Loa: Coastal Roads and Traditions

Loa can be explored from two perspectives: coastal roads that start in the area, and cultural traditions from the surrounding region. The Hibiscus Highway runs from Savusavu along an 80-kilometre route to Loa Village, where it ends. Unsealed roads branch off from Loa Village to the north and south along the coast. The northern road passes through a dozen fishing villages to Nabuka at the head of Natewa Bay, opposite Rabi Island. When choosing a holiday rental in Loa, you can consider whether you are most interested in this coastal setting or in the stories and historic sites in the surrounding area.

Roads, Ferries and Getting Around

Buca Bay Road reaches Buca Bay at Loa Village. Buca Bay serves as the terminus for ferry services between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Natuvu Landing is two kilometres south of Loa and is a departure point for ferries to Taveuni. If a ferry crossing is part of your travel plans, check the schedule and departure point before your trip.

Infrastructure in the surrounding area also tells the story of the routes between villages. In Dakuniba, a pedestrian crossing with a culvert was inaugurated after access to the village had been difficult and unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians for years during heavy rain. The crossing improves villagers’ access to healthcare, shops, public transport and government offices in Tukavesi and Savusavu.

Rocks and Traditions in the Surrounding Area

Near Loa lies Dakuniba, home to the Ndakunimba Stones: 14 large stones with deep petroglyphs dating to 500 BC. According to tradition, they originally formed a single, 15-metre-high monolithic structure. Myths explain both the formation of the stones and the petroglyphs. Another distinctive feature of Dakuniba is the Vatu Vola, regarded as ancient rocks bearing mysterious inscriptions. The mountain range overlooking the village is known as Rogovoka.

Nai Kelekele is a rock in a stream at the upper end of the mountain, about a 30-minute walk from the Vatu Vola site. An account from 2017 describes the route to the historic rocks through hilly, densely forested terrain. The rocks are on a wooded slope, and the climb is described as strenuous. If you are considering a visit, check current trail conditions and access arrangements in advance.

The landscape around Buca is also linked to a tradition: the Buca River, which flows past Buca village, is considered the birthplace and home of the fish god Dakuwaqa. Dakuwaqa’s underwater cave in Buca is called Qarani’anaca by local people and is part of the village’s identity and legend. In the stretch of river near the neighbouring village of Tukavesi, red stones mark the place where Dakuwaqa was born, according to tradition. A village meke about Dakuwaqa is performed only on special occasions.

Buca Bay and Life in Loa

Buca Bay is named after Buca, one of the villages on the peninsula. Buca is the home of rugby sevens player and two-time Olympian Jerry Tuwai. Buca Bay offers views of Kioa and Rabi islands. Together with the stories about Dakuwaqa, this stretch of coast shows how place names, landscape and local traditions are interconnected.

An account from 2017 also describes farming in and around Loa Village: an association with 36 members used 617 acres of land for farming, including 400 acres for yaqona. Yaqona was the main crop grown by the group. This time-specific snapshot adds a concrete glimpse of local agricultural work to the coastal and cultural landscape.

For the broader travel overview: Cakaudrove.