Tavuni Hill Fort high above the Sigatoka Valley
Tavuni Hill Fort was supposed to be built by Maile Latamai Finau a Tongan chieftain and his followers on their arrival from Tonga via Kadavu and Serua Island a couple of hundreds of years ago. He is supposed to be of Noble birth and from the Tuipelehake lineage. He was good looking, strong headed and a womaniser and was banished by his father for some misdeed with a high born lady. Maile Finau left the Tuipelehake powerbase at the time which was supposed to be Lapaha in Tonga for Fiji with a band of loyal warriors and followers.
They travelled through Lau to Kadavu and on to Serua before they finally settled on what is now known as the Coral Coast. Perhaps because of the openness of attack from the sea by powerful neighbours with naval fleets of double hulled canoes he moved inland to build Tavuni Hill fort. He was also constantly under threat by the warring highland tribes further inland. The fort placement certainly allows for early detection of attacks from the Sea or from the ferocious highland tribes. There are actual stories of battle still told by the descendants of Maile Latamai Finau one of which includes a warrior who after he had been lanced by a spear was still able to run a considrable distance to the fort.
Over time the Tongans intermarried and adapted to Nadroga life, language and culture. Tongan names like Maile Latamai Finau, Tupou and Fatafehi are still in use today and are to be found among the Yavusa Toga or No iToga (Tongan Tribe ) of Nadroga and their close relatives. The Tongan language was still spoken by some of the older people up until the 1970s. The title Tuipelehake is used by the leader of the No iToga. The descendants of Maile Latamai Finau and his followers now can be found in the villagers of Naroro, Korotogo, Nawamagi, Malevu, Cuvu and Nadrala in Nadroga; Waicoba in Navosa; and Vatutu and Waqadamu in Nadi. The Navosa and Nadi branches are descended from some of Maile Latamai Finau's followers who chose to seperate from him because of a dispute that arose and crossed inland from Nadroga to Nadi.
'Kurabui Productions' SSN 1 NG Ep 12 - Tavuni Dua
Sigatoka Cultural & Historical Full Day Tour
Your transport will pick you from your respective hotel(s) and take you to the famous Sigatoka Sand Dunes, one of Fijis National Archaeological Heritage Site where you will begin your 30min trek up the dunes.
Then it’s off to Nakabuta Village, home of lapita Pottery making. The villagers will perform Traditional Fijian dances ‘meke‘, as well as, the art of making pottery. You will be given the chance to acquire genuine souvenirs before heading to Sigatoka Town for shopping then Korotogo for lunch.
Next stop over is at Kula Eco Park, where you will witness some of Fiji’s Endangered Species then its off to Tavuni Hill Fort, known for it’s Tongan history before drop off at your respective hotel(s).
Sigatoka town centre, May 2015
'Kurabui Productions' SSN 1 NG Ep13 - Tavuni Rua
Driving timelapse Natadola - Sigatoka - Baravi Handicrafts shop, Fiji - 6 May 2015
Music:
Spin by unfa
Fiji Roadtrip l Sigatoka Town to Intercontinental Fiji Natadola Beach
SIGATOKA FIJI ISLANDS
gopro footage passing through sigatoka fiji islands. (HD)
PIC 0198 Sigatoka Village Fort
LANIHAVU AOG, MAVUA VILLAGE, SIGATOKA
Jisoko n lagaserej
CHANEL MB sigatoka 3
Sigatoka Valley Nach
BSP Treasure Island Crew Stop Over in Yavulo Village Fiji
On the way out of Yavulo village, Sigatoka. On the way to main road to catch bus to get to something mariner then on to treasure island
sigatoka market, fiji
Food Travelogue - Sigatoka Market in Fiji. Plenty of kava and tropical fruits to be had.
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PIC 0200 Sigatoka Village Fort
Fijian Minister Hon. Faiyaz Koya officially launched the Vodafone Lost Island Ultra Marathon.
Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Faiyaz Siddiq Koya today officiated at the launch of the Vodafone Lost Island Ultra Marathon in Suva.
The Lost Island Ultra Marathon, which is being supported by Tourism Fiji, will take competitors from Viti Levu’s Suncoast to the Coral Coast, through rugged interior, over five stages.
The route measures over 200km starting from Yaqara, Rakiraki and ending at Tavuni Hill Fort near Sigatoka.
While speaking at the launch, Minister Koya said the ultra marathon will help promote tourism in Fiji and areas outside the tourism hotspots will also be recognized.
Vodafone Fiji Limited also provided a sponsorship of $35,000 for the Lost Island Ultra Marathon.
Ultra marathon runners from around the world as well as two from Fiji, Petero Manoa and Anna Cowley will be participating in the event.
The Lost Island Ultra Marathon will take place from 3 – 8 April, 2018.
Fijian Village Music on the Sigatoka River.
Beautiful choral / chorus communal village sing along in Fijian language during a visit to a village on the Sigatoka River.
April 2012
Tabacakacaka Sigatoka MYF
Cuvu Choir Competition