20 Fun Things to Do in Fiji for First-Timers

Klook Team

Last updated 11 Nov 2022

The beautiful views of Fiji - above and below water. Image credits - @takemetheretraveller, @tourismfiji, @tourismfiji on instagram

If you’re looking for the ideal getaway location for a much-awaited break that’s just a short flight from Australia, Fiji is definitely it! It's an island paradise offering everything from the best beaches, water sports, culture and heritage, fun and relaxation, great food, and warm people.

Here is a round-up of 20 fun things to do in Fiji to give you an idea of the kind of experiences you can expect as a first-time visitor to this tropical destination, that will leave you in awe and wanting to book that flight ASAP!

Go Island Hopping
Souvenir Shopping
Catch Some Sun Rays on the Beach
Chasing Shooting Locales
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Kayaking and Rafting
Hit up a Hike
Hop on a Cruise
Experience a Kava Ceremony
Take Part in a Firewalking Ceremony
Immerse Yourself in the Local Villages
Spot Some Tropical Birds
Get Your Heart Pumping With a Skydiving
Indulge in Fijian Cuisine
Zipline through Rainforests
Indulge in Banana Leaf Body Wrap and Massage
Fish Fertile Waters
Visit Some Museums
Explore Hindu Temples
Spend a Day on the Greens

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1. Go Island Hopping

With over 300 islands, it’s no surprise that you’ll be spoilt for choice while choosing an island to stay on when you visit Fiji. Of course, you can shorten this list by picking the ones that score the highest on accessibility and amenities.

The most popular and sought-after Fijian Islands to visit are often a mix of the largest and most inhabited to the more far-flung and quieter islands.

For instance, the largest island in Fiji – Viti Levu - is also where the international airport is and where most visitors land. It’s a vibrant and modern island with many resorts and hotels. It also has a variety of tourist attractions, from temples to the highest peak in Fiji to get a glimpse of urban Fijian life.

Vanua Levu is the second-largest island with a list of diverse attractions. There are marine parks, jungles, coral reefs, and temples to showcase the rich Fijian heritage.

Further away, there are options galore where the islands are both remote yet entirely accessible. You can try private islands like Robinson Crusoe Island, Kadavu for the Great Astrolabe Reef, or even Ovalau for its colonial footprint, to name some of the more popular ones.

A standard 10-day Fiji island hopping package with twin-sharing and all meals starts from $1429.

2. Souvenir Shopping

Arts and crafts have always been a part of Fijian culture, so why not bring a little piece of Fiji back home?

From wooden cannibal forks to tapa designs to polished coconut shells to carved masks and black pearls, Fijian artifacts make for an impressive gift for friends and family back home.

One of the most common handicraft items in Fiji is Fijian pottery. There are places like Nalotu Village in Kadavu Island where you can find local artisans demonstrating their pottery skills.

Souvenirs are available at the Municipal Handicraft Centre in Suva. You can buy black pearl sets for $100, clay pottery for $35 and coconut shell accessories from $50 onwards. Don’t forget to bubble wrap your fragile items; you wouldn’t want to end up with broken pieces.

3. Catch Some Sun Rays on the Beach

There is no doubt that the beaches are a top highlight of any Fiji holiday! Fiji is a beach lover's dream come true with its never-ending coastline and powdery sand beaches, sun and surf, and crystal clear waters.

Qamea, Matangi, and Laucala, north of Taveuni, have private resorts and palm-fringed beaches, like the Horseshoe Bay and blue lagoons.

4. Chasing Shooting Locales

If you are a movie buff, why not visit some of the top filming locations?

Speaking of shooting locales, the one beach you may remember is the one that Tom Hank’s character in Castaway gets swept upon. The tranquil Monuriki Island is an enchanting place for a day visit to soak up the sun. The Help Me sign from the movie is recreated with coconuts, and you even get to take photos with ‘Wilson’! Your resort can arrange for a half-day trip to Monuriki island on a speed boat for $150 per person.

The TV series, Survivor, was also filmed on this island.

The stunning Devil’s Beach on Turtle Island features in the famous movie, The Blue Lagoon. The white sandy beach fringed with palm trees is the perfect setting for anything from a Hollywood movie to a location for an extra-memorable selfie.

5. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Water sports are some of the top fun things to do in Fiji. There are plenty of options in various forms for anyone into casual snorkelling to experienced surfers and seasoned scuba divers.

Snorkelling can be an excellent activity for anyone when the water is clear and blue. You can easily see and explore the rich marine life! Get access to some of Fiji’s best snorkel spots all day long on the Yasawa Islands for $150.

Diving is also an option in Fiji, with opportunities to catch a host of sea life in their natural habitat, be it the Great Astrolabe Reef or the Rainbow Reef. If you prefer something more adventurous, then tag along with the local professional divers feeding the sharks at Beqa Lagoon for $250.

6. Kayaking and Rafting

Not many know that there are plenty of options for kayaking and rafting in Fiji.

A hot spot for this activity is the Middle Navua River, where you can try out kayaking on an inflatable kayak. But if it is the more conventional form you prefer, you can attempt open sea kayaking by the coast or in the mangrove swamps. Explore Fiji’s beautiful coastlines on a sea kayak for 4 hours at $120.

For the thrillseekers, you can try white water rafting on the Upper Navua Gorge on Viti Levu and the Upper Navua River at $200 for an hour for a bit more of an adventure!.

7. Hit up a Hike

While Fiji appeals to most travellers because of its most popular attractions: the islands and the beaches, there is plenty in store for hiking enthusiasts. With an abundance of hills and jungles on most islands, there are plenty of incredible trails on which you can get a good glimpse of the natural beauty this country offers. Fiji is just as beautiful within the interior as it is on the coasts! Don’t miss the opportunity to explore everything it has on offer!

There is something for outdoor enthusiasts, from casual strollers to keen hikers to even the most seasoned trekkers.

You can take a day trek to the Koroyanitu Heritage Park Waterfall in Viti Levut from $165.

8. Hop on a Cruise

If you’re all about that boat life, you’ll be happy to know that Fiji is definitely all about it too! While island hopping on smaller boats is an option, there’s also the opportunity to take a cruise, visiting islands a little further away. With Fiji’s crystal clear blue waters and an island every few hours away, investing in a cruise package can be an excellent way to see the sights on your Fijian holiday.

You can choose a cruise based on your preference on what to see, your budget, the duration, and more. A 5-day luxury cruise around the Yasawa island group could cost you $4500. A day cruise from the mainland to a remote island like the South Sea Island will cost around $150.

9. Experience a Kava Ceremony

To sample the Fijian culture, how about taking in an authentic cultural experience? A good example is the kava ceremony, a traditional way of welcoming guests with an exciting drink.

It can be an excellent way to gel with the locals, and the drink itself is unique. The essence is a powdery liquid made from mashed kava roots. This is shared among the guests who sit in a circle. It’s served in coconut shells and to the cheerful sounds of guitar and singing. The first to taste it is the group’s eldest, who does a bottoms-up before the rest get their turn to take a swig. Before and after each drink, there’s clapping and cheering to add to the mood.

The locals love both the drink and the ceremony. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Fiji, go ahead and participate in a kava ceremony and try the national drink! Everyone is welcome – the young and the old, those who like a tipple, and those who are teetotallers.

Most of the resorts can arrange a Kava Ceremony for free - this makes it an ideal activity to get to know locals and experience the culture!

10. Take Part in a Firewalking Ceremony

Another authentic Fijian experience can be the spectacular firewalking ceremony that is a big hit with anyone visiting Fiji for the first or 10th time. Firewalking is a tradition still practised by men who hail from Beqa Island. If you visit Viti Levu, the largest in Fiji, there is a good chance of catching this unique experience.

This fearful and mystic act is performed by the Sawau tribe men who take inspiration from a legend around it. It’s said that anyone who undertakes this ceremony needs to follow strict penance of abstinence and consumption of coconuts for two weeks before attempting this.

A firewalking ceremony is quite a spectacle, and onlookers watch with bated breath as the firewalkers walk the red hot, wood-fired stones. In the background, there’s chanting that makes it even more atmospheric.

