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Malolo Island, part of Fiji’s Mamanuca Island chain, is home to several resorts and an abundance of history and nature.

Early Fijian settlers cast their eyes to the West, and believed that Malolo was created by the gods as the sun came to rest after a day of wandering. At around this time, Fijians branched out from Viseisei village to occupy over half of the islands in this group.

For the Fijians, “Nasiga e Dromui Malolo” translates to “Malolo is where the sun comes to rest”; as advertised, we enjoyed several gorgeous sunsets to end our days here.

[With one yellow claw, these shy tiny crabs pop out of the sand each morning to greet the sun]

With over 10,020 square kilometers (3,868 square miles) of coral reef and over 398 coral species, Fiji’s underwater world is remarkably vibrant.

These living structures offer home to thousands of creatures, from fish to worms and molluscs. Each coral’s tiny anemone-like polyps can catch floating food particles, however most corals rely on symbiotic algae living inside them to provide food through photosynthesis.

Recognized as some of the most diverse reefs in the world, Fiji’s reef survival is crucial. Many resorts have in-house reef restoration and replanting programs in place to help replenish lost coral over the years due to human activity.

And in case you didn’t know, Fiji’s reefs account for nearly 50% of the economy via tourism. Aside from over 1,200 varieties of reef fish, corals in Fiji’s undisturbed islands provide nesting for reef egrets, petrels, and terns.

Several turtle species are also to be found here, including Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Olive Ridley, plus a rare Bottle Nose Dolphin population.

Fiji’s tropical dry forest ecosystems are classified as some of the most endangered in the world. While Malolo Island has retained less than 3% of its original vegetation, behind Likuliku Lagoon’s beach is the largest remaining area of dry forest on Malolo.

Four heritage trees have also been identified here, including a large Banyan tree, two Beach Almond trees (believed to be over 100 years old), and a large Beach Mahogany tree. All four major landmarks are remnants of the former forest on the island. By retaining these important trees, future rehabilitation of their original habitats can be achieved.

[Daily morning stingray spotting at Likuliku Lagoon from the overwater bure walkway]

Ahura Resorts (Malolo Island Resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort) have created a Tropical Dry Forest Restoration Program that includes a nursery and research area. Two stands of healthy mangrove exist at the resort and have been designated a Preservation Area.

Bird lovers will be thrilled to know that there are about 56 native species of birds to be found around Fiji as well. Visit Ahura Resorts online for more info.