Old Capital Inn

02/09/2024

Whilst in Levuka, your view on the ocean are the islands of Lomaiviti, the closest being Wakaya Island, now privately owned by an American woman.
Beginning around 300 B.C.E., Wakaya was inhabited by the ancestors of Toki Village, on Ovalau. They lived in a village called Korolevu. Wakaya was not at peace at that time as other villagers from Ovalau came in canoes to make war and kidnap the Wakayan women. At the time, the notorious warriors of Lovoni Village on Ovalau were feared by the nearby islands,. Even King Cakobau felt threatened by them. Ultimately, the Ovalau villagers came and wiped out all the men and kidnapped all the women. To avoid a gruesome death at the hands of the Ovalau warriors, the Wakayan village chief jumped off a cliff at Double Bay and drowned in the ocean. That cliff is now called "Chieftain's Leap" in his honour.

01/09/2024

It was a fun and memorable Father's Day celebration by the crew of M.V. Lomaiviti Princess 12 at Nukulevu Island, off Natovi Jetty.!
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there🥰

31/08/2024

As a key port of entry for yachts, Levuka is the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning waters of Fiji. Our historic town welcomes yachties from all over the world, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're sailing into the Pacific for the first time or returning for another adventure, Levuka is your gateway to unforgettable experiences. 🌴⛵

29/08/2024

Rabuka's campaign visit to the old capital in 2022.
We're hopeful for bucketsful of money from China, whilst currently attending meetings there.
Safe travels and productive talks, Honourable Prime Minister.🇫🇯

23/08/2024

Parade through the charming streets of Levuka.

21/08/2024

First boat arriving into Levuka carrying over 200 ex- students of Levuka Public School, from around Fiji and the world. We can only imagine the feelings of nostalgia as many may be returning after 4 or 5 decades.
Welcome home❤️

21/08/2024

The Italians reciprocated with a lively Spanish favourite...🇮🇪

21/08/2024

First one to arrive for the Levuka Public School 145th anniversary reunion celebrations tomorrow- Sonny Underwood! ❤️
Doing what he does best.....entertaining guests!

We certainly will be hearing this song being serenaded in every home on the island this weekend!👣🎶

Let the celebrations begin!🏖🇫🇯

Naova ke.

17/08/2024

Just 5 days to go....the excitement in Levuka is palpable as the townsfolk prepares for the 145th anniversary of Levuka Public School, Fiji’s oldest public school. Opened in 1879, Levuka Public School has a rich history that traces back to a time when education was primarily a private affair, reserved for the children of colonial settlers or conducted at home. The school's founding marked a significant shift towards accessible public education in Fiji, and it has since become a cornerstone of the community.

In the days leading up to the anniversary, the town is abuzz with preparations. Alumni from all over Fiji and abroad are planning to return to their beloved alma mater, reconnect with old friends, and reminisce about their school days in dear old Levuka.

The event is set to be a grand celebration, with a mix of traditional ceremonies, cultural performances, a charity Queen contest, and historical exhibitions showcasing the school's storied past. Oh..... if those walls could talk!😄

For the people of Levuka, this anniversary is more than just a milestone; it’s a celebration of our town’s legacy as Fiji's first capital and a reminder of the important role education has played in the nation's development.

The excitement is sure to build even further as the big day approaches, with the whole town coming together to honour this historic occasion from Thursday 22nd August to Sunday 25th August.

Come this time next Saturday, everyone will be putting on their dancing shoes, as there will be three live bands in town.

See you around!❤️

05/08/2024

Proud hosts of the Fiji Barbarians 7's team in January this year, we are mindful of the benefits of Sports Tourism to our town's struggling economy.

Sports tourism is a booming industry that offers numerous benefits for communities and economies. In Fiji, where rugby is the national sport, the impact of sports tourism is particularly significant. Some of the key benefits include revenue generation, job creation, promotion of our culture, global exposure, infrastructure improvement and youth development, to name a few.

By leveraging the passion for rugby, Levuka can harness the power of sports tourism to drive economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development. Embracing rugby not only boosts the local economy but also strengthens the social fabric and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle among Fijians.

Support Levuka and register your team now.
Details are on the poster and you have only 2 months until kickoff!

04/08/2024

The overcast day did not deter us from doing outdoorsy stuff.

Joanna, my grand niece, shows promise as a tour guide in the near future. She made sure the visitors from France and Nausori visited her papa's grave, which has an iguana tree growing on it.(vunikura)😁
She also made sure everyone had their life jackets on at the market bridge.

Since, we hadn't banked on going kayaking, Joana went back home wearing Judith's clothes, and she's invited all the visitors to her grandmother's shop tomorrow .........after school😄

04/08/2024

Girl Guides and Girl friends..

03/08/2024

A significant milestone and a memorable experience for the girl guides to celebrate 100 years of sisterhood, in Levuka.

Safe travels to the 300 ladies aboard the M.V. St. Mary, as they continue their journey!

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03/08/2024

Manon goes kayaking with her mum. She gave two thumbs up for the colourful coral and fish she saw.🏖

02/08/2024

Celebrating 100 years of empowering young women.

