chain of about 20 volcanic islands in Fiji, South Pacific Ocean. The islands lie northwest of Viti Levu, the principal Fijian island. They were sighted in 1789 by Capt. William Bligh of HMS Bounty and cover a total land area of 52 square miles (135 square km). The principal islands are Naviti and Yasawa. By the late 20th century the group, only a short cruising distance from the international airport at Nadi on Viti Levu, was one of the most popular destinations of visitors to Fiji. The population is almost entirely Melanesian.