Fiji Tourism | Fiji Vacations | Fiji Islands

About Fiji:

Fiji is an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Its closest neighbours are Vanuatu to the west, France's New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand's Kermadec to the southeast, Tonga to the east, the Samoas, France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast and Tuvalu to the north.

The majority of Fiji's islands were formed through volcanic activity starting around 150 million years ago. Today, some geothermal activity still occurs on the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Fiji has been inhabited since the second millennium BC. The country comprises an archipelago of more than 332 islands, of which 110 are permanently inhabited, and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of circa 18,300 square kilometres (7,100 sq mi). The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the population of almost 850,000. The former contains Suva, the capital and largest city. Most Fijians live on Viti Levu's coasts, either in Suva or in smaller urban centres. Viti Levu's interior is sparsely inhabited due to its terrain. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Dutch and the British explored Fiji. Fiji was a British colony until 1970; British administration lasted almost a century. During World War II, thousands of Fijians volunteered to aid in Allied efforts via their attachment to the New Zealand and Australian army units; the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) consist of land and naval units.

Fiji is one of the most developed economies in the Pacific island realm due to an abundance of forest, mineral and fish resources. Today, the main sources of foreign exchange are its tourist industry and sugar exports. The country's currency is the Fijian dollar.

Geography of Fiji:

Fiji covers a total area of some 194,000 square kilometres (75,000 sq mi) of which around 10% is land.

Fiji is the hub of the South West Pacific, midway between Vanuatu and Tonga. The archipelago is located between 176° 53' east and 178° 12' west. The 180° meridian runs through Taveuni but the International Date Line is bent to give uniform time (UTC+12) to all of the Fiji group. With the exception of Rotuma, the Fiji group lies between 15° 42' and 20° 02' south. Rotuma is located 220 nautical miles (410 km; 250 mi) north of the group, 360 nautical miles (670 km; 410 mi) from Suva, 12° 30' south of the equator.

Fiji consists of 322 islands (of which 106 are inhabited) and 522 smaller islets. The two most important islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which account for approximately three-quarters of the total land area of the country. The islands are mountainous, with peaks up to 1,324 metres (4,341 ft), and covered with thick tropical forests. The highest point is Mount Tomanivi on Viti Levu. Viti Levu hosts the capital city of Suva, and is home to nearly three quarters of the population. Other important towns include Nadi (the location of the international airport), and Lautoka, Fiji's second city with large sugar cane mills and a seaport.

The main towns on Vanua Levu are Labasa and Savusavu. Other islands and island groups include Taveuni and Kadavu (the third and fourth largest islands respectively), the Mamanuca Group (just off Nadi) and Yasawa Group, which are popular tourist destinations, the Lomaiviti Group, off Suva, and the remote Lau Group. Rotuma, some 270 nautical miles (500 km; 310 mi) north of the archipelago, has a special administrative status in Fiji, which nearest neighbour is Tonga in the east.

Fiji Weather:

View Detailed 10 Day Weather Forecast for Suva, webcams, weather maps & more at Weather-Forecast.com

Fiji Attractions:

Mamanuca Islands:

The Mamanuca Islands of Fiji are a volcanic archipelago lying to the west of Nadi and to the south of the Yasawa Islands. The group, a popular tourist destination, consists of about 20 islands, but about seven of these are covered by the Pacific Ocean at high tide.

The Mamanuca Islands, just off the coast of Denarau offer crystal clear waters, palm fringed sandy beaches and live coral reefs. There are islands, villages, great resorts to visit, snorkelling and swimming.

Nananu-i-Ra:

Nananu-i-Ra is an island in Fiji about 1.5 kilometers off the coast of the main island of Viti Levu, in the Rakiraki of Ra Province. It has a maximum elevation of 180 meters.

