Fiji is the South Pacific's friendliest island nation — 300+ islands with pristine coral reefs, overwater bungalows, and authentic island culture.
Fiji is the South Pacific's friendliest island nation -- 300+ volcanic islands with pristine coral reefs, overwater bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon, and authentic island culture where every greeting is 'Bula!' The Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains offer castaway experiences with white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, while Viti Levu's Coral Coast provides resort luxury at surprisingly affordable prices. Fiji has some of the world's best soft coral diving and surf breaks like Cloudbreak.
May through October is the dry season with comfortable 24-28 degrees C and the best diving conditions. November through April is the wet season with higher humidity, occasional tropical cyclones, and the cheapest flights. July-August is peak season with Australian and New Zealand school holidays. The Bula Festival in July celebrates Fijian culture. December-February has the highest rainfall.
Fiji Airways operates from Nadi with routes to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and Asian hubs via codeshares. Air New Zealand and Qantas serve Nadi from Australasia. Virgin Australia connects from Brisbane. Korean Air serves Nadi from Seoul with connections to Asia. Aircal provides inter-island flights. Jetstar operates seasonal routes. Fiji Airways is one of the few airlines remaining with a traditional in-flight meal service.
Nadi International Airport (NAN) is 10 km from Nadi town on Viti Levu's western coast. Resort shuttles and taxis serve the Coral Coast resorts (60-90 minutes). Suva's Nausori Airport (SUV) handles domestic flights and serves the capital. Inter-island travel is by small plane through Fiji Link, or by ferry from Port Denarau. The Yasawa Flyer ferry connects the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. The airport has a modest duty-free shop with Fijian products.
Fiji is more affordable than many Pacific destinations -- beachfront bure accommodation starts under FJD per night on the mainland. The local bus around Viti Levu costs a few dollars between towns. Eat at local restaurants for $10 FJD meals instead of expensive resort dining. The Yasawa Flyer ferry connects remote islands affordably for $150 FJD round trip from Denarau. Snorkeling from the beach is free at most resorts. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park has a small entry fee. Visit local markets in Nadi and Suva for affordable souvenirs.
Fiji's main island Viti Levu has buses and minibuses connecting Nadi, Suva, Sigatoka, and the Coral Coast, with fares from $20 FJD for intercity routes. Taxis are affordable at $50 FJD between main towns but always agree on the fare before starting. Rental cars drive on the left and a 4WD is recommended for unpaved roads in the interior. Inter-island transport is by ferry (South Sea Cruises, Yasawa Flyer) or small plane (Fiji Link). The Western and Northern divisions are connected by local flights. The Queens Road along the Coral Coast is the main tourist route. The Kings Road via the interior is more scenic but slower. Boats and water taxis serve the islands from Denarau Marina. The islands have very limited public transport beyond resort shuttles.
Denarau Island offers luxury resorts from $600 FJD per night with golf and marina access. The Coral Coast provides mid-range resorts from $300 FJD with beachfront access. The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands offer island resorts from $500 FJD. Nadi town provides budget hotels from $100 FJD near the airport. Suva has business hotels from $120 FJD in the capital. Budget backpacker resorts on the Yasawas from $60 FJD.