Fiji

Overview

Fiji islands (like many other island groups in the South Pacific) are the essence of tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees and pristine waters. You will find world class resorts, snorkeling, diving, surfing, beautiful scenery, visit the villages, and more. However, the one thing that really sets Fiji apart is their smiling locals and welcoming ‘Bula’ (welcome/hello). The friendly Fijian people will captivate your heart. You’ll come as a guest and leave as a friend and where you will visit tranquil villages as honored guests.

English is spoken across the country, but Fijian and Hindi are also taught in schools as part of the school curriculum. Indigenous Fijians have their own dialects and you can tell where one comes from by their dialect. Indians too have their own, and generally speak a distinctive Fiji-Hindi dialect. This is not the same as the one spoken in India.

You don't want to miss these highlights like Fijian fire-walking, drinking kava (a mildly narcotic drink that can cause some mild tingling in your mouth), watch a 'meke' dance (Fijian legends are acted out by costumed dancers), world-class scuba diving and snorkeling (Fiji is known as the "Soft Coral Capital of the World"), hiking, surfing, ocean kayaking, yachting, windsurfing, white-water rafting, good beaches, cruises, delicious food and small, out-of-the-way resorts.

Make sure you plan your trip with me as I am a South Pacific Specialist!

You can learn more about this amazing destination by visiting the Fiji Tourism Board website.

Location

Fiji is far away but take into consideration that you sleep most of the way from the West Coast and wake up refreshed in a tropical paradise. It is a 10 hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Also, it is only 5 hours from Honolulu, 4 hours from Australia, and 3 hours from New Zealand. All three places make great additions to your Fiji vacation.

Fiji is located 1,300 mi (2,100 km) east of Australia in the Southern Hemisphere. The Fiji archipelago is made up of thousands of islands but only 333 islands are considered large enough to support humans, and of those, just 111 are inhabited. Most remain uninhabited because of the lack of fresh water. Most of the islands are volcanic, although none of Fiji's volcanoes are active. On the two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, sharp peaks and rock outcroppings punctuate lush vegetation.

Areas & Islands

Viti Levu - This is Fiji’s bustling big island or ‘mainland’ where over 70% of Fijians live. It’s home to numerous villages, towns and cities – each region with its own unique character and charm. Most visitors to Fiji land in Nadi, the vibrant tourism hub on the west coast, while Suva, (the capital city) sits on the island’s southeast. While you can fly between Nadi and Suva (Nausori Airport) in 30mins, it’s worth taking the scenic round-island roadtrip which connects all the regions.

Vanua Levu - Fiji’s second-largest island is where small-town charm meets untouched beauty. Bustling Labasa town in the north sits near the Great Sea Reef, a diver’s paradise teeming with marine life. On the southern coast, Savusavu is the island’s tourism hub with a relaxed vibe, natural hot springs, and reputation as a haven for divers, yachties, and those seeking tranquility.

Taveuni - Known as the "Garden Isle" and lies south-east of Vanua Levu. Famous for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and world-class dive sites along the Rainbow Reef, it’s an adventurer’s dream and the perfect place to explore Fiji’s wild side. g leper colony, and Levuka—the nation’s first capital and only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mamanuca Islands (West) - A collection of 20 stunning islands and offer a variety of places to stay, from family-friendly and adults-only to luxury and surf resorts. If you’re staying on the mainland, there are heaps of day trips, fishing, yacht and cruise charters from Port Denarau to get you exploring.

Yasawa Islands (NW) - Are generally more secluded with hidden beaches, remote reefs and high craggy peaks that are perfect for diving, snorkeling and hiking.  With a daily pick and drop off ferry from Port Denarau, it’s also the best place in Fiji for island-hopping.

Central & Eastern Islands –  Lomaiviti and Lau Islands

Lomaiviti Islands (East) – Are a cluster of seven volcanic islands surrounded by smaller island gems. Rich in history, it’s home to historic landmarks like Bau Island, Makogai’s fascinating leper colony, and Levuka—the nation’s first capital and only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lau Islands (East) - Offer untouched beauty and timeless traditions. With over 60 islands split into northern and southern clusters, Lau boasts remote beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life. A haven for private yachts, Lau’s only resort - Vatuvara Private Islands - is pure luxury.

