Colo-i-Suva Forest Park

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park Overview

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is a lush, tropical rainforest reserve located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji.

Spanning approximately 4.97 square kilometers (1.92 square miles), this verdant sanctuary lies just outside Suva, Fiji’s capital, making it an accessible retreat for both locals and visitors. Established to preserve the rich biodiversity of the region, the park is a haven for nature lovers who seek to explore its dense forests, meandering trails, and serene water features.

The terrain of Colo-i-Suva is characterized by rolling hills covered in thick tropical vegetation. Towering mahogany and native dakua trees dominate the canopy, while an abundance of ferns and mosses carpet the forest floor. The park is home to a series of natural pools and waterfalls, including the famous Waisila Falls, where visitors can cool off in the crystal-clear waters.

The trails that weave through the rainforest range from leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Fijian wilderness. The dense vegetation provides a cool and shaded atmosphere, making it a refreshing escape from the tropical heat.

Wildlife in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is diverse, particularly in its avian population. Birdwatchers are often drawn to the park to spot species such as the orange dove, barking imperial pigeon, and the Fiji goshawk. The melodious calls of the scarlet robin and golden whistler echo through the forest, creating a symphony of tropical sounds.

In addition to its rich birdlife, the park is home to a variety of small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Agile tree frogs and skinks can be spotted among the undergrowth, while the occasional mongoose scurries across the trails. The forest is also teeming with butterflies, including the striking blue moon butterfly, adding vibrant splashes of color to the green landscape.

One of the most popular features of the park is its well-maintained trail system, which allows visitors to experience the rainforest up close. The trails lead to picturesque viewpoints, swimming holes, and waterfalls, with wooden bridges crossing over gentle streams.

The upper pools of the Waisila Falls are a favorite spot for visitors to take a dip, while picnic areas throughout the park provide spaces to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The abundance of plant life and the soothing sounds of flowing water make Colo-i-Suva a serene retreat for those seeking peace in nature.

Visitors can engage with the park in multiple ways, whether by hiking the trails, swimming in the pools, or simply enjoying a leisurely picnic under the canopy. Birdwatching is a major draw, as the park is known as one of the best places in Fiji to observe native and endemic species.

Guided tours provide deeper insights into the ecological significance of the forest, while early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best opportunities to witness the park’s wildlife at its most active.

Conservation efforts within Colo-i-Suva Forest Park focus on protecting its delicate ecosystem from threats such as deforestation and invasive species. While the park remains a well-preserved area, challenges persist in managing human impact, including littering and habitat disturbance.

Local conservation groups and park authorities work to maintain the trails, educate visitors, and ensure that the forest continues to thrive. The successful reforestation of parts of the park with native species highlights the ongoing efforts to restore its ecological balance and preserve it for future generations.

Park Map

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is also home to a variety of stunning bird species, many of which are endemic to Fiji. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the colorful and melodious birds that inhabit the park.

Collared Lory (Phigys solitarius)
A brilliantly colored parrot with red and green plumage, the Collared Lory is a common sight in the park, feeding on nectar from flowering trees.

Fiji Goshawk (Accipiter rufitorques)
This agile bird of prey is a skilled hunter, preying on small birds, insects, and reptiles. It is often seen soaring above the treetops or perched on branches.

Orange Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus victor)
One of the most striking birds in the park, this dove has vivid orange plumage and is often found feeding on fruit in the canopy.

Masked Shining Parrot (Prosopeia personata)
Endemic to Fiji, this parrot has a distinctive black face and vibrant green body. It is known for its loud calls and playful behavior.

Fiji Bush Warbler (Horornis ruficapilla)
A small, elusive bird with a melodious song, the Fiji Bush Warbler is often heard before it is seen, blending well into the dense undergrowth.

Slaty Monarch (Mayrornis lessoni)
This small insectivorous bird is easily recognizable by its slate-gray plumage and active foraging behavior as it hunts for insects in the forest understory.

Pacific Robin (Petroica multicolor)
A charming bird with a red breast and black-and-white markings, the Pacific Robin is often seen flitting between branches in search of insects.

Fiji Parrotfinch (Erythrura pealii)
A small, vibrant green bird with a red face, the Fiji Parrotfinch is a social species that forages in small flocks.

Vanikoro Flycatcher (Myiagra vanikorensis)
This energetic little bird is an expert at catching insects mid-air and is commonly found in the park’s lower canopy.

Giant Forest Honeyeater (Gymnomyza viridis)
A large, greenish honeyeater that plays an essential role in pollination, feeding on nectar and insects. Its loud, musical calls are a distinctive sound in the park.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park provides a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to see some of Fiji’s most remarkable animals in their natural habitat.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, located in Fiji, is a lush rainforest sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity, scenic waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife. This tropical paradise is home to an array of fascinating species, from reptiles and amphibians to small mammals, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Fiji Tree Frog (Platymantis vitiensis)
This small, nocturnal amphibian is native to Fiji and thrives in the humid rainforest environment of Colo-i-Suva. Recognizable by its green or brown coloration, it plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Fiji Banded Iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus)
A strikingly vibrant green iguana with blue or white bands, this species is unique to Fiji and relies on the dense foliage of the park for shelter. It is an arboreal species, spending most of its time in trees.

Pacific Boiga (Boiga irregularis)
Also known as the Brown Tree Snake, this nocturnal, mildly venomous snake is an adept climber and can often be seen coiled around tree branches or hunting small prey in the forest undergrowth.

Polynesian Rat (Rattus exulans)
Though not native, this small rodent is commonly found in the park. It plays a significant role in the ecosystem by serving as prey for various predators.

Fijian Monkey-Faced Bat (Mirimiri acrodonta)
A rare and elusive bat species, this nocturnal creature roosts in the upper canopy of the rainforest. It is the only mammal endemic to Fiji and is considered highly endangered.

Samoan Flying Fox (Pteropus samoensis)
This large fruit bat is an important pollinator in the park, feeding on nectar, fruits, and flowers. It is often seen gliding through the treetops during dusk.

Fiji Ground Skink (Brachymeles fijiensis)
A small, secretive lizard that lives in leaf litter and under logs, the Fiji Ground Skink is an important part of the forest ecosystem, helping to control insect populations.

Fiji Water Snake (Ogmodon vitianus)
An elusive, venomous snake endemic to Fiji, it is rarely seen by visitors due to its secretive nature and preference for damp forest habitats.

Fiji Blossom Bat (Notopteris macdonaldi)
This small nectar-feeding bat is crucial for pollination in the rainforest. It roosts in caves and tree hollows, emerging at night to forage for food.

Colo-i-Suva Millipede (Doratogonus suvaensis)
This unique millipede, found only in the park, plays an essential role in breaking down organic matter, contributing to soil health and forest sustainability.