Taveuniis the third-largest island inFiji, afterVanua LevuandViti Levu, with a total land area of 434 square kilometres (168 square miles). The cigar-shaped island, a massiveshield volcanowhich rises from the floor of thePacific Ocean, is situated 6.5 kilometres (4.0 miles) to the east of Vanua Levu, across theSomosomo Strait.
Taveuni has abundant flora and is known as the 'Garden Island of Fiji'. It is a popular tourist destination. Tourists are attracted to the excellent diving opportunities, prolific bird life, bushwalks and waterfalls. Central parts of the island receive very high rainfall rates. Being volcanic in origin Taveuni's soils have supported the island's most historically significant industry, agriculture.