Kadavu (South) - Fiji’s fourth-largest island, is a secluded gem in the south. Surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef and blessed with lush rainforests, it’s a dream for divers, snorkelers, fishing, sea-kayaking and bird-watching enthusiasts and anyone who loves getting off the beaten track.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Fiji really depends on your personal preference.

Fiji boasts a beautifully mild climate, making it a year-round destination with no real "winter." The average daily temperature ranges from 79°-88° F (26° to 31°C), with evenings in cooler months slightly chillier. Even in peak summer, temperatures remain comfortable. Rainfall and humidity vary across the islands, creating diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to dry grasslands. Smaller islands typically have more consistent climates.

The peak tourist season coincides with the school holidays during the dry, winter season from May to October with pleasantly cooler temperatures and less rain. It also coincides with manta ray season and underwater visibility tends to be greater for scuba diving too so if you’re a keen diver, that’s the best time to go.

There is another smaller spike in December and January during the festive season and Southern Hemisphere summer break. Peak season does mean more tourists though and therefore higher prices, so you'll need to balance your budget vs. your need for perfect weather.

On the other hand, the wetter summer season from November to April is ideal if you're looking to take advantage of great value, off-season deals on flights and accommodation and don't mind some short bursts of rain and more humid days.

Also, Fiji is prone to tropical cyclones which can occur in the summer season when temperature and rainfall soars. While they can be destructive, they're also relatively rare with only a few causing major damage while others pass by with only short-lived disturbances.

But no matter when you choose to visit Fiji, you can expect warmth, sunshine and friendly locals who will go out of their way to make your trip unforgettable!

Travel Tips

Be prepared for "Fiji time," which means that things on the islands probably won't go exactly according to schedule.

Cover up when invited to visit a village. Women who cover their shoulders, arms and legs will be treated with more respect. Walking around in a halter top, hip-hugging pants or a bathing suit is considered to be very rude. It is easy to wear a traditional sulu (sarong) as a long skirt over shorts or pants.

Don't expect to shop on Sunday: Although restaurants, tours, taxis, buses and gas stations can do business, the only shops open are hotel boutiques and small mom-and-pop "milk bars" that sell groceries.

No tipping is expected. Guests who wish to reward excellent service can make contributions to the Christmas Fund, which is shared by the employees at the end of the year.

Fijian paper money and coins depict national fauna and flora such as the endangered crested iguana and endemic tagimoucia flower.

On a village visit, remove your hat (only the chief may wear a hat), remove your shoes before entering a bure (house), never touch someone's head, and ask before taking pictures.

Don't stand up straight if you're invited into a bure (village house). It's considered good manners to stoop a bit.

Accept kava if offered. Clap once with cupped hands, take the bowl, say "bula," and drink it all in one gulp. Hand the cup back to the same person and clap three times, saying "vinaka" (thanks).

Smile and say hello to people passing by unless you're in a large city. In the islands, generally only tourists look the other way.

Change plenty of money at the airport, where the bank is open 24 hours, before you set out for remote islands, where there are no banks and changing foreign currency is usually not possible. Most resorts accept U.S. dollars, but the rate is not as good as the bank's.

Sample Itierary

If Fiji is your primary destination, 10 days is about right. I suggest the following itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Nadi. Take an afternoon tour of the Nadi area. Overnight in Denarau.
Day 2: Travel to Lautoka in the morning to board a two-day, three-night Blue Lagoon cruise in the afternoon.
Days 3 and 4: Cruise the Yasawa Islands.
Day 5: Overnight in Nadi or Denarau after the cruise.
Day 6: Day trip to one of the Mamanuca Islands for snorkeling and sunbathing. Overnight in Nadi or Denarau.
Day 7: Morning flight to Savusavu or Taveuni, with an afternoon tour of the island. Overnight on the island you're visiting.
Day 8: Enjoy Savusavu or Taveuni.
Day 9: Return to Nadi. Overnight in Nadi.
Day 10: Depart Fiji.

Should you have more time or prefer to do more diving, stay longer on Savusavu or Taveuni or visit a small-island resort in the Mamanucas or on one of the other islands. If you're looking for sunshine, stay on the west side of Viti Levu, near Nadi, or in the Yasawa or Mamanuca islands. I am a certified Fiji Specialist and I can help you craft your perfect custom itinerary designed just for you!