-vah nah ah-dreh-see?]
Can you show me (on the map)?E rawa ni vakaraitaka vei au (e na mapa)?[eh rah-wah nee vah-kah-rye-tah-kah veh-ee ow (eh nah mah-pah)?]
When's the next (bus)?E na cava na (busi) e tarava?[eh nah thah-vah nah (boo-see) eh tah-rah-vah?]
A ticket (to ....)E dua na tikita (ki ....)[eh doo-ah nah tee-kee-tah (kee ....)]

History of Lau Islands

Early Oceanic Settlement

The Lau Islands were settled by seafaring Austronesian peoples as part of the wider settlement of the Pacific, with later populations shaped by movement among Fiji, Tonga and neighbouring island groups. Archaeological evidence across Fiji points to Lapita-era voyaging and settlement more than three thousand years ago, although the surviving record varies from island to island. Communities developed around fishing, gardening, inter-island exchange and the management of scarce freshwater resources. The archipelago’s position on routes across the southwest Pacific made it a meeting place as well as a remote outlying group.

Lauan Chiefdoms and Inter-Island Exchange

Before colonial rule, Lauan islands were organised through chiefly communities whose authority rested on kinship, land, ritual obligations and control of local resources. Sailing and exchange connected the islands with Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, the Yasawas and Tonga. These relationships brought material goods, political alliances and cultural influences, while also producing rivalries between chiefly centres. The islands were not governed as a single centralised state in the modern sense; each community retained its own histories and local institutions, even as leading chiefs acquired influence across wider parts of the group.

Tongan Influence in the Lau Group

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Tongan political and cultural influence became especially important in parts of Lau. Tongan chiefs and voyagers formed alliances and established authority in several islands, while movement between Tonga and eastern Fiji encouraged shared practices in language, ceremony, architecture and chiefly organisation. The extent of this influence differed between islands, and Lauan communities retained their own identities and relationships with other Fijian regions. The period helps explain why Lau has a distinct eastern orientation within Fiji’s broader cultural landscape.

Christian Conversion and Missionary Change

Christian missionaries reached the Lau Islands during the nineteenth century, when conversion was closely connected with chiefly decisions, political alliances and the changing balance between Fiji and Tonga. Wesleyan influence became particularly important, and churches remain prominent in many island settlements. Conversion altered religious life, calendars and systems of authority, while schools and literacy gradually expanded. These changes did not erase older social structures: chiefly obligations, kinship, village cooperation and customary relationships with land and sea continued to shape life in the islands.

Cession of Fiji and Colonial Administration

Fiji became a British colony after the Deed of Cession in 1874, bringing the Lau Islands into a new administrative and economic framework. Colonial government formalised relations between island communities, chiefs and national institutions, while shipping, taxation, schooling and the cash economy became more significant. Copra production, based on dried coconut meat, linked many Lauan households to overseas markets. The islands remained geographically peripheral, however, and their scattered settlements continued to depend heavily on local agriculture, fishing and inter-island networks.

Copra, Shipping and Post-Colonial Island Life

Through the twentieth century, copra, fishing and subsistence agriculture remained important to Lau’s economy, alongside public-sector employment and remittances. Small boats and occasional shipping services connected villages with one another and with Fiji’s main islands, though distance and rough seas continued to limit regular access. After Fiji’s independence in 1970, Lau developed within the national state while retaining powerful local identities and chiefly institutions. Contemporary communities combine customary responsibilities and village life with education, migration, communications and selective participation in tourism.

Lau Islands in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Lau Islands

The closest regions to Lau Islands, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Fiji
More of the region

Explore more of Fiji

Discover Fiji: A tropical haven of stunning beaches, rich culture, and endless adventure. Perfect for both relaxation and exploration in the heart of the South Pacific.

Explore Fiji
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Lau Islands, Fiji

Download Evendo – the 100% free app-based travel guide to Lau Islands. Discover attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy hotel, tour, ticket, and experience bookings
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the beauty of Lau Islands, Fiji with Evendo – a comprehensive, free travel guide app that helps you explore attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Lau Islands
  • Travel essentials for visiting Lau Islands
  • Tons of local advice to maximize your visit
  • Easy navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby spots
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Lau Islands, Fiji – a paradise waiting to be explored. With Evendo, your journey begins with just a tap. Our free app-based travel guide offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Lau Islands.

Imagine exploring the pristine beaches of Vanua Balavu, hiking up the picturesque hills of Lakeba, or diving into the vibrant coral reefs of Moala. Evendo brings these experiences to your fingertips with rich descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

Craving authentic Fijian cuisine? Let Evendo guide you to the best local restaurants, where you can savor traditional dishes like Kokoda and Lovo. Looking for vibrant nightlife? Discover the best bars and nightclubs to dance the night away. With our 'Near Me' feature, you can effortlessly find what's around you, no matter where you are on the islands.

Evendo also simplifies booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for things to see and do – everything you need is in one place. Whether you're a history buff eager to learn about the rich past of Lau Islands, or a thrill-seeker ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure, Evendo has you covered.

Don't miss out on famous landmarks like the ancient ruins of Levuka, the mesmerizing waters of Yacata Island, and the bustling local markets in Tubou. Our curated local tips ensure you experience Lau Islands like a true local.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.