Vanua Balavu

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Lau Islands Northern Lau Islands Cicia Kaibu Kanacea Mago Malima Munia Island Naitaba Nayau Tuvuca Vanua Balavu Vatu Vara Wailagi Lala Yacata Southern Lau Islands (Yagasa Cluster) Fulaga Kabara Komo Lakeba Moce Moka Namuka-i-Lau Ogea Driki Ogea Levu Oneata Vanua Vatu Vuaqava Yagasa Levu Moala Islands Matuku Moala Totoya Outliers Bacon Island Cakau Lasemarawa Doi Late-i-Toga Late-i-Viti Ono-i-Lau Tuvana-i-Colo Tuvana-i-Ra Vatoa Yanuca

Islands of Fiji Principal islands Viti Levu Vanua Levu Significant outliers Conway Reef Kadavu Taveuni Rotuma Archipelagos Kadavu Group Lau Islands Lomaiviti Islands Mamanuca Islands Moala Islands Ringgold Isles Rotuma Group Vanua Levu Group Viti Levu Group Yasawa Islands

Vanua Balavu (IPA: [βa nu a mba la βu]) is the second largest island in Fiji's Lau archipelago (not counting the islands of the Moala Group), and the main island of the Northern Lau Group. Located at 17.25° South and 178.92° West, this coral and volcanic island has a land area of 53 square kilometers. Its maximum elevation is 283 meters. The island is characterized by steep undercut cliffs, with fertile volcanic soil. It is well watered and has hot springs. There is an extensive reef system, including the islets of Qilaqila Bay. The main village on the island is Lomaloma.

Vanua Balavu boasts of the Yanuyanu Island Resort, an airstrip, a copra port, and a small hospital.

The best-known native of Vanua Balavu is Laisenia Qarase, Fiji's Prime Minister since 2000, who hails from the village of Mavana. Other prominent Vanua Balavu natives are the academic leader Esther Williams, from Levukana village and Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale, from Mualevu village.

• WikiMapia has one or more wiki satellite maps of Vanua Balavu.

Coordinates: 17°25′S 178°92′W