nananu-i-ra

Explore the Splendor of Nananu-I-Ra

Nananu-I-Ra is the sort of island you see on the front of postcards from gloating friends on the other side of the world. It lies just off the north coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, and manages to be both an idyll and an outdoor playground at the same time. If you like to take things easy on your holidays, then the white sandy beaches, breathtaking bays and constant sunshine provide the picture-perfect setting. But Nananu-i-Ra is also famous for its diving – organised tours are not hard to find.

Location ~ Located 90 miles from Nadi Airport or Suva by local bus which runs 3 times daily or alternatively, hire a car and take your time. The “pick-up” point is Ellington Wharf 7 miles east of Rakiraki. Here you will be met by one of our boat captains to enjoy a 3 km jaunt to the island.

Geography ~ Nananu-I-Ra is a beautifully hilly 3.5 sq km island, roughly triangular in shape with many scalloped bays, white-sand beaches, and mangroves. Only 3 km north of Ellington Wharf on the northern tip of Viti Levu, it is an excellent option for those who want an offshore island experience but minimal boating and associated cost. It is handy to the Nadi area and offers exceptional diving and windsufing. 

nananu island

History ~ Our parents, Norman and Mabel Macdonald were the pioneers in bringing tourism to the island of Nananu-I-Ra around thirty five years ago. It was considered a bold pioneering move, considering the only form of communication with the Island at that time was by flashing a mirror from the mainland, and hope that someone from the Island responded. Walkie Talkies were next, or flashing car headlights if you arrived of an evening.

Our great grandfather, Mr. Hugh Munro first moved onto Nananu-I-Ra Island in 1898. The Island was used as an experimental sheep farm, a cotton plantation and finally a coconut plantation. The island has never lost it’s beauty and appeal for those wishing to escape the pressures of every day life.

The little homestead on our inherited property, is the exact place where our pioneering family lived and worked the land over 100 years ago and the tradition of true South Sea Island hospitality lives on.