The Lau group is a long scatter of 57 islands in Fiji's far east, and only 19 of them are inhabited. Lau has long ties with Tonga. The Tongan prince Ma'afu once ruled much of it from Lomaloma on Vanua Balavu. Tubou, on Lakeba, is the provincial capital today. Fewer than 10,000 people live in the islands, and many Lauans have made their homes in Suva and beyond. The province bans night spearfishing across all its waters, a rule meant to protect the reefs.
What to do in Lau
Vanua Balavu is the most visited island. Its Bay of Islands is a maze of mushroom-shaped limestone islets, undercut by the sea, with clear water for snorkelling and swimming between them. Yachts cruise Lau with a permit arranged in advance, and sailing these waters takes you to some of Fiji's most remote anchorages. Guesthouses near Lomaloma and in Tubou offer simple rooms with meals, and the Lau Provincial Council office in Suva can arrange a stay with a family. Kabara is known for carving in vesi wood, and Fulaga has a wide lagoon dotted with limestone islets. Lau forms the far eastern edge of the Outer islands.
Booking on adventuro
Snorkelling and sailing trips in Lau are planned around the weekly flights, so fix your dates early. Use the Book here tab to see what's live, then book the flight to match.
