Tasman’s report on the passage was so daunting that his fellow navigators would … With an area of 5538 square kilometers, it is slightly larger than half the size of Viti Levu. It has an area of 2,145 square miles (5,556 square km).
VANUA LEVU, FIJI — In 1643, the year after he “discovered” New Zealand and Tasmania, navigator Abel Tasman threaded his ship between the treacherous reefs surrounding this volcanic island. The island measures 180 kilometers long and has an average width of 33 kilometers. Vanua Levu Island, second largest island of Fiji, bordering the Koro Sea in the South Pacific Ocean, 40 miles (64 km) northeast of the island of Viti Levu.Sighted by the Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman in 1643, the volcanic Vanua Levu (“Great Land”) was formerly called Sandalwood Island. Vanua Levu (pronounce Va-new-ah Lay-vu), with a population of approximately 130,000, is the second largest island of the Fiji archipelago. Map of Vanua Levu area hotels: Locate Vanua Levu hotels on a map based on popularity, price, or availability, and see Tripadvisor reviews, photos, and deals. | Though it’s Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu (Big Island) is one of the tropics’ best-kept secrets. Explore Vanua Levu holidays and discover the best time and places to visit.