Fiji is a South Pacific paradise where traditional customs such as fire-walking and kava ceremonies remain alive. While many visitors picture tropical beaches and lush islands, Fiji’s cultural makeup is shaped strongly by its large Indo-Fijian community: you’ll find the region’s largest Hindu temple, ubiquitous chicken tikka masala in eateries, and Hindi widely spoken alongside English and Fijian. Roughly half the population is of Melanesian and Polynesian heritage, while more than 40 percent trace their roots to Indian laborers brought to work sugarcane plantations during the colonial era (1879–1916).
Visitors should choose islands and accommodations with purpose: Fiji’s 333 islands offer distinct landscapes and experiences. Private-island resorts (where a single resort occupies an entire island) range from secluded adult-only havens to family-friendly properties, and can offer everything from a handful of thatch-roofed bures or villas to dozens of standalone cottages. The larger islands — Viti Levu (the “mainland”), Vanua Levu and Taveuni — have a mix of resorts and individual bures. Western hotel brands such as Hilton, Westin, Sofitel and Radisson Blu concentrate on Denarau Island, a short drive from Nadi International Airport, while additional large hotels line the Coral Coast on Viti Levu’s southern shore.
Fiji coral © John Anderson | Dreamstime.com
If you want powdery white-sand beaches, palm-shaded shores and excellent water sports, head to the Mamanuca Islands. These 20 low-lying islands west of Nadi are easily reached by high-speed catamaran or ferry and are famous for surf breaks such as Cloudbreak. The islands have hosted film and television productions — including Tom Hanks’ Castaway on Modriki and a Survivor episode on Mana — and offer a range of accommodations from family-friendly private islands to lively budget resorts popular with younger travelers. Day cruises operate from Nadi for easy island-hopping.
For dramatic volcanic scenery, rugged peaks and secluded coves, the Yasawa Islands to the north of Nadi deliver hiking, village visits and cave exploration. Accessible by catamaran, seaplane or helicopter from Nadi, the Yasawas include both intimate luxury retreats and more budget-minded options, plus the renowned Turtle Island for privacy and conservation-minded stays.
On Viti Levu, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple near downtown Nadi is an ornate, South Indian–style structure with vividly colored sculptures and detailed carvings. Visitors should remove their shoes and dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees before entering. Not far from Nadi Airport, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is an orchid sanctuary set beneath the Sabeto foothills; its collection began as the private garden of actor Raymond Burr and features rare varieties, making it a calm spot for a nature walk or picnic. Nearby, the Saveto Valley offers an adventurous zip-line course, jungle paths and natural pools and waterfalls, set among pineapple and coffee plantings on paths that give the mountains their “sleeping giant” name.
A waterfall in the rainforest of Taveuni © Eliaviel | Dreamstime.com
Taveuni, often called the “Garden Island,” is a must for divers and nature lovers. Known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” Taveuni’s Rainbow Reef and its famous walls and grottos showcase vivid coral formations in the Somosomo Strait. Much of the island’s rainforest is protected in Bouma National Heritage Park, where visitors can hike to three Tavoro waterfalls along trails lined with torch ginger and dense foliage. The Lavena Coastal Walk combines rocky shoreline scrambling with beach sections and a double waterfall swim, and the area is a popular launch point for kayaking and boat excursions.
More ambitious trekkers can hike to Lake Tagimoucia in Taveuni’s interior — home to the rare tagimoucia flower — or climb to Des Voeux Peak (around 4,000 feet) for sweeping views of inland lakes and offshore islands. Taveuni offers a range of lodging from mid-range resorts to luxury properties, and private-island resorts dot its northern coast.
History enthusiasts should consider Levuka on Ovalau Island in the Lomaiviti group, Fiji’s first European settlement and first capital after colonization in 1874. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Levuka retains wooden storefronts and a quieter pace that contrast with its once-bustling whaling and trading past.
The Lau Islands form Fiji’s most remote region — dozens of small, sparsely inhabited islands scattered across a wide area to the east. Facilities are limited: you’ll find few banks, tourist shops or restaurants, and lodging is available on only a handful of islands. For those seeking true seclusion, ultra-luxury private islands have opened in this area in recent years.
Fiji Info to Go
Fiji Airways offers nonstop service from Los Angeles and Honolulu year-round, and seasonal service from San Francisco, to Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu. The carrier also serves Fiji as a stopover from Sydney and Auckland and partners with other carriers for connections. Domestic flights connect Nadi or Suva with other islands, and many destinations are also reached by boat.
Where to Stay in Fiji
Laucala Island Resort A private-island retreat off Taveuni featuring 25 one- to three-bedroom bures with private pools, multiple restaurants, a cooking school, spa, horseback riding and a golf course. Laucala, off Taveuni $$$$$
Turtle Island Resort A solar-powered, family-focused private island in the Yasawas with 14 bures, communal dining and a sea turtle conservation program that supports local schools. Turtle Island, Yasawas $$$$$
Vatuvara Private Islands An ultra-luxury option in the Lau group with only a few large villas, private pools and exclusive amenities on an expansive private island. Kaibu, Lau $$$$$
Restaurants in Fiji
Governors Restaurant Set in a restored colonial bungalow in Suva, this restaurant serves Fijian specialties and international dishes in a veranda or dining room surrounded by vintage photos and travel posters. 46-50 Knolly St., Suva $$
Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant A thatched-roof setting on Denarau offering local dishes such as kokoda (fish cured in citrus and coconut), banana leaf–wrapped seafood and coconut-based preparations. Denarau $$
Taste Fiji Kitchen A contemporary fusion spot in Nadi known for dishes like caramelized pork belly, tamarind vegetable noodles and gluten-free desserts using local ingredients; its chefs have international experience. Lot 1 Cawa Road, Nadi $$