Fiji's Coral Coast

Where Tradition, Culture & Nature Meet

Stuart Gow

The Coral Coast is a jewel for Fiji – DPM Gavoka

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka said “strong towns” like Sigatoka are the backbone of our nation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka said “strong towns” like Sigatoka are the backbone of our nation
Miss Coral Coast , Bulou Boteiova (left) with DPM Gavoka after the crowning of the Coral Coast Carnival last night – SOPHIA RALULU

He made the comments while closing the Vodafone Coral Coast carnival in Sigatoka last night.

“As part of this government’s commitment, we continue to ensure that resources are allocated to uplift communities, particularly those at the forefront of Fiji’s economic and social development,” he said.

He added tourism is a cornerstone of the Fijian economy and “finds its soul in places like Sigatoka.””

“The Coral Coast is a jewel, attracting visitors from around the world to experience Fiji’s unparalleled beauty and heartfelt hospitality.”

“It is here that Fiji’s tourism industry thrives, blending environmental stewardship with cultural celebration.”

Miss Super Delivery, Bulou Boteiova was crowned Miss Coral Coast tonight.

“The Coral Coast is a jewel for Fiji – DPM Gavoka

Drua to join 7s fiesta

Exciting news for rugby enthusiasts as the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team is set to compete in the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s in January.

This announcement was made by the Fijian Drua and the tournament organisers in Sigatoka yesterday.

[Read more…] about Drua to join 7s fiesta

Tavuni Hill Fort – an 18th century fort constructed by a clan of Tongans | Sigatoka | Fiji

Youtube video

c1800s

A clan of Tongans arrive and settle atop the hill for its natural defences and commanding views. They were led by Maile Latamai Finau who left Tonga after a dispute in the reigning Tuipelehake family.

He sailed to Fiji with an entourage of priests, warriors, carpenters, craftsmen and fishermen. Oral histories say that he stopped in Kadavu, Serua, Korotogo, Yanuca and Cuvu before settling at Tavuni.

Finau married two women from the district of Conua. His first wife was from Narata and died after giving birth to a daughter called Salote Tupou. He then remarried to a woman from Nadrala and had a son called Orisi Moala. According to local tour guide Laneita Nainoca, “Salote’s descendants today live at the foot of Tavuni Hill Fort. They are called the Mataqali Henibua while Orisi Moala’s descendants now reside at Nawamagi Village further up the hill from Tavuni. Their mataqali or clan is called the Matanisiga.”

Today there is evidence of a chief’s bure at the highest point of the fort, stone walls, lovo pits (earth ovens), and nearly 56 house mounds.

The ground is littered with shells which the inhabitants presumably brought from the river to eat and discarded when finished. The descendants of the original Tongan settlers are called the “Noitoga”.

1876

During the Colo Wars (1875-1876), the indigenous people of the interior of Viti Levu resisted British colonial rule.

The Colonial Administration assembled a native constabulary of over 1000 men to pacify the kai Colo.

In 1876 during the reign of Noitoga chief Kunatui, Tavuni was stormed and destroyed by government troops. Kunatui later died of battle wounds. The hill fort was never resettled afterwards.

2000s

The village of Naroro at the foot of the hill began work to restore the Tavuni Hill Fort. It has cleared paths and runs regular tours for visitors.

There are many descendants of the Tongans living in Sigatoka today as a result of intermarriage and adaptation.

The descendants of Finau and his followers now can be found in the villages of Naroro, Korotogo, Nawamagi, Malevu, Cuvu and Nadrala in Nadroga; Waicoba in Navosa; and Vatutu and Waqadamu in Nadi.

Historical information given is adopted from https://fijianhistory.com/tavuni-hill-fort

https://fijianhistory.com/tavuni-hill-fort