Fiji Islands Travel Guide | Discover the Islands | Vanua Levu | Regional Highlights

J. Hunter Pearls

J. Hunter Pearls Fiji is situated in Savusavu Town on the island of Vanua Levu in the north of Fiji, an area that’s still largely untouched. This unspoiled location provides a truly unique location for aquaculture. J. Hunter’s pearls are cultured in a natural environment that’s largely free of impurities and pollution.

The office is situated on Main Street in Savusavu Town, close to the wharf, while the pearl farm is just a short distance away on the bay.

The founder, Justin Hunter, is an active community citizen who strives to protect and maintain Savusavu Bay’s healthy marine environment.

J. Hunter Pearls Fiji works closely with the traditional owners of the local fishing rights and provides much-needed jobs for the community, such as contracting work to women’s groups to help the villagers improve their standard of living. J. Hunter also sponsors village improvements and provides a school scholarship annually for deserving students.

Justin is using his expertise in aquaculture toward innovative and carefully-managed pearl farming. His goal is to make J. Hunter Pearls known as the world’s supplier of Fiji Pearls, beautiful pearls in colours not found anywhere else.

J. Hunter Pearls in colours not found anywhere else in the world

In 2005, J. Hunter Pearls won the Unique Exporter of Year Award presented by the Fiji Trades and Investment Bureau, in the coveted Exporter of the Year category.

J Hunter Pearls History

J. Hunter Pearls Fiji was established in 1999 when Justin Hunter returned home to Fiji after he earned his marine biology degree and gained his aquaculture experience with Taylor Shellfish Inc of the United States. Justin had spent his childhood in the small township of Savusavu and Savusavu Bay proved the perfect setting for Justin to implement his bold new pearl farming and oyster implanting techniques. Now, he is reaping the rewards of his innovative thinking. J. Hunter Pearls are highly sought after for their unique, untraditional colors.

Justin’s dream did not end with growing the world’s best pearls. His goal was to partner with Fiji’s indigenous people, creating a perfect blend between enterprise and the natural environment. Pearls are that perfect blend, as beautiful pearls need careful farm management and pristine sea conditions. Justin is intensely committed to keeping the marine environment of Savusavu Bay in its unspoiled condition, while his growing company continues to provide many jobs for the people of his community.

About the Farm

J. Hunter Pearls Fiji is located on the spectacular Savusavu Bay, just a two-minute boat ride away from the thriving small-town community.

Tours leave the office, which is at the far end of Savusavu Town close to the wharf, twice daily – at 9.30am and 1.30pm.

The tour begins with a 30-minute presentation on the history of the cultured pearl and how J. Hunter has adapted the process.

Guests are taken out to the undersea farm in a glass-bottomed boat where they will view the pearl oyster culture. Guests will have the opportunity to snorkel over the farm if they wish.

During the harvesting months, the tour ends with viewing of the actual pearl implanting and harvesting.

Savusavu is a convenient flight or sail from Viti Levu. There are connecting flights from Nadi International Airport and from Nausori outside the capital city of Suva or by one of the several ferry services that service Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island.