Tavuni Hill Fort, Sigatoka is one of the most well known and most frequently visited Tourist Attractions in Sigatoka. History has it that Tavuni was built by the Tongan Chief Maile Latamai around 1800 AD. Tavuni Hill Fort, Sigatoka is the perfect retreat for4 you if you are looking for a recluse away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Tavuni is situated on the highest point of a fortified hill overlooking the agricultural region of the Sigatoka River Valley.

Fiji is a land where history was not recorded by written documents. Oral traditions made history a living part of everyday life passing it down from generation to generation. According to the descendants of Maile Latamai, the background of the settlement of Tavuni is related to the ties with people in other areas in Fiji. A dispute in the reigning Tui Pelehaki family made Maile Latamai gathering his servants together and leaving Tonga for Fiji. Maile Latamai was an emerging young and powerful Tongan during that time. There are several versions regarding the route and journey taken by Maile Latamai. One opinion is that he stopped in Kadavu and Serua before landing at Korotogo while another belief is that he made a halt only in Serua before arriving at Korotogo. Also, it is known that at both the stopping points, his fishermen were sent out to fish, but were left behind after a hasty departure.

Later, Maile Latamai left Korotogo and traveled inland to Tavuni, but the constant tribal warfare in the area compelled him to keep moving. He traveled on to Cuvu and Yanuca and left some of his followers behind to occupy the area. He established himself at Tavuni on his return. He and his followers were given land at Korokune, Nabaka, Korotogo, Vatukarasa, Nadrala, Nasigarua, Naivikabuta, Nabure and Vusu. Tavuni Hill Fort, Sigatoka was known as a highly fortified settlement where the tribes found refuge from the bloody wars.

The fort was impenetrable as it was surrounded by high rock walls, booby traps, ring ditches and a barricade of thorny trees. The fort gained importance when it was settled by Maile Latamai. Tavuni Hill Fort, Sigatoka has been open to public since 1994. You will find here about 56 house mounds, cooking ovens, waste pits and even a killing stone.

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