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Province · Nadi, Costa dos Corais e ilhas
Ra
Ra is the northern coast of Viti Levu, the Sun Coast: Rakiraki, the island of Nananu-i-Ra, with kitesurfing and diving, and the Nakauvadra range, from the legend of the serpent god Degei.
In the photo: Island of Nananu-i-Ra, off Rakiraki (Ra)
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Ra
The province of Ra occupies the north of Viti Levu, between Tavua and Korovou, on the Kings Road. It is a dry region of sugarcane fields and pastures, known in tourism as the Sun Coast.
Rakiraki, whose main town is Vaileka, has the Penang sugar mill and the market. The Nakauvadra range, visible from almost the whole region, is linked to Fijian mythology: according to tradition, Degei, the serpent god who created the islands, lives there.
About 1.5 km off the coast, the island of Nananu-i-Ra attracts those looking for kitesurfing, windsurfing and diving, with winds that blow in the region for much of the year. In Fijian tradition, the island is the departure point for spirits to the other world.
Near the coast begins the Vatu-i-Ra channel, known for diving with soft corals, and Volivoli Beach is on the northern tip of the island. The Navatu rock, in a nearby village, is cited as one of the oldest sites of occupation in Fiji.
When to go
From May to October the trade winds usually blow more steadily, good for kitesurfing, and the sea becomes clearer for diving. The northern coast is among the driest parts of Viti Levu; the summer, from November to April, brings heat, rain and cyclone season.
Getting there
Rakiraki is about 130 km from Nadi International Airport via the Kings Road, roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive, with daily buses and vans. Confirm before booking. For Nananu-i-Ra, short boats leave from Ellington Wharf. From Suva, the road continues north along the Kings Road.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Ra
When is the best time for kitesurfing in Nananu-i-Ra?
The trade winds are usually stronger from May to October, during the dry season. The island schools offer lessons for beginners and rent equipment.
How to get to Nananu-i-Ra?
By car or bus to Ellington Wharf, near Rakiraki, and from there a short boat to the island. Accommodations usually arrange the transfer.
Is Rakiraki far from Nadi?
About 130 km, a journey of roughly two and a half hours along the Kings Road, the north road of Viti Levu. There are daily buses and vans, as well as taxis and transfers.
What is the Nakauvadra range?
It is the mountain range that dominates the Rakiraki landscape. In Fijian mythology, it is the dwelling of Degei, the serpent god, and is therefore considered sacred.