Discover Wayasewa Island

Wayasewa Island can be experienced in several ways: a hike crosses the island to Naboro, a sandbank connects it to Waya Island, and in Namara, village life and traditions are part of a stay at Ruci and Mali’s Homestay. The types of accommodation also tell the island’s story: alongside the beachside homestay, there is the community-run Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort.

Hikes and routes across the island

For a longer walk, a route of about three hours crosses Wayasewa Island to the village of Naboro on the north coast. Another experience is the Top of the Rock Hike, which Ruci and Mali’s Homestay offers as a guided hike with views at sunrise or sunset. If you are choosing between these options when planning an excursion, consider the kind of experience you want: a route to a village or a guided hike to a viewpoint at the beginning or end of the day.

The connection to the neighboring island is also part of the island experience. A sandbank connects Wayasewa Island with Waya Island and can be crossed on foot in the direction of the crescent-shaped Yalobi Bay. Another notable landmark is Vatuvula Peak: it is the highest mountain on Wayasewa Island and a volcanic plug. A guided hike went all the way to its summit. This offers several different ways to experience the landscape: the route to Naboro, crossing the sandbank, and the summit of the island’s highest mountain.

Village life and community-run accommodation

Ruci and Mali’s Homestay is located on the beach at the southern tip of the Yasawas, on Wayasewa Island, also known as Waya Lailai. In Namara, the homestay welcomes guests into village life and local traditions. Offerings include a traditional kava ceremony and cultural activities such as weaving and cooking classes. If you would like to include village culture in your trip alongside hiking, this combination provides a practical point of reference when choosing accommodation.

The Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort has a different story. It is entirely run and operated by the Indigenous Fijian community. The villages of Namara, Naboro, and Yamata initiated the resort; contributions from each family and volunteer labor funded its construction. The former school building was converted into dormitories and a dining hall. A protected area was also established at Wayalailai Ecohaven. This community-led origin sets the resort apart from the accommodation run by Ruci and Mali, which is specifically described as a homestay.

Which accommodation is right for your stay?

Both offer a unique perspective on Wayasewa Island. During a village visit on Wayasewa, kava was presented to the village chief as a ritual gift, and visitors were welcomed as guests in the village.

Other destinations at the same level include Naviti Island, Nakorokula, Somosomo, Naisisili, Viwa, Vunaniu, Malevu, and Solevu.

For the broader trip overview: Western Division.