Fiji is a country in the Pacific Ocean known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, islands, and coral reefs. It consists of two major islands – Viti Levu and Vanua Levu – and more than 300 smaller islands, though only about 100 of them are inhabited. With average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 27°C throughout the year, Fiji is a perfect destination for an island holiday.
With so many islands and places to choose from, planning a trip to Fiji can feel overwhelming. You can make your holiday as relaxed (beaches, spas, dining) or as active (snorkeling, hiking, fishing) as you like, depending on where you stay and what activities you choose. In this post, we’ll help you plan the perfect holiday in Fiji by answering two big questions – where to stay and what to do, along with a few other commonly asked questions about travelling to Fiji.
What to do in Fiji?
The first time Yuriy and I visited Fiji, we opted for a quiet holiday. I was about 6 months pregnant with our first child and wasn’t quite up for anything too active :). We stayed at The Warwick hotel on the Coral Coast – an area often considered the most beautiful part of Viti Levu. We spent a couple of days relaxing by the beach and pool, did a bit of snorkeling near the shore, and took a day trip to Bounty Island. A nice, relaxed holiday.
The second time we visited Fiji, we travelled with our boys (then 5 and 3 years old) and stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort on Denarau Island. It was perfect for entertaining the kids, walking around, dining at nearby cafes, and exploring the local attractions of Nadi. A wonderful family holiday.
Now that the boys are older, we’re planning to make our next trip to Fiji more adventurous. More snorkeling, kayaking and hiking, plus a few days on either the Yasawa or Mamanuka Islands (or maybe even some island hopping!). A packed and active holiday.
Popular Activities in Fiji
Fiji has something to offer every type of traveller. In addition to relaxing by the beach or pool, some of the most popular activities in Fiji include:
- Snorkeling and scuba diving. Warm waters, coral reefs, and marine wildlife make the Fiji Islands ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Surfing. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just learning, Fiji is a perfect destination.
- Hiking. There are many places to hike in Fiji – rainforests, national parks, and peaks with spectacular views.
- Cruises, boat tours and sailing. Explore Fiji by sea – sail on a yacht, take a multi-day cruise, go on a fishing trip, or hop between islands by ferry.
- Honeymooning and romance. Fiji is the perfect setting for a wedding, honeymoon, or couples’ retreat, with plenty of adults-only resorts to choose from.
- Golfing. For golf lovers, Fiji offers many golf courses and resorts.
- Spas. Fiji features a wide range of spa treatment rooms and wellness resorts.
- Kayaking and rafting. Kayaking is popular in the calm shore waters of many Fiji Islands, and there are a few places for water rafting as well.
- Food and dining. Fijian cuisine is rich in seafood, leafy vegetables, coconut, and curry – make sure to sample the local flavors when visiting.
Next, I’m going to describe the different regions of Fiji and which activities and holiday styles they’re better suited for.
Where to stay in Fiji?
When planning a holiday in Fiji, especially for the first time, it might be difficult to decide which island to visit and where to stay. Different islands and regions offer different experience, from the popular Denarau Island to secluded small private islands, each with its own pros and cons.
Unless you’re travelling by yacht or cruise ship, your point of arrival will be Nadi International Airport (NAN) on the island of Viti Levu. So, let’s start with Nadi.
Nadi (Viti Levu island)
Nadi is one of the largest towns in Fiji and is located on the main island of Viti Levu. Staying in Nadi provides convenient access to supermarkets, restaurants, and local attractions. Accommodation here is typically more budget-friendly than on the remote smaller islands.
Port Denarau is just a short 15 min drive away, offering plenty of options for boat tours and water activities. Also nearby are Koroyanitu National Park with its hiking trails and waterfalls, and Garden of the Sleeping Giant – home to native plants, orchids, and nice landscapes.
Be sure to visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi. For a small entry fee, you can wander around the temple’s incredibly colourful rooms.
I wouldn’t recommend staying in Nadi for the entire duration of your holiday, but I do suggest visiting some of its attractions.
Where to stay in Nadi:
Pros of staying in Nadi:
- Lots of activities and access to day trips and tourist attractions;
- Nearby shopping and restaurants;
- Close to the airport.
Cons of staying in Nadi:
- Not what you probably expect from an island holiday;
- No beautiful beaches with pristine blue waters in Nadi;
- Busy and noisy (compared to staying on a smaller island).
Denarau Island (Viti Levu island)
Not far from Nadi, Denarau Island is also located on the main island of Viti Levu. I know, it’s a bit confusing – an island on an island! Technically, it’s more of a peninsula than an island, but the name remains Denarau Island.
Denarau Island is home to Port Denarau – the main departure point of boat cruises, ferries, and transfers to other Fiji islands. There is a huge golf course, a water park, and plenty of cafes and restaurants on Denarau Island. You’ll also find many luxury hotels and resorts here. It’s no wonder Denarau Island is such a popular destination for holidaymakers in Fiji.
We stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort on Denarau Island. They offer plenty of entertainment for children – a nice pool, a kids’ club, special activities, shows, and a game room. A small bus ran between the resort and Port Denarau. But we also walked there when the weather was cooler, which took about 25-30 minutes with small kids.
Nadi is only 10km away – easy for a day trip to explore its attractions. On one occasion, we took a taxi to Nadi and spent a couple of hours visiting the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the local produce market, and a handicraft market. To return to the hotel, we simply used a local bus, which runs regularly and stops just a short walk from hotels on Denarau Island.
Where to stay in Denarau Island:
Pros of staying in Denarau Island:
- Easy access to boat tours, cruises and water activities (snorkeling, diving, fishing);
- Close enough to the main attractions of Nadi;
- Great choice of hotels and resorts;
- Good for dining out with many cafes and restaurants;
- Great for golf-players;
- Close to the airport.
Cons of staying in Denarau Island:
- It’s a little touristy and quite busy;
- No beautiful beaches with pristine blue waters.
Coral Coast (Viti Levu island)
The Coral Coast is also located on the main island of Viti Levu. It stretches along the southern part of the island between Sigatoka and Suva. As the name suggests, the coastline is rich in coral and coral reefs. The area offers a wide range of hotels to suit different budgets.
We stayed at The Warwick hotel on the Coral Coast, just under a two-hour drive from Nadi Airport. The beach was beautiful, with plenty of colorful fish and other marine life in the shallow waters. We could snorkel right off the shore!
For a great diving experience, head to Pacific Harbour and Beqa Island along the Coral Coast. Beqa Lagoon is rich in marine life and coral, and is considered one of the best diving spots in Fiji. If you’re feeling adventurous, try diving with the sharks at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve just off the Pacific Harbour coast.
Staying on the Coral Coast is also ideal if you want to experience rafting on the Navua River, surrounded by scenic gorges and waterfalls.
Where to stay in Coral Coast:
Pros of staying at Coral Coast:
- Great for snorkeling and diving;
- Great choices of hotels and resorts by the beach;
- Beautiful beaches and coastline;
- Great for golf-players if staying at Pacific Harbour;
- Close to adventurous activities such as rifting.
Cons of staying at Coral Coast:
- Long drive from Nadi Airport (2h 40m to Pacific Harbour);
- Limited dining and shopping options outside the hotel;
- Corals on the beach may not be ideal when staying with children (be sure to wear special water shoes to protect your feet from coral and shells).
Mamanuca Islands
If you’re looking for a true island getaway with turquoise waters and picture-perfect beachfront bungalows, Fiji’s smaller islands are the place to be. The Mamanuca Islands, in particular, are a perfect destination for a relaxed and luxurious holiday in Fiji.
To reach the Mamanuca Islands, you’ll need to take a ferry or water taxi from Port Denarau. Alternatively, you can fly or take a helicopter from Nadi’s domestic terminal.
There are about 20 islands in the Mamanuca group, though not all are inhabited or home to resorts. In fact, some of the smaller islands are submerged during high tide. One of the most famous is Monuriki, where the movie Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks, was filmed.
Staying on one of the Mamanuca Islands is perfect for a relaxing, luxurious holiday surrounded by stunning beaches and ocean views. Some of the resorts are adults-only, making them less suitable for families with children but ideal for honeymooners and romantic getaways.
The Mamanuca Islands are surrounded by numerous reefs, making them an excellent destination for diving. If diving is on your Fiji holiday bucket list, this island group is a top choice. Gentle lagoons in the area are ideal for beginner divers and children aged 10–12 and up. For younger kids, snorkeling in the shallow waters near the shore is also a great option.
The Mamanuca Islands are also a paradise for surfers! As one of Fiji’s most popular surfing destinations, they offer fantastic reef breaks. Several surf resorts in the Mamanucas provide not only top-notch accommodation but also easy access to boat transfers for reaching the best surf spots.
Where to stay at Mamanuca Islands:
Pros of staying at Mamanuca Islands:
- Great for relaxing holidays;
- Picture-perfect island vacation;
- Great for snorkeling, diving and surfing;
- Beautiful views, beaches and oceanscapes;
- Many hotels are all-inclusive, so there’s no need to worry about dining options (though for some, that might also be seen as a downside).
Cons of staying at Mamanuca Islands:
- Long and expensive transfers (taxi to Denarau and then a boat from there, or even more expensive transfer by air);
- Many hotels have overpriced meals as there are no other options for dining;
- In general, staying on an island tends to be more expensive.
Yasawa Islands
Located a bit farther from the main island (and therefore from Nadi Airport) is another group of beautiful, picture-perfect islands: the Yasawa Islands. Situated to the north of Viti Levu, reaching the northernmost Yasawa island takes between 3 to 5 hours, depending on your boat and departure point (either Port Denarau or Lautoka Wharf).
There are about 20 islands in the Yasawa Islands group, offering beautiful beaches with pristine waters, dramatic volcanic peaks, and rich marine life.
