Get to Know Fun and Friendly Fiji - A South Pacific Vacation Adventure

Fiji is a name most Americans have heard, and most probably realize it’s an incredible tropical vacation destination. There’s a lot more to get to know about Fiji, though. If you’re thinking about taking a Fiji vacation adventure, read on as we introduce you to a jewel of the South Pacific - and one of the world’s friendliest vacation destinations.

Why is Fiji a Perfect Choice for your Next Vacation?

Fiji is a perfect destination for your next vacation. With its harmonious blend of unique geography, captivating natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled hospitality, Fiji has become a top vacation destination worldwide.

Fiji is a splendid archipelago nation, composed of around 330 beautiful and unique tropical islands nestled in the heart of the South Pacific. Of these islands, only about a third are permanently inhabited, meaning two-thirds are either pristine tropical environments or high-end private vacation getaways.

Fiji’s Natural South Pacific Beauty - A Vacationer’s Dream

Fiji’s reputation for breathtaking natural beauty is well-deserved. Fiji boasts some of the world’s most preserved rainforests, reefs, and waters, and Fiji’s islands and waters are home to a rich biodiversity. Fijian culture emphasizes harmony with nature, and this is reflected in Fiji’s long-standing commitment to conservation and sustainability. Much of Fiji’s natural beauty is completely untouched, providing many breathtaking vacation experiences.

Fiji’s islands boast lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, serene rivers, and majestic mountains - everything any outdoor enthusiast could ask for in a tropical vacation destination. Hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching are all top-notch in Fiji, and there are guided eco-tours across many of Fiji’s islands where vacationers can learn about Fiji’s unique and beautiful flora and fauna.

Fiji’s total size is around 505,500 square miles - but only 7,074 square miles of that is land! The rest is pristine, clear-blue South Pacific water.

On the water, Fiji’s world-famous coral reefs provide spectacular underwater scenery for divers and snorkelers. The Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, is a testament to Fiji’s commitment to conservation and sustainability. Several of Fiji’s islands have world-class surfing, and sustainable fishing in Fiji is some of the world’s best, with marlin, tuna and other prized fish available year-round. Fiji’s beaches are breathtaking and its waters teem with life, making Fiji a must-visit vacation destination for beachgoers, fishermen, divers and snorkelers. 

Fiji’s Culture of Welcoming Hospitality

A vacation to Fiji isn’t just about nature and tropical solitude, though. Fijian hospitality is world-renowned, and in fact, it’s woven into the local culture. Fijians are renowned for their genuine hospitality and their eagerness to welcome visitors with open arms. The Fijian greeting, "Bula!" (meaning "hello!", "welcome!", “life and good health!”), is not just a word, but a way of life in Fiji.

On your Fiji vacation, you'll find the same spirit of hospitality and inclusion whether you're staying in a luxury resort or a remote village. Fijians take pride in sharing their culture, traditions, and stories with guests. Villages often host cultural performances, showcasing traditional dances, music, and crafts that invite vacationing guests into the rich heritage of the Fijian people.

Fiji’s welcoming culture has translated into a world-class tourist experience. Vacationers are treated like family and honored guests in Fiji, and great care has been taken to provide comfort, convenience, and happiness as part of the Fiji vacation experience.

Viti Levu and Vanua Levu - The Vacationer’s Gateway to Fiji

Fiji's neighboring main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are hubs of activity and culture. Together, these islands are a vacationer’s gateway to the uniquely welcoming atmosphere of Fiji, embodied by the traditional greeting of “Bula!” 

Viti Levu, the larger of the two main islands, is home to Fiji’s two largest cities - the vacationer’s gateway of Nadi and the capital city of Suva. It also serves as the main transport hub throughout Fiji’s far-flung island chain. Fiji’s cultural emphasis on hospitality is evident here, as every effort is made to provide guests with convenient inter-island travel options for an easy and comfortable vacation.

The most remote island in Fiji’s chain, Vatoa, is about 280 miles southeast of Viti Levu. Most of Fiji’s islands are (fortunately) much closer!

As the international gateway to Fiji located on western Viti Levu, Nadi is a bustling and vibrant tourism hub. Visitors are warmly welcomed with the traditional Fijian greeting of "Bula" and serenaded by local musicians as they get their first taste of Fiji’s vibrant mix of cultures.

In Suva, visitors can learn about Fiji’s rich history at the Fiji Museum, stroll through bustling markets filled with colorful produce and handmade crafts, and savor the flavors of Fijian cuisine at a local restaurant - a flavorful mix of Melanesian, Polynesian and Indian influences.

Fijian cuisine is a delectable blend of flavors influenced by the diverse cultural heritage of the islands. You'll find an array of dishes featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices. 

One of the Fijian dishes you must try on your vacation is "kokoda," a traditional Fijian ceviche made with marinated fish, coconut cream, and zesty lime.

The Coral Coast, a vacationer’s haven of stunning beaches, rich culture, and adventure, spans a breathtaking stretch along Viti Levu's southern shoreline. Here, you can immerse yourself in Fijian traditions and history, experience the South Pacific hospitality of local villages, and learn about the age-old customs that are still cherished today. The Coral Coast is also famous for great snorkeling and diving as well as the beauty of its lush rainforests, making it a great vacation destination in its own right.

Vanua Levu provides a serene escape just 40 miles north of Viti Levu. Here you’ll find lush rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and traditional Fijian villages waiting to be explored. The island’s laid-back atmosphere and warm hospitality make it a perfect natural retreat to unwind and connect with Fiji’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Fiji - Your Destination for South Pacific Vacation Adventures

With the uniquely Fijian balance of comfort and communing with nature, Fiji’s main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu could stand alone as top vacation destinations in their own rights. But there’s still some 320+ Fijian islands we haven’t even mentioned in this article! Perhaps we’ll have a chance to mention some of them in a future edition - perhaps you’ll even have a chance to see some of them on your own Fiji vacation adventure!

With a vacation destination as far-flung and full of adventure as Fiji, any traveler would be wise to get some help planning and coordinating their Fiji vacation. That’s where we come in! At Aspire Down Under, our professional South Pacific travel advisors are ready to answer any and all questions about travel to Fiji and make your Fiji vacation a tropical breeze with 24/7 in-country assistance and the world’s best pre-planned and custom vacation experiences.

Contact us today and say “Bula!” to Fiji!