This volcanic Fijian island has golden beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and clear lagoons. Visitors can snorkel, kayak, or learn about local culture from villagers.
Malolo Island is the largest of Fiji's Mamanuca Islands, located 25 kilometers from Nadi International Airport. This volcanic island has golden sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. You can stay at one of the handful of resorts, snorkel in clear waters, learn about local culture from villagers, or relax on the beach under coconut palms.
About Malolo Island
Malolo Island covers 25 square kilometers in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. The island has lush vegetation, long beaches, and clear blue waters with abundant marine life. You'll find two traditional Fijian villages and five resorts on the island, each offering a different experience.
Where to Stay
You have several accommodation options on Malolo Island. The Malolo Island Resort, owned by a local Fijian family, has 46 bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) spread across the property. These accommodations focus on providing an authentic island experience without modern gadgets. For a more upscale option, the Six Senses Fiji resort has 24 spacious pool villas and multi-bedroom residences. Other choices include Tropica Island Resort, Likuliku Island Resort, and Funky Fish Resort.
Things to Do
Malolo Island offers many activities despite its small size. In the water, you can snorkel in clear lagoons, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and windsurf. If you're looking for more adventure, you can go on fishing trips to catch Dog Tooth Tuna and Coral Trout. The Malolo Barrier Reef, a short distance from the island, is excellent for scuba diving. PADI-certified courses are available for beginners and experienced divers.
On land, you can take guided nature walks to explore the island's interior, relax by the resort pools, or get spa treatments. Many resorts also offer cultural activities where you can learn about Fijian traditions and customs from local villagers.
Where to Eat
The resorts on Malolo Island have various dining options. At Malolo Island Resort, you can eat at the Beach Bar for casual meals by the sea, the Terrace Restaurant for all-day dining with pool and garden views, or the adults-only Treetops Restaurant set high in the coconut trees. Many resorts also arrange private beach dinners for a romantic meal under the stars.
How to Get There
Getting to Malolo Island is part of the experience. From Nadi International Airport, you can take a 50-minute catamaran ride from Port Denarau. For a faster and more scenic trip, you can take a seaplane or helicopter, which will give you aerial views of the Mamanuca Islands before landing at your resort.
Environment and Conservation
Coral reefs surround Malolo Island, supporting many tropical fish and marine species. Some resorts actively participate in conservation efforts. For example, Six Senses Fiji has created a protected habitat for 39 Fijian crested iguanas, a critically endangered species, within the property.
Local Culture
Staying on Malolo Island gives you the chance to experience Fijian hospitality. Many resort staff are descendants of villagers who have lived on Malolo for hundreds of years. This connection to the land and its history adds depth to your stay, allowing you to learn about Fijian culture firsthand.