While Levuka may look like your average sleepy town, this place was once a port and trading post for Fiji and the whole of the South Pacific. It was the place of early settlement for many foreign traders, merchants, missionaries and vagabonds, and as a result, many nights of drunken debauchery took place here.
Today, Levuka has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It won't be long before you're recognised on the streets, so don't be surprised if a complete stranger calls you by name. This is just one way the locals make visitors feel at home.
Henry Sahai, an 83-year-old local who has lived in Levuka all his life, runs two-hour walking tours of the city for a small fee. During this walk you'll notice one recurring theme - Levuka is a town of many firsts. The town is home to Fiji's first bank, post office, school, newspaper, Masonic lodge, and even the first hospital. Many of these buildings are still open to the public.
Levuka has only a few restaurants, and The Whale's Tale Restaurant is one of the best. It's situated on Beach Street, in 'downtown' Levuka. Owned by an Australian mother and daughter team, The Whale's Tale offers mainly European food, along with great views of the harbour.
Levuka doesn't have any flashy resorts. Instead, you'll find a good night's stay at the cosy and casual Levuka Homestay. They have four rooms for guests, three with queen size beds and one room with a double bed and single bed. The rooms are spacious, with polished floors, ceiling fan, ensuite bathroom, veranda and your own private entrance.
