Levuka

Levuka is a town on the Fijian island of Ovalau, in Lomaiviti Province, in the Eastern Division of Fiji, of which it is the capital.

Related Topics:
Fiji - Ovalau - Lomaiviti Province - Eastern Division

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It has a population of around 2000, about a quarter of Ovalau's total. It is the economic hub and the largest of 24 settlements on the island. It was founded around 1820 by European settlers and traders as the first modern town in the Fiji Islands, and became an important port and trading post. A disparate band of settlers made up Levuka's population - traders, missionaries, shipwrights, speculators, and vagabonds, as well as respectable businessmen. When the first modern nation state of Fiji was founded in 1871, Seru Epenisa Cakobau was crowned King at Levuka. After Fiji was annexed as a British colony in 1874, Levuka remained the capital until 1882, when the administration was moved to Suva.

Related Topics:
1820 - Europe - 1871 - Seru Epenisa Cakobau - Crowned - King - British - Colony - 1874 - Capital - 1882 - Suva

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Levuka is famous for many of Fiji's "firsts." It was the site of Fiji's first bank, post office, school, private members club, hospital, town hall, and municipal government. Fiji's first newspaper, the Fiji Times, which is still in operation today, was founded in Levuka in 1869. Levuka's Royal Hotel is the oldest hotel in the South Pacific still operating. Historians have not ascertained its exact age, but records show that it was in existence by the early 1860s. The oldest Masonic lodge in the South Pacific, Lodge Polynesia 562 SC, is also to be found in Levuka. It was established in 1875. Levuka was also the site of Fiji's first public electricity system, which began in 1927, three days before the capital Suva was electrified.

Related Topics:
Fiji Times - 1869 - Royal Hotel - South Pacific - 1860s - Masonic lodge - Lodge Polynesia 562 SC - 1875 - 1927

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At the northern end of Levuka is the traditional Fijian village of Levuka. The village chief, who bears the title of Tui Levuka, is a direct descendant of the chief who welcomed the first European settlers. In memory of his ancestor, he is also known as "Tamana na vavalagi" (Father of the Europeans).

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Levuka and the island of Ovalau are seeking recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Related Topics:
UNESCO - World Heritage Site

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