Lovoni Village | Ovalau

Lovoni Village is an indigenous Fijian community located in the center of Ovalau, the site of the former capital, Levuka. It is uniquely situated within the caldera of an extinct volcano.

Visual Characteristics

The village is set in a lush, bowl-shaped valley surrounded by steep, jungle-covered mountain walls. The architecture consists of a mix of traditional thatched bures and modern concrete structures arranged around a central communal green (rara). A freshwater stream runs through the village, and the surrounding slopes are heavily cultivated with root crops and kava.

Location & Access Logistics

Lovoni is geographically isolated from the coastal settlements of Ovalau.

Access: Primarily reached via a strenuous trek from Levuka or by a rugged 4WD inland road.

Transit: Local carriers (small trucks with benches) depart Levuka town daily, though schedules are infrequent. The drive takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Trekking: A popular guided route involves a 2-to-3-hour hike from Levuka over the volcanic rim and down into the caldera.

Protocol: Visitors must observe sevusevu (traditional greeting custom), which involves presenting kava root to the village chief. Guided tours generally handle this formality.

Historical Significance

The people of Lovoni are historically known for their fierce independence. They were one of the few tribes that never surrendered to the Cakobau government during the pre-colonial era.

The Legend of Lovoni: Local history details a long-standing rivalry with the coastal chiefs and the eventual trickery used by the British and Cakobau to subdue the village in the 1870s.

Cultural Identity: The villagers maintain a distinct identity and oral tradition separate from the coastal communities.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Minimal. There are no hotels or commercial restaurants. Visitors usually eat meals prepared by local families as part of a guided tour.

Activities: Cultural demonstrations, guided walks to ancestral fortification sites on the crater rim, and visits to local plantations.

Connectivity: Cellular signal is very weak or non-existent due to the surrounding volcanic walls.

Nearby Landmarks

Levuka Town (UNESCO Site): 8.0km Southeast (via trail)

Mount Tomaniivi: Visible on the distant horizon of Viti Levu

Epi’s Tours Base: Frequently associated with guided treks to the village