Taveuni Island – History, Accommodation and Kava
Location
Taveuni Island is located in Fiji and has a population of just over 20,000 people. It is part of the Vanua Levu Group, which is made up of 5 islands: Taveuni, Vanua Levu, Gau, Kandavu and Koro. It’s one of the larger islands in the Fijian archipelago, and it’s known for its lush rainforests and white-sand beaches. It’s also a popular destination for ecotourists who want to escape the crowds and discover Fiji’s natural beauty.
Taveuni Island History
The history of Taveuni Island has been shaped by a number of factors, including the natural landscape, human migration and settlement.
It was originally inhabited by indigenous Fijians. In 1884, Taveuni became a British protectorate until 1970 when Fiji’s independence was proclaimed.
The first European settlers arrived on the island in 1892 and established plantations to grow coconuts and other crops. By 1897, most of the native Fijian population had died of disease or been moved elsewhere by the government. The remaining native Fijians were moved off the island in 1916 to make way for plantation workers from India and China.
Accommodation
Taveuni is also home to some of the best hotels and resorts on offer in Fiji. Most of these accommodations are located on or near the beach. Naturally, these are where you can enjoy sunbathing during the day or swimming in the sea at night.
If you want to stay close to town, there are many options available as well. However, you should be aware that Taveuni Island accommodation tends to be quite expensive compared to other parts of Fiji. Fortunately for budget travelers there are Home stays on Taveuni Island. So, looking for a more authentic experience of Fiji than what you’d find in the resorts downtown? Then these are a great option. As well, they’re also great for families with kids. That’s because they offer so many opportunities to explore the local area and learn about the island’s rich heritage.
Kava on Taveuni Island
On the island, kava is served in a traditional ceremony called “Bai Kavu” that dates back hundreds of years. The ceremony is led by a village chief or chief’s representative. His role is to speak to the participants about their ancestors and other important topics. The participants are then served a cup of kava while they sit cross-legged on mats around a fire pit. After passing around the cup several times, everyone drinks from it before passing it back to the host for another round.