L E G E N D

The Tavarua Legend
Tavarua is a tiny heart-shaped jewel of an island among the hundreds that comprise the Fijian Chain. This island paradise, however, was not spared from the territorial battles that were common in the South Pacific.

The Tale of Tavarua took place early in the 19th century. Ratu (Chief) Kini Vosailagi was the powerful Ka Levu (Paramount Chief) of the entire Southwestern region of Fiji. Upon visiting the outer island of Malolo, Ratu Kini was tricked, possibly by family members, separating him from the safety of his tribal warriors and following an ambush he was mortally wounded. Fleeing his attackers, Ratu Kini used his remaining strength to swim several miles to Tavarua Island, where he died wounded and exhausted. The owners of Tavarua Island, although blameless in the death of the Ka Levu, feared they would be seen as co-conspirators and would face brutal revenge. So they gave Tavarua to Ratu Kini’s family to insure their own safety. Today, the current Ka Levu and community members have allowed Tavarua to be modestly developed into a small vacation resort where you can find beautiful and colorful sealife and world-class surfing waves. You may also find Druku, the great-great grandson of Ratu Kini, fishing, surfing or laughing with the guests. As for Ratu Kini buried on the island, his spirit and legacy lives on through anyone who visits Tavarua.

History
Originally discovered in 1979 by David and Jeannie Clark, Tavarua has held its allure to big wave surfers from all over the world in large part due to its "perfect" wave, Cloudbreak. Tavarua, one of the tiny islands in a chain that is situated near one of the largest disturbance centers on earth – the Tasman Sea, is a direct beneficiary of the waves generated because of it. The Clarks envisioned a low-key resort that would neither exploit nor conflict with the environment or the Fijian culture but harmoniously blend into the tropical paradise.

Working with the traditional chiefly owners, Tavarua has grown from "surf camp" to a cozy island resort for everyone. It maintains the aura of Fijian culture, perpetuating ceremonial Kava rituals, Fijian friendliness and folklore, and traditional dance ceremonies. Recent upgrades have added to the island's lodging and amenities, broadening the appeal of surfers and non-surfers alike. The resort is one of the only such establishments in its area that generously gives aid to the surrounding villages in which it operates. This aid includes various infrastructure projects, scholarship programs and medical education and assistance.