Like the Mamanuca Islands, the Yasawas are ideal for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. Additionally, the islands offer numerous walking tracks and trails – perfect for those who enjoy hiking and taking in breathtaking views from the hilltops.
Range of hotels vary from luxury to budget-friendly homestays. Same with the range of things to do in Yasawa Islands – from relaxing on the beach or at a spa resort, to hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. There are some local villages that you can visit or stay in to meet the locals and learn about the island culture.
Where to stay at Yasawa Islands:
Pros of staying at Yasawa Islands:
- Great for a mix of relaxing + adventurous holidays;
- Picture-perfect beaches, blue sea and stunning coastlines;
- Great for snorkelling, diving, surfing and kayaking;
- Good for walking and hiking, and stunning views with volcanic tops;
- Hotels range from luxurious to budget-friendly home stays.
Cons of staying at Yasawa Islands:
- Long and expensive transfers from Nadi airport;
- Very limited options for dining, mostly in hotel restaurants (which often are overpriced);
- The costs of transfers, accommodation, dining, and activities can add up, making a stay on the islands more expensive overall.
Suva (Viti Levu island)
While not as popular, staying in Suva is still a worthwhile option when visiting Fiji. As the capital and largest city, Suva offers a different experience from the typical beachside resort holiday.
You won’t find luxury waterfront resorts here, but if you’re looking to experience the authentic, everyday Fiji beyond the tourist trail, Suva is the place to go. Visit the Fiji Museum to explore the country’s rich history and culture, take a stroll through the adjacent Thurston Gardens (botanical gardens), and browse the local handicraft and produce markets for a taste of local life.
There is a big national park near Suva – Colo-I-Suva Forest Park. Perfect for hiking, nature walks, and cooling off at one of its waterfalls.
I wouldn’t stay in Suva for the entire holiday, but it’s definitely worth a day trip if you’re based on the Coral Coast.
Where to stay in Suva:
Pros of staying in Suva:
- Learn Fijian history and culture;
- Good for parks, museums, shopping and dining;
- A chance to see how Fijians live;
- Selection of budget-friendly hotels.
Cons of staying in Suva:
- Far from other Fiji attractions and island transfers;
- It’s not your typical island holiday;
- No beautiful beaches with pristine blue waters.
Is Fiji safe for tourists?
Fijians are perhaps the friendliest people we’ve encountered in all our years of traveling and living abroad! Everywhere we went in Fiji, we felt genuinely welcomed – people were always incredibly kind and helpful, whether at a hotel, a local market, or just passing by on the street.
While Fiji is generally a safe travel destination, it’s wise to follow basic safety precautions. Keep your wallet out of sight in crowded areas and on public transport, don’t leave valuables in your car, avoid walking alone at night, and never leave your luggage unattended at the airport. In short – use common sense! 😊
What currency does Fiji use?
Fiji uses its own currency, the Fijian Dollar (FJD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and major cities such as Nadi and Suva. However, if you’re planning to visit smaller villages, take taxis, or shop at local markets, it’s best to carry cash.
What language do they speak in Fiji?
Fijians speak Fijian, Hindi and English. You wouldn’t have any issue speaking English in Fiji as the majority of Fijians speak English as a second language.
When is the best time to visit Fiji?
Average temperatures in Fiji varies from +23..+25°C (May to September) to +26..+27°C (October to April). Most rainy period is from October to April, and taking into account high average temperatures it’s not the most popular season to visit Fiji.
The best season to visit Fiji is considered from May to September – this is when it gets the least rain and the temperature is not too hot.
If you’re visiting Fiji between October and April nevertheless, consider staying in Yasawa Islands – they usually get less rain than the two main islands of Fiji and Mamanuca Islands.
Also, keep in mind that many Australians and New Zealanders visit Fiji during the Christmas period – not only for the holidays but also to see friends and family. As a result, airfares and hotel availability can become limited, and it becomes more expensive during this time.
I hope reading our post helped to plan your holiday in Fiji and answered ‘Where to stay?’ and ‘What to do?’ questions!
After Fiji, why not visit New Zealand? Read our posts on Top 20 places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island and Top 20 places to visit in New Zealand’s South Island.
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I looked pretty close at Fiji a few years ago when we were trying to decide where to go to for our destination wedding. I remember there being so many different areas to choose from and it was a bit intimidating to plan. This great overview would have been very helpful then.
Perhaps, it will be helpful still when you plan your wedding anniversary gateway 😉
Thank you for this amazingly detailed post about Fiji. It isn’t a place that we knew very much about before reading this. It seems as though the islands really have something for everyone – whether you want an active or relaxing holiday.
This is very timely. Direct flights from Wellington – my home airport – with Fiji Airlines have just resumed. Every day I see that decorated plane flying over my house, and I think, wouldn’t it be nice to be on board and heading off for a sunshine holiday right now! I like the sound of the Coral Coast.
Great post – there is so much more than incredible South Pacific beaches to consider.