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Village · Malolo, Nadroga e Navosa
Vila de Solevu (Solevu Village)
Fijian village in Malolo, seat of the traditional chief of the Mamanuca, which receives visitors with a guide for the kava ceremony, conversations with residents and a walk around the school and the church.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vila de Solevu (Solevu Village)
Solevu is on the coast of Malolo, the largest of the Mamanuca islands, and is one of the most important villages in the area: it is the seat of the traditional chief (Tui Lawa) who has leadership over the islands in the group. Families make a living from fishing, gardens and working at the resorts on nearby islands.
Visits are organized by guides and by accommodations in the area and follow Fijian custom. Arrival is marked by the sevusevu, the ceremony in which the group offers a bundle of kava root to the chief or to his representative, and then everyone drinks kava from coconut bowls, seated on the floor of the community house.
After the ceremony, residents usually show the village, the church and the school, and sometimes women display handicrafts and shells. It is one of the few opportunities in the Mamanuca to see a working village, away from the routine of the resorts.
Respect for customs is part of the visit: enter the village with shoulders and knees covered, remove your hat and sunglasses, do not touch people's heads and ask permission before photographing.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, on weekdays. On Sunday the village devotes the day to church and rest, and visits are usually not carried out.
How to get there
Only by boat or on foot, from accommodations on Malolo and Malolo Lailai, with a guide. Ask at your accommodation when there is an organized visit.
Tip
Bring a sarong and a bundle of kava, which can be purchased at the markets in Nadi or Lautoka, if the visit does not include the gift. Follow the guide during the ceremony and clap once before receiving the bowl.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vila de Solevu (Solevu Village)
Do you need an invitation to visit Solevu?
Yes. Visits are made with a guide or are organized by the accommodation, which coordinates with the village.
What is the sevusevu?
It is the arrival ceremony: the visitor offers a bundle of kava root to the chief, and everyone drinks kava from coconut bowls.
Can you photograph in the village?
Yes, by asking people for permission. During the ceremony, follow the guide's instructions.