THE GUIDE - Rough Guide to Fiji - page 116

Brief history
Before the arrival of tourists, the Mamanucas were used as fishing and egg gathering grounds
by the people of Viseisei and Nadi on Viti Levu. The majority were never inhabited due to
the intense sun and lack of fresh water. Only three of the larger volcanic islands - Malolo,
Yanuya and Tavua - supported fishing villages . With poor farming conditions, life was ex-
tremely tough and the majority of islanders sought out new opportunities on the mainland.
Today, with a reversal of fortunes, every village household earns money through hotel land
rent and has at least one family member working in the tourist industry. Food supplies are
now shipped in on fast boats from the mainland.
Conditions were better on the larger Yasawa Islands. Thanks to the presence of natural
spring water and more fertile soils, a greater number of coastal villages established here. The
southernmost islands of the chain, Kuata and Wayasewa, are aligned to the mainland vil-
lage of Viseisei, being part of its yavusa or district. All other islands give allegiance to the
high chief or Tui Yasawa who resides in Yasawa-i-rara Village at the northernmost tip of the
group. Little is known about the early history of the Yasawa people except that they were
deeply feared as warriors by the inhabitants of eastern Fiji. In 1789 Captain William Bligh ,
having been cast adrift in a small rowing boat by the Bounty mutineers, rowed through the
Yasawas and was chased by several war canoes. Fortunately for him, a squall blew in and
the pursuing Yasawans retreated. The passage through which he escaped is known as Bligh
Water.
The Mamanucas
Clearly visible from Nadi, the MAMANUCAS are a stunning collection of 32 small islands
surrounded by 35 square kilometres of translucent ocean strewn with coral reefs. Situated in
the lee of the main island of Viti Levu, the islands boast the finest weather in Fiji - year-
round sunshine, calm seas and gentle breezes. Given the ease of travel and the wide choice
of resorts this is the prime beach holiday destination in the South Pacific.
The coral islands , lying immediately offshore from Nadi and Lautoka, comprise a dozen
picturesque tiny coral cays , which feature heavily in the tourist brochures and boast several
world-class surfing breaks. More prominent, though, from the mainland are the larger volcan-
ic islands of the Malolo Group , with rolling grassy hills framing beautiful beaches and the
surrounding seas bobbing with yachts and ferries. There are plenty of activities here to keep
tourists busy, including game fishing, jet-skiing and kayaking, as well as excellent scuba
diving .
Forming the western border of Fiji, the remote Mamanuca-i-Cake Group is also volcanic
in appearance but has more rugged coastlines and steeper hills covered in light forest. Being
further from the mainland - it takes ninety minutes by boat from Nadi - these islands are less