Today it is considered a tranquil nation of the South Pacific, but Fiji was once known as the island of cannibals, largely populated with hostile individuals. The Republic of Fiji lays on the legendary South Pacific Ocean. With more than 300 islands that cover 18,000 Km2 (11,200 sq miles) along with 75,600 km2 (47,000 sq miles) of the most beautiful blue water. Fiji is located 3,200 km (1,990 miles) from Australia and 1,800 km (1,120 miles) from New Zealand.

The islands of Fiji offer a good example of the different classes of small islands and reef that can be found on the Indo-Pacific waters. Basically, the islands are separated into three different categories:
The larger islands, like Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni are of mountainous terrain derived from volcanoes. They can be characterized for their steep terrain and their networks of rivers that fall from the highest peaks, creating unbelievable waterfalls. Some of the volcanic islands have black sand beaches.

The smaller islands are of low elevation with a coral base, rarely over 20 meters (66 ft) above sea level. Wailangilaba in northern Lau is a perfect example of such an island.

The third type of island has irregular rocky cliffs that abruptly fall to the ocean. Caves are quite common, above and below sea level. The highest peaks do not exceed 60 meters (66 ft) Vanuambalavu in northern Lau is the largest of this kind of islands.