About
Naihehe Cave is a limestone cave system on Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji, in Oceania. It is a place where the island's landscape and its history meet, and it makes an absorbing visit for anyone interested in Fijian culture and the stories of the past.
What to expect
The cave's chambers are large and high, and visitors often describe them as cathedral-like. A guided tour is the way to see them. Along the route you can look at ancient artifacts and pass underground pools, while your guide explains the cave's role in Fiji's history.
Its history
During the era of tribal warfare in Fiji in the 1870s, Naihehe served as a fortress and a refuge for the Sawa tribe. The cave is also known for its darker past as a cannibal cave, a part of its story that the tours address directly. Its significance in Fijian culture runs alongside these accounts of survival, which is why many visitors find the guided explanation as valuable as the chambers themselves.
Planning your visit
- Go with a guide, as the tour is what brings the cave's history and artifacts to life.
- Wear sturdy footwear, since the underground pools and limestone surfaces can be slippery.
- Allow time for questions, as the stories told along the route are the heart of the experience.
Naihehe suits travellers who want more than scenery, and who are willing to hear difficult stories told with care. Viti Levu offers a wide range of other places to explore, so the cave can be one part of a longer trip around the island.