Levuka is the largest town on the Fijian island of Ovalau, just east of the country's main island of Viti Levu. Levuka was the Fiji's first capital, during the first period of British colonial rule.

In 1882 the capital was shifted to Suva, as Levuka could not expand enough because of its location squeezed in between the mountains and the sea. Levuka was also the first European settlement in Fiji.

As early as 1806, sandalwood traders settled in the town and during the 19th century it was a prosperous place due to sailors and whalers that called in frequently. At it's height there were over 50 hotels along the waterfront promenade of Beach Street.

Nowadays Levuka's importance has diminished, but the old colonial buildings are still standing and are in good condition. In 2013, Levuka was added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.

The town's most important economic activity is fishing. The PAFCO (Pacific Fishing Company) fishery used to employ about one third of Levuka's labor force, but the plant burned down in 2008.

At the southern end of Beach Street, in the village of Nasova, are three large stones that mark Cession Site, where the British declaration that made Fiji one of their colonies was signed on 10 October 1874.

Some of the most interesting buildings along Beach Street include the 1858 Sacred Heart Church, the Marist Convent School, which was built in 1891, the town hall (1898) and the Romanesque Masonic Lodge from 1924.

The traditional Fijian village of Levuka is at the northern side of town. Its chief is a direct descendant of the chief who welcomed the first European settlers there.

The Levuka Community Centre houses a branch of the Fiji Museum. There is also a public library in Levuka, as well as an 1878 store that was beautifully restored.

There are several good places for scuba-diving and snorkeling not far from town and bicycles are for rent to explore the region.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Levuka. The town is on the eastern coast of Ovalau, 65 km northeast of Suva. In Levuka, guided walks to the village of Lovoni, several kilometers to the west, are available. The walks explore rainforest, a chief's burial site and the Korolevu Hill Fort.

Levuka ©Roy Digital Design

Sacred Heart Church ©Barry Rogge