Just a 20-minute drive from Suva’s central business district lies the scenic Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve. This lush oasis is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, especially during school holidays and public breaks.
The Sunday Times team visited the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve this week, and despite the work-related nature of the trip, it felt like stepping into another world. The calmness of the towering mahogany trees and the sounds of exotic birds help soothe even the most restless minds.
Established in 1952, the park sits at an elevation of 56 meters on the outskirts of Colo-i-Suva village and is easily accessible by various forms of transportation. It is managed by the Ministry of Forestry, with bus rides from Suva costing under $2 and taking about 30 minutes, while taxi fares can reach around $15. For those driving, the main entrance can be found by following Princes Rd through Tamavua and Tacirua village, located across from the Ministry of Forestry station and Colo-i-Suva Rainforest Eco Lodge.
Covering 4.97 square kilometers, the park serves as a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna unique to Fiji. Historical records indicate that African Mahogany trees were planted here after extensive logging in the 1940s and ’50s to stabilize the topsoil while preserving indigenous vegetation. The lush trees play a crucial role in air and water purification, soil erosion prevention, and climate change mitigation.
According to the Commonwealth Forestry Association, 45 percent of Fiji’s endemic plants thrive within the forests of Colo-i-Suva. Visitors can witness beautiful blooms of bamboo orchids, white ginger, morning glory, and sunset bells, alongside endemic ferns like the false staghorn, birds nest fern, and king fern.
The area is also home to 30 of the 57 land bird species found in Fiji, with notable calls echoing through the trees, including that of the Barking Imperial Pigeon, locally known as the Soqe. The Pacific Kingfisher can often be spotted near the creeks and pools, while other exotic bird species such as the Fiji Whistler and the Shrikebill can be seen feeding on the fruiting trees.
The reserve is alive with various insect and reptilian life, featuring over 20 butterfly species, including the Fijian ringlet and great eggfly, which contribute to flower pollination. The Pacific Flying Fox enjoys the abundance of fruit trees, while the Small Indian Mongoose can sometimes be heard with its distinctive hissing and shrieking.
As a perfect spot for picnics and recreational outings, Colo-i-Suva boasts remarkable forest trails for hiking enthusiasts, along with rock pools and waterfalls offering refreshing spots to relax. Temperatures in the reserve can drop as low as 15 to 20 degrees, and it often experiences rain three to four times a week, making it one of the wetter locations around Suva. The Waisiliva Creek winds through the forest over smooth rocks, creating numerous swimming holes along its path from the Waimanu River.
Visitors will find two car parks at the entrance, one leading to the upper pools and the other to the lower pools. The most famous waterfall in the area is Waisila Falls, known for its rope swing and deep pool that’s perfect for swimming and diving, with tables and huts nearby for a comfortable break.
Forest reserves play a vital role in the health of ecosystems, providing fuel, water, nourishment, and oxygen, while stabilizing climate and preserving biodiversity. The significance of Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve as a natural haven for many endemic species received international recognition when it was registered under the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy by the late Queen Elizabeth II during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta in 2015.
During a visit to Fiji in October 2018, Prince Harry planted a Fijian Kauri tree known as Dakua Makadre in the park, a tree that the Ministry of Forestry continues to maintain.
When planning your next visit to the forest park, take the time to explore beyond the usual hiking and swimming. Observing the diverse life forms, from plants to birds and insects, ensures an engaging experience with something new waiting to be discovered at Colo-i-Suva.