The name NANANU-I-RA means "Daydream of the West. " There are 4 Backpackers on Nananu I Ra Island and One Resort. Three quarters of the Island was once owned by the Procter and Gamble Legacy which was sold in 2004 to a New Zealand based Developer. There are plans to develop the Island in the way of several Five star Resorts, Roads, Piped water and Electricity from the Mainland. Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, and other hostel reviewing sites are recommended to be checked before holidaying here to get the most up to date accommodation options, Charlies Place, Bethams Beach Cottages and MacDonald's Backpackers are well established budget resorts offering basic to moderate standards of accommodation and service. Boats frequently leave from Ellington Wharf and Wananavu Resort costing $25FJD per return trip per person. There are 7 Beaches, the most popular being Oni Beach on the northern most side of the Island which was recently awarded merit as being one of the best in the country. The island has five shops for basic food items. The general population is predominatley European retirees mixed in with local workers with a permanent population of roughly 40 full time residents. Wireless broadband can be subscribed to and is within the network at a speed of (Vodafone Fiji 3G Speeds) as well as Vodafone cellular coverage. The Island neighbors Dolphin Island and Nananu-I-Cake. Fijian mythology holds that Nananu-i-Ra is the point of departure for disembodied spirits, leaving this world for the afterlife. The island is a popular location for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to consistent trade winds during the months of April through to October. There is a track open to the public running along the highest peaks of the Island from one end to the other, this takes around a few hours to half a day to complete.

Sri Siva Subramaniya temple:

The Sri Siva Subramaniya temple is a Hindu temple in Nadi, Fiji. It is at the southern end of the main road through Nadi. It is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern hemisphere.

The original temple had been in existence for a long time. It was at the old temple building that the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) was formed in 1926. The TISI Sangam was rejuvenated following the Golden Jubilee celebration in 1976. The revival of Sangam activities together with the arrival of Shivacharya Mahalinga Gurukkal, whose services were made available to Nadi Siva Subramaniya Temple in 1984 by the Government of Tamil Nadu as the Chief Priest boosted the activities at the Temple, and devotees flocked to the Temple in very large numbers to witness and participate in the many new and unique religious ceremonies conducted at the Temple for the first time.

Suva:

Suva is the capital and the second most populated municipality of Fiji, after Nasinu. It is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the Rewa Province, Central Division. In 1877, it was decided to make Suva the capital of Fiji when the geography of former main European settlement at Levuka on the island of Ovalau proved too restrictive. The administration of the colony was moved from Levuka to Suva in 1882.

Suva is Fiji's political and administrative capital. It is the largest and the most cosmopolitan city in the South Pacific and has become an important regional centre; students from the Pacific region and a growing expatriate community make up a significant portion of the city's population.

At the 2007 census, the city of Suva had a population of 85,691. Including independent suburbs, the population of the Greater Suva urban area was 172,399 at the 2007 census. Suva, along with the bordering cities of Lami, Nasinu, and Nausori have a total urban population of around 330,000, over a third of the nation's population. This urban complex is known also as the Suva–Nausori corridor (not including Lami).

Kula Eco Park:

Kula Eco Park is an ecological preserve in Fiji. It is located on Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu, near Sigatoka. The area was originally established as a bird park in the 1980s, but was bought by Kula Eco Park Management in January 1997. With an extensive system of walkways through the park, and a wide range of attractions, the park is now a popular tourist attraction.

The park is privately owned and operated, its main focus being the preservation of Fiji's indigenous flora and fauna, including reptiles, bird life, amphibians, tropical fish, the Fiji Flying Fox (Fiji's only native mammal), insects, butterflies and a wide range of trees and shrubs. The park has also won Fiji's 'Excellence in Tourism' award five times since 1996. In addition, the park strives to increase environmental issue awareness and educate local children in conservation. The park regularly offers free classes in which children may learn about Fiji's environment, pollution, and conservation. More than 8000 children have taken these classes. The park is funded only 35% from general admission tickets, the rest coming from private donations.

Thurston Gardens:

Thurston Gardens are the botanical gardens of Fiji. They used to be known as the Suva Botanical Gardens but its name was changed in honour of the fifth Governor of Fiji, Sir John Bates Thurston, who was Governor from February 1888 to March 1897. Thurston Gardens is located in central Suva, between Albert Park and the Government House.

The Fiji Museum is currently maintaining the gardens. Although many of the buildings and artifacts seem to be in need of attention the gardens are still regularly enjoyed by the people of Suva during the day. Spread throughout the grounds are varieties of palms, gingers, water lilies and other local flora.

