Founded by trader and settlers as early as 1830, Levuka flourished and attracted cotton and coconut planters, sandalwood and beche de mer traders. Merchants arrived to set up businesses such as shops, bars and hotels. ships and sailors of every nationality visited and Levuka turned into a rowdy place where anarchy ruled. Local chiefs had trouble to maintain control and and the self-proclaimed king
over Fiji Tui Cakobau and his fellow chiefs ceded the islands to the queen and Fiji became a British colony in 10 October 1874, that's when Levuka became Fijis' first capital. Law and order took over and very soon the first school of Fiji was build. Just a few years later the founders were concerned for lack of space and the problem difficulties this faced for the growth of the capital. So in 1877 the capital was moved to Suva. Local businessman Bhupen Kumar and his Levuka colleagues have formed the volunteer based LEVUKA HISTORICAL & CULTURAL SOCIETY to raise awareness and resources to aid the restoration and preservation of this remarkable township on the island of Ovalau. They also support the Levuka Ovalau Tourism Association
PO. Box, Levuka, Ovalau, Fiji Islands, Email: [email protected]
This Facebook site aims to help build a global network of persons interested to also help raise awareness and resources for the preservation of the heritage values of Levuka. Feel free to link it/promote it anywhere you can!
