Lau: Island History and Traditional Skills
Accommodation in Lau
When exploring Lau, you can frame your journey around specific stories of place and the wider picture of the islands. Lakeba brings together several chapters of political and religious history; Fulaga comes into focus through a Camakau race and knowledge of traditional boatbuilding passed down through generations. The Lau island group provides a broader setting. When planning your trip, it is worth first asking whether you would like to focus more on history and culture or on the natural environment of the islands.
The Lau Islands as a Point of Reference
For an overview of the wider island region: the Lau island group comprises more than 60 islands and is divided into northern and southern sectors. It includes volcanic, limestone, and atoll islands. Remote beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and diverse marine life also shape the region’s natural landscape. The sectors provide a sense of geographic orientation, while the island types and seascapes add geological and natural perspectives. Traditional village life continues in the Lau island group, untouched by mass tourism. This way of life adds to the natural picture of the islands.
Lakeba: Political and Religious History
Several distinct connections bring history to life on Lakeba. During the 19th-century tribal wars, the island was a strategic port under the influence of the Tongan warlord Enele Maʻafu. Nakaukilagi on Lakeba was the former residence of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. Lakeba is also associated with the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries in Lau: they came to the island in 1844. Political, biographical, and religious perspectives thus converge around the same specific place. If you are interested in historical topics, Lakeba offers several starting points for learning more about the island.
Fulaga: Sailing Skills and Boatbuilding Knowledge
A report published in early 2026 describes a Camakau race on Fulaga, held after a 20-year pause. The race showcased traditional sailing skills and aimed to revive knowledge of Camakau boatbuilding passed down through generations. Fulaga thus connects a historical event with the transmission of maritime skills. The cultural emphases differ: Lakeba offers stories of political and religious history, while the report on Fulaga foregrounds sailing and boatbuilding.
Plan Accommodation and Travel Together
In the Northern Lau Group, Vatuvara Private Islands offers an exclusive island experience. Guests travel to and from Vatuvara Private Islands from Suva or Nadi aboard the resort’s private Twin Otter aircraft. This flight service is for guests of the resort. The two departure points mentioned are especially relevant if you are travelling from Suva or Nadi; confirm specific flight details with the resort before booking, as service information can change.
For the broader travel overview: Eastern Division.
More Destinations in Lau
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