Taveuni:

Taveuni is the third-largest island in Fiji, after Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, with a total land area of 435 square kilometers (169 Square Miles). The cigar-shaped island, a massive shield volcano which rises from the floor of the Pacific Ocean, is situated 6.5 kilometers to the east of Vanua Levu, across the Somosomo Strait, and is part of the Northern Division. It had a population of around 9,000, some 75 percent of them indigenous Fijians, at the 1996 census. Taveuni has abundant flora and is known as the 'Garden Island of Fiji'. It is a popular tourist destination.

Tavarua:

Tavarua is a heart shaped island resort in Fiji. It has an area of 29 acres (120,000 m2). The island is close to the main Fijian island, Viti Levu, and is surrounded by a coral reef.

Activities on Tavarua include surfing, sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking to name a few. There is also a pool, spa, workout facility and tennis court along with a restaurant facility and two bars.

There are seven main surfing breaks that are all available to guests staying at the all-inclusive island resort: Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Tavarua Rights, Swimming Pools, Namotu Left, Wilkes Pass, and Desperations which are all world class waves. Cloudbreak, being the most famous of the surrounding waves, is a powerful left a mile off the island that breaks over coral reef. Beginning surfers can enjoy fun learning waves directly in front of the island at “Kiddieland.” The island hosts annual professional surfing competitions that can be viewed via webcast.

Nadi:

Nadi is the third-largest conurbation in Fiji. It is located on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu, and had a population of 42,284 at the most recent census, in 2007. Nadi is multiracial with many of its inhabitants Indian or Fijian, along with a large transient population of foreign tourists. Along with sugar cane production, tourism is a mainstay of the local economy. The Nadi region has a higher concentration of hotels and motels than any other part of Fiji.

With its large Indo-Fijian population, Nadi is a centre for Hinduism and Islam in Fiji. The downtown area is defined by the Nadi River and Viseisei village on the west side, and the beautfiul Sri Siva Subramaniya temple on the east. It is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern hemisphere, and is a site for pilgrims. Nadi International Airport located 9 kilometers from the town, is the largest airport in Fiji. Thus, Nadi is the principal port of entry for air travelers to Fiji, even though it is on the opposite (western) side of the island of Viti Levu from the nation's capital and largest city, Suva.

Viti Levu:

Viti Levu is the largest island in the Republic of Fiji, the site of the nation's capital, Suva, and home to a large majority of Fiji's population.

The largest island, Viti Levu is home to 70% of the population (about 600,000) and is the hub of the entire Fijian archipelago. It measures 146 kilometers long and 106 kilometers wide and has an area of 10,389 square kilometers comparable to the size of The Big Island of Hawaii or slightly smaller than Connecticut. Geologists believe that Viti Levu has been submerged a number of times, and has been covered by lava and other volcanic materials. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions account for the somewhat rugged terrain of the island, which is divided into roughly equal halves by a north-south mountain range. The eastern side of the island experiences heavy rainfall, while the western side is noticeably drier. Accordingly, sugar cane production thrives in the west, while a dairy industry is being built in the east. Fiji's biggest cattle ranch, with 7000 head of cattle in its 70 square kilometres, is at Yaqara, halfway between Tavua and Rakiraki. The centre of the island is forested and includes the nation's highest peak Mount Tomanivi (otherwise Mount Victoria) rising to 1,324 meters. The island is the only known home of one of the world's largest insects, the Giant Fijian long-horned beetle.

Yasawa:

Yasawa, also called Assawa and Ysava, is the main island of the Yasawa Group, an archipelago in Fiji's Western Division. Located at 17.00° South and 177.23° East, it covers an area of 32 square kilometers. It has a maximum altitude of 244 meters. The population was 1,120 in 1983.

Sigatoka:

Sigatoka is a town in Fiji. It is found on the island of Viti Levu and is situated at the mouth of the Sigatoka River, after which it is named, some 61 kilometers from Nadi. In Fiji's last census (2007) the population of Sigatoka was at 9622. Sigatoka is the principal urban centre for the province of Nadroga-Navosa.

