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Hike to Kuata Summit in Fiji
Published by Kristen Hulsey, Writer
Country: Fiji 
The Experience
Scaling a mountain doesn’t have to be a dramatic episode of blood, sweat and tears. From the bottom to the top of Kuata Summit in Fiji takes about forty-five minutes (though the humidity actually did cause quite a bit of sweat). The summit is the tallest peak on Kuata Island: the southernmost island in the Yasawas. Being a volcanic group of islands, the Yasawa Islands boast stunning views of endless lagoons and beach-meets-mountain terrain that is perfect for the infamous summit walks.
Kuata Natural Island Resort is the only resort on the uninhabited Kuata Island, owned by village members on nearby Wayasewa who designated it a nature sanctuary. Some staff members live on the resort, while others kayak over from the neighboring island of Waya Lailai. The smallest of the three islands of Waya, the resort offers daily summit walks to tourists, taking place just before sunset, and finishing in time for dinner.
Visitors are asked to sign up at lunch; and for those who don’t have the inclusive package, it costs $12 Fijian dollars. The Kuata summit walk begins in the late afternoon and is led by a barefoot staff member. It seemed more like a stroll in the park to him; and he climbed confidently through forest while the rest of us panted heavily and begged for water because of the humidity. He took two dogs with him, and they easily left us in the dust. This is obviously not their first Kuata summit hike. The ground was covered in leaves and twigs as it was early November and the beginning of the rainy season. The previous day’s rainfall had left the area muddy and slippery, and I instantly regretted wearing flip-flops.
The walk up isn’t ridiculously steep, but the humidity is nearly unbearable. Bring water with you. Meanwhile, our guide looked like he could do this walk with his eyes closed. Every once in a while I caught a preview of the magnificent sight through the trees, and anticipated the view from the top.
As we ascended the last hundred meters of the journey to Kuata summit, we emerged from the looming trees and were surrounded by bush and beautiful flowers. The winding forest backdrop becomes a lush, untamed scene leading up to the final view. I took a deep breath of fresh air as I looked out at the volcanic mountain formations and the clear blue ocean that looks like it's topped with whipped cream. It’s like you're in a painting, and you can’t get much closer to paradise than this.
There’s glorious blue water for miles, and it’s clear that Kuata is the little sister of the Waya Islands. Across the lagoon is the rock formation of Waya Lailai, which resembles a giant face. Our guide gave us some time to soak up the view, then ditched us and ran back down the mountain as soon as the dinner conch was blown. It takes about thirty minutes to descend back to the resort, and we only slipped a couple times on the way down.
The Kuata summit walk, otherwise known as my new “happy place,” is an absolute must-do for all visitors to Kuata Island, and completely worth the short hike to the top of the world.
Kuata Natural Island Resort is the only resort on the uninhabited Kuata Island, owned by village members on nearby Wayasewa who designated it a nature sanctuary. Some staff members live on the resort, while others kayak over from the neighboring island of Waya Lailai. The smallest of the three islands of Waya, the resort offers daily summit walks to tourists, taking place just before sunset, and finishing in time for dinner.
Visitors are asked to sign up at lunch; and for those who don’t have the inclusive package, it costs $12 Fijian dollars. The Kuata summit walk begins in the late afternoon and is led by a barefoot staff member. It seemed more like a stroll in the park to him; and he climbed confidently through forest while the rest of us panted heavily and begged for water because of the humidity. He took two dogs with him, and they easily left us in the dust. This is obviously not their first Kuata summit hike. The ground was covered in leaves and twigs as it was early November and the beginning of the rainy season. The previous day’s rainfall had left the area muddy and slippery, and I instantly regretted wearing flip-flops.
The walk up isn’t ridiculously steep, but the humidity is nearly unbearable. Bring water with you. Meanwhile, our guide looked like he could do this walk with his eyes closed. Every once in a while I caught a preview of the magnificent sight through the trees, and anticipated the view from the top.
As we ascended the last hundred meters of the journey to Kuata summit, we emerged from the looming trees and were surrounded by bush and beautiful flowers. The winding forest backdrop becomes a lush, untamed scene leading up to the final view. I took a deep breath of fresh air as I looked out at the volcanic mountain formations and the clear blue ocean that looks like it's topped with whipped cream. It’s like you're in a painting, and you can’t get much closer to paradise than this.
There’s glorious blue water for miles, and it’s clear that Kuata is the little sister of the Waya Islands. Across the lagoon is the rock formation of Waya Lailai, which resembles a giant face. Our guide gave us some time to soak up the view, then ditched us and ran back down the mountain as soon as the dinner conch was blown. It takes about thirty minutes to descend back to the resort, and we only slipped a couple times on the way down.
The Kuata summit walk, otherwise known as my new “happy place,” is an absolute must-do for all visitors to Kuata Island, and completely worth the short hike to the top of the world.
When to Go to Kuata Summit
The best time of year to take the Kuata summit walk is June to October. This is considered the dry season, and the clearest views can be had from the summit. The sunsets will be also be clearer during this time, but if you're like me and enjoy a semi-cloudy sunset, you might be better off visiting in November. Just before the wet season is when there are more clouds in the sky. If you do decide to go in November, go as early in the month as possible to avoid getting stuck in the wet season. Rainfall usually occurs between December and February, but the wet season is considered to be November through April. Fiji sometimes experiences tropical cyclones, but those are more likely to occur between November and April as well.
The Kuata summit walk is only offered once a day with a guide; and it's not recommended that you go without one as it would be difficult to navigate to the top. The best time of day to go is just before sunset as you'll be guaranteed the best view.
Kuata Island was closed to land tourism by the Fijian Government until 1987, but has since been opened to tourism to boost the economy. Kuata encourages tourism, as will be apparent by the friendly and welcoming faces. Fijians love to have a good time, so enjoy it!
The Kuata summit walk is only offered once a day with a guide; and it's not recommended that you go without one as it would be difficult to navigate to the top. The best time of day to go is just before sunset as you'll be guaranteed the best view.
Kuata Island was closed to land tourism by the Fijian Government until 1987, but has since been opened to tourism to boost the economy. Kuata encourages tourism, as will be apparent by the friendly and welcoming faces. Fijians love to have a good time, so enjoy it!
Odds n' Ends
Even though the walk is short, the humidity will dehydrate you faster than other climates. Make sure to bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes (learn from my mistake) as there are lots of sharp twigs on the way up.
Remember that anytime you climb a mountain the oxygen will be thinner the farther up you go. It won't really be a problem in Kuata as the summit is only a short walk up, but keep it in mind if you have severe lung problems.
Remember that anytime you climb a mountain the oxygen will be thinner the farther up you go. It won't really be a problem in Kuata as the summit is only a short walk up, but keep it in mind if you have severe lung problems.
Want a Guide?
- Awesome Adventures Fiji
- Awesome Adventures Fiji sets you up with all-inclusive packages that give you the option to visit as many different islands as you want. Prices range from about AUD $1000 to $4000, depending on how long you want to stay. Although the company saves you heaps of effort when it comes to booking accomodation and transport to each island, it would probably be cheaper to set everything up on your own.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Kuata Natural Island Resort
- Kuata Natural Island Resort is the only resort in Kuata. Because the island is uninhabited, only a few staff members live on the island. Others commute via kayak from the neighboring island of Waya Lailai. The staff is so welcoming they'll feel more like family by the time you leave. Prepare to relax on empty beaches, experience the Fijian way of life, and live like a local. The only bad part about the resort is leaving it.
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