Levuka Tourist Information
Levuka
From 1800 onwards Levuka became a port and trading post of increasing importance, not only in Fiji but for the whole of the South Pacific. It was the place of early settlement for numerous and diverse foreign traders, merchants, missionaries, shipwrights, vagabonds, shipwrecked sailors, respectable businessmen and speculators alike. It became a major stepping stone to one of the worlds “final frontiers”- the South and Central Pacific.
In 1871, the paramount warrior chief, Ratu Seru Cakobau was proclaimed “king” of Fiji and a national government was formed in Levuka, but the government faced many problems and was not well received. Subsequently, in Levuka on 10th October 1874, largely as a result of questionable financial claims by the American Consul and increasing encroachment of Eastern Fiji by the Tongan Chief Ma’afu, Cakobau and 12 other prominent Fijian chiefs ceded Fiji to the United Kingdom. Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, governor of New South Wales, acting as personal representative of Queen Victoria, received Fiji as a Protectorate and Colony in a ceremony which is still re-enacted in October each year, on the same site in Nasova (South Levuka).
Many famous and infamous characters visited or were associated with the town including the swashbuckling buccaneer and privateer Billy Hayes, the poet Rudyard Kipling, the writer Somerset Maughan, and the first world war German naval raider Count von Luckner, to name a few. Levuka still has association with a veritable role call of famous and influential figures who helped build the nation Fiji. These include the former President, former Prime Ministers, Sir Len Usher, Sir Arthur Gordon, Dr McGregor, Capt David Robbie, John Brown Williams, David Whippy, Percy Morris, Maynard Hedstrom and many others.
Levuka is a town of many “firsts” in Fiji. The first bank, post office, school, newspaper, masonic lodge, private members club, municipality, hospital and town hall were all to be found in Levuka. Many of these buildings still stand and are open to the public. Levuka was also the place where the first public electricity system began in Fiji in 1927 - the electricity was switched on 3 days before that of the modern capital, Suva. The site of this electricity generating station still contains relics from the original power plant.
The Royal Hotel, Levuka, is the oldest operating hotel in the South Pacific. No one is exactly sure how old the hotel is, but records indicate the building has served in this capacity for over 140 years. The hotel is the last remaining of more than 50 bars, saloons and guest houses built in Levuka’s heyday.
Levuka’s Masonic lodge is the home of Lodge Polynesia 562 SC, founded in 1875, and is the oldest in the South Pacific.
The traditional Fijian village of Levuka is found at the northern end of town. The chief of this village is a direct ancestor of the very chief who first befriended early European settlers. To this day the “Tui Levuka” is still referred to as “ Tamana na vavalagi” (father of the Europeans).
The town retains many of its pre-colonial and post-colonial buildings, and is considered the most intact remaining example of colonial influence and life-style in the South Pacific. It is this, together with the very relaxed life-style of the locals that now attracts people to visit this interesting and very photogenic old town.
Levuka and the island of Ovalau are seeking recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The process will take several years, but it is well on its way and it is interesting to note that Adi Litia Cakobau (a direct descendant of Ratu Seru Cakobau) is leading the process as Chairperson of the Levuka Heritage Committee.
Today, Levuka is a sleepy little frontier town, with a population of about 2000 regular inhabitants. It is the home of the Pacific Fishing Company, a deep sea Tuna fish processing factory, which employs approximately 1000 of Ovalau’s 8,000 inhabitants. Levuka is the largest of the 24 settlements on the island, and acts as a market place and service centre for the people of Ovalau island and for other scattered islands of the Lomaiviti province.
Perhaps one of the best features of Levuka and Ovalau is its welcoming acceptance of visitors, both from within Fiji and from overseas. In a small place like Levuka it doesn’t take long before you will be known and recognised on the streets, so don’t be surprised if complete strangers call you by name and already know something about you! This is just one way of making visitors feel at home.
Most visitors to Levuka come to soak in the history and heritage of the town and island. Although the “modern” town of Levuka is only 200 years old, many of its wooden clapboard, and coral limestone buildings are full of history and events.
Call into the Levuka Community Centre and visit the town’s little museum, spend a few moments admiring the town from the Patterson gardens - a favourite with photographers. Find the caves where the first Catholic masses were held. Walk the 199 steps up Mission Hill and gaze at the marvellous panorama of sea islands as you catch your breath. And, at the end of the day share some yarns over a cool glistening glass of beer in the old Ovalau Club, or take on the bygone atmosphere at the Royal Hotel.
There is also the pre-colonial history of Fiji to catch up on. Settlement in Ovalau island dates back some 4000 years, and walks to the centre of the island to the village of Lovoni can be organised through tour guides. During your walk, guides will explain the flora, fauna and history of Ovalau. You will follow in the footsteps of the old Fiji warriors and see the places where they rested before raiding the town.
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