Fiji's third-largest island, cigar-shaped Taveuni is great for relaxing, hiking, camping, sailing, fishing, swimming under waterfalls and fabulous scuba diving. The Rainbow Reef and its Great White Wall, in the deep Somosomo Strait, are among the world's top dive sites. Strong currents often rip through the Somosomo Strait, so divers should be experienced with diving in currents.
Hardy hikers can try to get a look at the rare tagimaucia flower on the shores of Lake Tagimaucia, high in a volcanic crater (a Jeep track up the mountain allows a day trip). Or they can climb to the three lovely waterfalls, called Bouma Falls, nestled in the cool rain forest of Tavoro Forest Park and Preserve. The hike is strenuous, and only the hardiest make it all the way to the third set of falls—fortunately, the first is the most impressive of the three. The Lavena Coastal Walk, beginning at the village of Lavena, will take you to gorgeous Wainibau Falls in about an hour and a half (you will have to wade or swim partway—it's not for elderly or infirm travelers). Lavena is a lovely traditional village with a good beach.
Accommodations on Taveuni consist of two modern resorts, several smaller boutique resorts, a backpacking retreat and numerous houses for rent. The best beach on Taveuni is Prince Charles, on the north side near the airstrip in Matei—but be careful: Sharks love these waters, too. Qamea and Matagi islands, off Taveuni, have two of Fiji's most romantic get-away-from-it-all resorts, both on lovely beaches. They can be reached by boat from Taveuni. Taveuni is 130 mi/210 km northeast of Suva.
