The Mamanuca (pronounced Mah-mah-noo-tha) islands are essentially volcanic outcrops pushed up from the ocean floor in a gigantic earthquake thousands of years ago and lie in a majestic arc, only a short distance from the mainland of Viti Levu, curving to the north-west, and almost touching the Yasawa chain. There are 13 islands in all, not counting those covered by the Pacific at high tide and they all share in common pristine white sandy beaches, waving palms, crystal blue waters and, at night, the cooling influence of the trade winds.
From the air you can see that the Mamanucas group is in fact two clusters known as Mamanuca-i-ra and Mamanuca-i-cake. Within the Mamanucas is the Malolo group, three miles inside the barrier reef, extending in a curve for about 75 miles.
A number of resort islands are scattered throughout the Malolo group, each offering comfortable casual bure (Fijian style cottage) accommodation, a relaxing holiday atmosphere and a range of water activities. There are boat excursions, fishing trips and water sports including water skiing, wind surfing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, speed boat riding, and coral viewing.
Malololailai is the centre for most tourism to and from the Mamanucas. It has safe anchorage, a cosmopolitan community of Fijians and Indians and an airstrip serviced regularly from Nadi.
Other resort islands within the group include Beachcomber Island, Castaway Island, Malolo Levu Island, Mana Island, Matamanoa Island, Musket Cove, Naviti, Plantation Island, Tavarua Island, Treasure Island and Tokoriki, which is located the furthest from the mainland. |
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