Beginning in Levuka in 1924, the Chief Commissioner- Mrs Salavou Suguturaga (centre), and these incredible ladies from the Fiji Girl Guides, honour a century of leadership, service, and sisterhood.

Here's to the next 100 years!🙏🏼❤️

29/07/2024

26/07/2024

Look for us on the waterfront or call 9592864 for bookings these August holidays. Family Rooms are only $160 per night inclusive of a wholesome breakfast. 🏖

20/07/2024

Veivatuloa, na koro makawa......

20/07/2024

It wasn't until we had had breakfast that we realised we forgot eggs to go with the bacon and sausages, and yogurt for the home-made muesli.😷😁.

16/07/2024

Our view on this glorious day.

Lucky yachties get to enjoy our picturesque, quaint little town from the sea.🏖

12/07/2024

There is much hype about the upcoming reunion of the oldest public school in Fiji, from August 22nd to August 25th..... just 40 days away! Celebrating 145 years of quality education.

Levuka Public School, established in 1879, holds the distinction of being the first public school in Fiji. The school was founded during a time when the British colonial administration was beginning to formalize education in Fiji.

Levuka Public School was established to provide education primarily to the children of European settlers and colonial officials. Its establishment marked a significant step towards the development of a formal education system in Fiji.

In its early years, the school focused on a curriculum similar to that of schools in Britain, emphasizing reading, writing, arithmetic, and other subjects suitable for a colonial setting. After the capital of Fiji was moved from Levuka to Suva in 1882, the school continued to operate and expand. It remained an important educational institution in Levuka, serving a diverse student body, including indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians over time.

Today, Levuka Public School continues to function as a coeducational institution, providing primary and secondary education. It is recognized for its historical significance and its contributions to education in Fiji.

Levuka Public School represents an important part of Fiji's colonial heritage.
It is a notable example of how education began to take shape in Fiji under British colonial rule, setting the stage for the development of a more comprehensive and inclusive education system in the subsequent decades.

See you in a bit! Hopefully flights to Levuka will have resumed by then, for those who find ferry travel difficult.

Photo Credit: Wing Kang

06/07/2024

Got "heritage" up to your eyeballs?🤓
Go kayaking. 🛶

24/06/2024

While Ovalau was a hot spot for dengue fever, we at the Old Capital Inn are having a bout of yellow fever.

Happy Feast Day St John's College, Cawaci.

15/06/2024

The birthday girl, it's all about you this joyous evening! Happy 3 scores and 10. Safe travels back to Brisbane, a true daughter of Ovalau.

15/06/2024

Liwavi au na tokalau....baravi kei Kadavu.
Alelia Nagatalevu .

15/06/2024

The Lodge of Polynesia, or the Masonic Lodge, or "The Lodge" as we children called it, indeed, faced a tragic incident in 2000 when it was burned down by vandals. This incident is steeped in local legend and misinformation.

This act of arson resulted in significant damage, destroying the historic building and many of its valuable records and artifacts. The vandals who set the fire reportedly believed in a bizarre local myth that the lodge contained a secret underground tunnel leading to Scotland.

This myth stems from misunderstandings about Freemasonry, which has often been shrouded in mystery and subject to conspiracy theories. I often thought this was because "masonic" rhymes with "demonic".

As we would say in the Old Capital, "O cei va kila?"!

I know, for sure though, that the Lodge helped poor families educate their children, and I'm proud to say that my late uncle, Louis Shackley, was a recipient of their kindness. He could well have been the first boy from Vagadaci to attend the then prestigious St John's College in Cawaci, excelling in both athletics and academia. He went on to become the Supervisor at the Lautoka PWD Fitting Shop, doing his part for the nation's development.........all thanks to the Lodge.

I vividly remember that fateful night at the height of the 2000 coup, whereby I received a phone call around midnight from my dear friend- Mrs Gaetane Austin stating that she had heard over the news that a lodge was on fire in Levuka Town, and wondered whether it was Mary's Lodge, my mum's homestay accommodation. I'll never wish anyone a phone call like this- the scenario that was flashing in my mind, was unimaginable.

The destruction of the lodge was a significant loss to the cultural and historical heritage of Levuka. The lodge had been an important part of the town's history, reflecting its colonial past and the diverse community that thrived here.

Levuka was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, partly due to its historical buildings and the unique cultural blend it represents. This recognition helps ensure that the town's remaining heritage sites receive the attention and preservation efforts they deserve. We can only hope that those charged with their safekeeping, now and in the future, are honoured with their responsibilities and have Levuka, at heart.

The burning of the Lodge in 2000 serves as a reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage and the importance of protecting and preserving historical sites.

Despite this loss, the legacy of "The Lodge" continues to be an integral part of Levuka's rich historical narrative.

Today, the Lodge is used as a greenhouse cm plant nursery for the Levuka Town Council.

23/06/2023

Saturday brunch with our tauvus from Naweni, three of his sisters and two nieces, paying a visit to Fr Fabiano Dakai sm.
Happy Feast Day of St John the Baptist.

10/05/2023

Let's keep the kettle boiling, toso mai Ovalau!

Weekend special on accommodation, with breakfast included.

Single $50 per night
Double $80 per night
Family Room(4) $120 per night
Check in 27th May, check out 29th May.