Kadavu Island

Kadavu ( [ kandaβu ], letters also: Kandavu ) is 411 square kilometers, the fourth largest of the Fiji islands and the main island of Kadavu Group. It is named after the eponymous province of Kadavu in the Eastern Division.

Geography

Kadavu is constricted with a length of 93 km and a width of between 365 meters and 13 km in two places and therefore consists of three connected only by narrow strip of land parts of the island. Most of the island is hilly and covered by dense rainforest.

The highest elevations are the volcanic Nabukelevu (Mount Buke Levu or Ndelainambukelevu, that is great Yamsberg ), known as "Mount Washington ", with 805 meters, and the Biloniyaqona ( Mbiloniyanggona ), known as "Mount Challenger " with 664 meters. Some smaller waterfalls cascade from the slopes.

The coastline consists of many beaches with coconut palm fringed beaches. Off the southern coast and the northeast offshore island of Ono Astrolabe reef, the Great, one of the longest unbroken reef in Fiji extends. Between Kadavu and the coral reef is an extensive lagoon with water depths up to 10 m, to the ocean, the water depth drops to 1,800 m.

Population

Total living on Kadavu only around 10,000 inhabitants mostly Fijian origin ( 2007: 9,964, plus 49 Indian and 154 other origin ) in 69 villages scattered all over the island. The only place of overriding function is Vunisea. It is the headquarters of the province of Kadavu. There is a hospital, a post office, a bank and the island's market.

History

William Bligh is considered the first European who discovered Kadavu in 1792 on his second voyage to Fiji on the HMS Providence. 1799 was followed by Captain Christopher Bentley on the way back from Australia on the American ship Ann & Hope. 1827 suffered the French Dumont d' Urville Commander on the reef almost shipwreck that since the name of his ship, the Astrolabe carries.

In the 1870s, the whaling station Galoa Harbor served at Vunisea passing sailing ships on the way to Australia and New Zealand as a focal point. Passengers were taken and food and water supplies supplemented. Kadavu was even as the site of the new capital of the Fiji Islands in the conversation until the election on Suva fell. Thereafter, the island lost its importance and makes today a sleepy feeling.

Infrastructure

On Kadavu there are few roads because of the steep slopes and low population. On the eastern island of the three parts of the few villages can be reached only by boat, as well as almost all the villages of the north coast. Thus boats are the main means of transport. In Vunisea the airport Kadavu, the only airport on the island, which is served daily from Sun Air and Air Fiji is. Connections are available to Nadi and Suva. Several ships operate weekly between Kadavu and 88 km away Suva.

Economy

Kadavu is Fiji is of minor importance. On the steep slopes of the cultivation of sugar cane is not possible. Thus, the villagers operate predominantly subsistence. The coconut for the production of oils and fats and fishing are the only sources of income in the agricultural sector.

In recent years, tourism has become increasingly important. In particular, divers search the island because of its proximity to the Great Astrolabe Reef. The beautiful beaches and tropical diversity of plants and animals are more attractive destinations. The development of tourism is hampered by lack of infrastructure and the remoteness and thereby caused high prices on the island. So there is no international resorts, but only small private hotels to secluded beaches, most of which are only accessible by boat. In bad weather or departure is impossible. Thus, the average length of stay of the few tourists is higher than average. Most hotels are managed by foreigners, the Fijians are employed.

Photo Gallery

Kadavu with reaching to the beach rainforest

Vunisea, look in the hinterland

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