Holidays to Fiji
Top destinations in Fiji
Nadi
Nadi is your base for exploring the tropical South Pacific. Before you island hop, explore its lush gardens and local markets, then enjoy traditional Fijian cuisine and hospitality.
Taveuni
Towering waterfalls, vast rainforests and secluded beaches are just some of the things that make Fiji’s ‘Garden Island’ a paradise for outdoors lovers.
Suva
Fiji’s capital is a hotspot for nature and culture. Stroll along its colourful streets and admire stunning churches or venture inland for tropical forests humming with birdsong.
Fiji: fast facts
| Language | English, Fijian, Hindi |
|---|---|
| Currency | Fijian dollar (FJ$) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (FJT) and UTC+13 (FJST) |
Fiji holiday highlights
Go island hopping
Kicking back on idyllic islands is the top thing to do in Fiji. There are hundreds of blissful spots to explore, and you can hop between them via ferries, seaplanes and water taxis. White-sand coves and surf breaks await in the Mamanuca Islands. Live out your tropical hideaway dreams in the Yasawa Islands, or escape the crowds on Kadavu.
See marine life
Huge barrier reefs, deep-blue lagoons and over 1,500 fish species make Fiji a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving. Spot angelfish, manta rays and more on tours around the Great Sea Reef and Great Astrolabe Reef. Is surfing more your thing? Paddle out to ride world-renowned waves at Cloudbreak in the Mamanuca Islands and Frigates on the Coral Coast.
Join cultural ceremonies
Drinking a bowl of ‘kava’ (also known as ‘yaqona’) is an important Fijian tradition. Made from the crushed root of the kava plant, the country’s national drink is for adults only and has a calming, slightly numbing effect. You’ll likely be offered it when visiting islands and villages. For a show like no other, don’t miss the firewalking ceremonies on Beqa Island and a traditional Meke dance.
Things to do in Fiji
Top attractions
Follow trails through Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park on Viti Levu for dune climbs, sweeping views and birdwatching. For an underwater adventure, dive into the vibrant coral gardens and marine life at Great Astrolabe Reef off Kadavu Island. On the smaller island of Yasawa, the Sawa-I-Lau Caves offer turquoise pools and dramatic chambers steeped in local legend.
Beaches
Fiji has 1,100 kilometres of coastline, so you can visit a new beach almost every day. On Viti Levu’s Coral Coast, Natadola Beach boasts pure white sands, snorkelling and horseback rides. Plan a day trip to Monuriki to see the beach made famous in the Tom Hanks movie ‘Cast Away’. Liku Beach on Tokoriki Island is one of the best beaches in Fiji for sunsets.
Nature
There’s more to Fiji than spectacular beaches. On Taveuni, hiking trails wind through the lush rainforest of Bouma National Heritage Park to the Tavoro Waterfalls. Swim in crystalline pools inside limestone caverns at Sawa-i-Lau Caves. You’ll discover gorgeous rivers and waterfalls in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and giant shifting sands at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park.
Culture and museums
The island of Viti Levu has some of the most important museums in Fiji. Learn about the diverse communities that call the islands home at the Fiji Museum in Suva. Admire the elaborate architecture of Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in the city of Nadi. Or get an authentic taste of rural life at Navala Village. On Ovalau Island, UNESCO-listed Levuka was Fiji’s first capital.
Cuisine
Fijian cuisine blends fresh ingredients with culinary styles from Melanesia, India, China and Europe. Ceviche-like ‘kokoda’ and ‘rourou’ (taro leaves steamed in coconut milk) are both popular dishes at restaurants in Fiji. Be sure to experience a ‘lovo’, a traditional communal feast where fish, meat and vegetables are wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground pit.
Family friendly
At VOU Hub in Nadi, Fijian traditions come alive through immersive shows blending music, dance and storytelling. Spot native plants and thousands of orchids on a jungle walk at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, set in the foothills of Viti Levu’s Nausori Highlands. For adventurous families, the Lavena Coastal Walk on Taveuni Island winds past hidden beaches and waterfalls.
Find the best time to visit Fiji
Weather in Fiji
May – October: This is Fiji’s dry season, when temperatures are mild and the humidity is at its lowest. Calm seas, clear water and cloudless skies make this the best time to visit Fiji for diving and snorkelling. July and August are the coolest months of the year. Pack a light jacket or jumper for breezy nights by the water.
November – April: Fiji’s summers are full of long, warm days with highs sometimes climbing over 30°C. This is also the wet season, so expect short and heavy showers late in the afternoon. It’s also prime time for surfing. Beginners will find the best conditions at beaches along Viti Levu’s Coral Coast.
Events in Fiji
Hibiscus Festival (August and September): One of Suva’s biggest events, this multi-day festival is a showcase of Fijian culture. You’ll find everything from handicraft markets and street parades to traditional Meke dancing, plus the crowning of Miss Hibiscus.
Fiji Regatta Week (September): Sailing enthusiasts gather at a resort on Malolo Lailai Island for this annual regatta, featuring daily races, beach barbecues and live music. Don’t miss Pirates Day, when competitors dress up and race to Beachcomber Island.
Fiji Day (October): For one day every October, Fiji bursts into action with cultural performances and parades. Watch flag-raising ceremonies, and take part in kava rituals, community feasts and folkloric storytelling. Nadi and Suva are the main hubs for the nationwide party.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
When visiting a Fijian village, it’s customary to present a ‘sevusevu’ (gift) to the chief — kava is the traditional choice, though books, toys and food are also welcome. Remove your hat indoors and avoid touching anyone’s head, even a child’s. At meals, sit cross-legged and wait for the host to begin eating.
Health and safety
If you’re visiting from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you’ll have to provide a certificate of vaccination. Some advisories also recommend getting a hepatitis A shot before arriving. Reduce the risk of heatstroke by taking breaks from the sun and staying hydrated. Opt for bottled water, especially in villages and on outer islands.
LGBTQ+ travel
Same-sex relationships are legal in Fiji, but it’s still best to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection. Suva has a small LGBTQ+ scene, with some gay-friendly bars, clubs and hotels. Launched in 2023, September’s Fiji Pride Games in Lautoka celebrate inclusion through sports with netball, rugby and volleyball matches.
Budget
Cheap holidays to Fiji are very achievable. You can get an inexpensive meal for ten Fijian dollars ($) and a beer or coffee for $6. Shopping for souvenirs and fresh produce at local markets can lower your spending on the larger islands. Public buses are a low-cost alternative to taxis on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Getting around Fiji
Public transportation
Buses: Buses offer an affordable way to get between the towns and cities on Fiji’s largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Many routes along Viti Levu’s Queens Road stop at Nadi International Airport. For extra comfort, look for air-conditioned services operated by Pacific Transport Limited.
Boats: Passenger ferries and water taxis are affordable, scenic options for island-hopping tours. South Sea Cruises and the Yasawa Flyer run high-speed catamarans to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. Services depart daily from Port Denarau, on Viti Levu. Purchase the Bula Pass for unlimited travel on the Yasawa Flyer for up to 15 days. Pre-book to secure a seat, especially during peak season.
Domestic flights
Short on time? Flying is a quick but pricier way to explore the archipelago. Find domestic terminals in Nadi and Suva as well as on the islands of Kadavu, Taveuni and Vanua Levu. Fiji Link and Northern Air connect most small airports.
Driving
Hiring a car is a great way to set your own pace for a road trip on Viti Levu. The Queens Road and Kings Road are part of a paved coastal route around the island. Heading inland? Reserve a 4x4 to handle dirt roads.
