Fiji Vacations & Travel

Overview

Approximately 2,000 miles west of Tahiti in the South Pacific, Fiji is about a ten-hour flight from Los Angeles, and less than five hours from Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii. Its major islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu hold most of the country’s populace of nearly 900,000 people. 

Fiji’s northern island boasts some of the world’s most well preserved rainforests. Islands such as Vanua Levu, Qamea, Taveuni, and Laucala hold over 164 species of wildlife, many of which can only be found in Fiji. The country, along with Samoa and others, lies just west of the International Date Line and is among the first to welcome each new day.

What To Do

Snorkel or dive amid Fiji’s colorful coral reefs. Visit the Fiji Museum in the Victorian-era Thurston Gardens.

Tour a native village and participate in an enlightening kava ceremony. The process begins as villagers grind and strain the kava, and place it in a bowl at the center of the room. Participants then drink from a coconut shell passed around the group, resulting in storytelling, bonding and a general feeling of calm.

Experience a communal lovo feast, reminiscent of the Hawaiian luau, held during various celebrations. Attend a traditional meke music and dance performance, and let the spirit and songs of Fiji seep into your soul.

What To See

Tour Suva’s Albert Park, whose name reflects the country’s former British influences. It was also the site of Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s landing during the first trans-Pacific flight between the United States and Australia in 1928.

Visit Thurston Botanical Gardens and the President’s Residence. See the spot where the first Fijians landed at Vuda.

Explore the island’s most varied exotic orchid collection at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, showcasing more than 2,000 different types of this colorful tropical flower in Nadi along the west coast of Viti Levu.

View the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, the multi-colored Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu temple.

Shopping

Shop for local wares in the town’s bustling marketplace at Nadi on the western side of Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu. Browse for fashions and keepsakes in Fiji’s largest retail and dining area, the Denarau Marina Shopping Center.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down on Fiji, party animals come out. Most of Fiji’s clubs are on the largest island, Viti Levu, in Nadi and Suva. On the smaller islands, you’ll find the best nightlife at the local resorts. Beachcomber Island is also renowned for its lively nights.

Off the Beaten Path

Take a remarkable Sigatoka river safari aboard a jet boat in southern Viti Levu. Participate in a traditional kava ceremony at a nearby village.

Food and Drink

Fijian cooking uses the basic staples cultivated on these tropical islands, such as sweet potatoes, rice, coconut, fish, citrus fruits, taro and chicken, lamb and pork. The most popular crop on the islands, cassava, is frequently served as a side dish. It can be prepared in numerous ways, boiled, baked, mashed or fried, like a potato. Another plentiful dish is palusami, layers of taro leaves and coconut milk baked or steamed with onions, chili, and salt. Seafood is abundant here, prepared with tropical flair in such dishes as fried fish in coconut cream sauce with fresh greens, and flavorful baigan valo, halved eggplants stuffed with fish and topped with coconut cream. Ceviche and sashimi fans should love kokoda, raw fish marinated in lime and combined with fresh coconut milk, raw cucumbers, onions and bright red chilies.

Fiji with Kids

Attend a festive meke performance of traditional Fijian song, dance and music. Swim and snorkel amid rainbow-colored tropical fish.