An ornate temple, open to public and built by Hare Krishna devotees, dominates the Sigatoka skyline. Major tourist attractions include the Sigatoka Sand Dunes near Kulukulu village two kilometers north-west of Sigatoka, and the Kula Eco Park, which houses some 500 birds of 100 species from many tropical countries. The town is also the principal centre for Fiji's coastal tourism belt — the Coral Coast — which hosts many of the country's leading hotels and resorts.

Fiji Museum:

The Fiji Museum is a museum in Suva, Fiji located in the capital city's botanical gardens, Thurston Gardens.

The museum houses an extensive archaeological collection dating back 3,700 years and relics of Fiji's indigenous cultural history. Also on display is the rudder of the HMS Bounty of mutiny fame.

The Fiji Museum is a statutory body and is under the administration of the Fiji Museum Act and the Preservation of Objects of Archaeological & Palaeontological Interest Act.

The Fiji Museum was the host institution for the Pacific Islands Museums Association (PIMA) secretariat until 2006, when the secretariat transferred its base of operations to Port Vila, Vanuatu

Sigatoka Sand Dunes:

The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is located at the mouth of the Sigatoka River on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. They are located approximately 3 km West of the town of Sigatoka.

They are the product of erosion in the coastal hinterland and coastal dune forming processes. The extensive dune system covers an area of 650 hectares and comprises a series of parabolic sand dunes of various ages and activities. The dunes range from around 20-60m tall.

The dunes have been forming over thousands of years and archaeological excavations here have uncovered pottery more than 2600 years old, as well as one of the largest burial sites in the Pacific. Evidence of the past is clearly visible throughout the dune system as pottery scatters, stone tools, human remains and other archaeological relics continue to be uncovered by natural processes.

Mount Tomanivi:

Mount Tomanivi is an extinct volcano located in the northern highlands of Viti Levu. At 1,324 metres (4,344 ft), Mount Tomanivi is the highest mountain in Fiji. Previously named Mount Victoria, a trail leads to the summit of Tomanivi from the village of Navai. The main river systems, the Rewa, Navua, Sigatoka, and Ba, all have their headwaters in the central mountain area.

Navua River:

The Navua River is located in the island of Viti Levu in Fiji and has its source on the south east slope of Mount Gordon and flows for 65 kilometers to the south coast. It is noted for the scenic beauty of the rugged mountaun country through which it flows. In the late 19th century a sugar mill was built on the banks of this river, and although the mill was shut down in 1923, the town of Navua stands on its site.

Rainbow Reef:

The Rainbow Reef can be found in the Somosomo Strait located between the Fijian islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu. It is considered one of the most famous dive sites in the South Pacific. The Great White Wall is a popular scuba diving site. It is named because of the white coral inhabiting the area between 15 and 65 meters.

Navala:

Navala is a village in the Nausori Highlands of northern-central Viti Levu, Fiji. It is noted for its thatched buildings, amounting to over 200. It is one of the few settlements in Fiji which remains fully traditional architecturally. Navala is actually 3 settlements put together.It is protected by mountains and ridges. Navala is on the other side of a river. The river get flooded often and is the main reason for Navala's isolation from the other towns. It is a popular tourist site too. Navala is very special because all their houses are the same size. All the bures has a metal post also known as a Bou (in Fijian). Bous are mostly placed in a chief's house. This shows Navala's equality. That is why Navala is a special village.

Fiji Resorts:

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Royal Davui Island Resort
Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort
Qamea Resort And Spa Fiji
The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Fiji
Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji
Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa
Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji
Mana Island Resort
Tokoriki Island Resort
Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island
Vatulele Island Resort
Castaway Island Fiji
Wananavu Beach Resort
Malolo Island Resort
Naviti Resort
Sheraton Fiji Resort
Yasawa Island Resort and Spa

Fiji Hotels:

Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji
Beach Cocomo
Sheraton Denarau Villas
The Terraces Apartments Denarau

Quest Apartments-Suva
The Pearl South Pacific
Crusoe's Retreat
Novotel Suva Lami Bay
Raffles Gateway Hotel
Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
Holiday Inn Suva
Bluewater Lodge
Aquarius On The Beach
Tanoa Plaza Suva
Tanoa International Hotel
Mercure Nadi
Seashell@Momi
Namuka Bay Lagoon
WorldMark Denarau Island
The Pearl South Pacific