If you are a house guest, you can watch the firewalking ceremony for free at the Arts Village in Pacific Harbour.

11. Immerse Yourself in the Local Villages

Fiji is not just about palm-fringed beaches and candy-coloured coral reefs. What makes Fiji a worthwhile destination are also the people and culture. Fiji offers endless opportunities to explore the villages, interact with the locals, and learn about their rich history, culture, and age-old traditions!

If you want to experience the traditional Fijian way of life, visiting Navala village located in the Ba Highlands might be the perfect excursion. The villagers will welcome you with a kava ceremony inside one of the traditional Fijian wooden-and-straw thatched huts called Bures. Walk around the village, mingle with the locals, and listen to the old legends and stories. Later, savour on an authentic Fijian meal.

Two of our favorite activities include the famous Nadi wonders tour. On this guided tour you’ll get to discover an ancient temple. You can also get lost in some of the most beautiful gardens on earth. Do that before you trade and barter with the locals.

If you are a history-buff, like us, don’t miss out on the Nadi historical and cultural tours for an indepth look at Fijian culture. A full-day village tour to Navala will cost you $200.

12. Spot Some Tropical Birds

From parrots to flycatchers to reef herons and kingfishers, Fiji has enough exciting and spectacular-looking tropical birds to attract bird-watching visitors from all over the world. Take your pick from these incredible places to spot them and see them in flight.

One of the region’s prime birding spots is only a short ride from Waiyevo town on the Taveuni Island to the Des Voeux Peak. It has incredible walking trails, including access to the lush rainforests that host the Orange Breasted Doves and the Taveuni Musk Parrots. A 4-hour long guided tour of the Des Voeux Peak will cost you $70.

Another biodiversity hotspot is the Kadavu Island that teems with endemic species like the Kadavu Musk Parrot.

13. Get Your Heart Pumping With a Skydiving

Fiji is composed entirely of volcanic islands, rainforests, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. So why not enjoy the aerial view of this unmatched scenic beauty?

A skydiving experience in Fiji is a must-do fun activity for any nature lover or adventure junkie! Liberate yourself at more than 10,000 feet with the extraordinary scenic beauty of the clear blue ocean and stunning landscapes.

Just a short drive west of Nadi, and you’ll reach the drop zone of the best skydiving destination in Fiji, Denarau Island. For a one-time tandem dive from 8000 ft (2,400 meters), the pricing starts from $430 and goes up to $530 for a drop from 14,000 feet (4,200 meters).

14. Indulge in Fijian Cuisine

Fiji has one of the most diverse, healthiest, and fascinating island cuisines in the Pacific. From the slow-cooked banana-leaf wrapped Lovo to their national dish Kokoda to the starchy Cassava and Taro, Fiji has its tempting array of dishes and fiery and spicy curry flavours.

If you’re a foodie but don’t know where to start, there are local produce market tours, food tours, and cooking classes by Flavours of Fiji. Cooking Classes are located in Nadi for those looking to explore authentic and colourful Fijian cuisine!

A guide will accompany you to explain all about the local Fijian ingredients and food culture as you explore the food stalls and markets.

Later you’ll learn to cook Fijian cuisine with local home-style cooking experts in an interactive cooking class. A 4-hour 30-minute class by experts will cost $130. Learn their traditional cooking techniques and tips, followed by a sumptuous and delicious lunch with refreshments.

One of our favorite activities is to enjoy a mouthwatering dinner while watching a sacred flame show. This dance of love and longing will have you mesmerized! That’s if the food doesn’t charm you first.

15. Zipline through Rainforests

If you want to take your Fijian adventure to new heights and experience the thrill of flying over lush rainforests, a zipline tour from Zip Fiji located in Nadi is one of the fun things to do in Fiji that you shouldn’t miss.

Feel the adrenaline as you zip over the spectacular wilderness setting, secured to a high weight capacity cable so that you can safely explore the forest canopy as you soar above the treetops for up to five km.

There are vantage points built along the way that give you a whole new perspective on how remarkable Fiji’s native forests are.

A half-day tour (5 hours) that covers 5 km costs from $175 onwards. Inclusions are round-trip hotel transport from Nadi, lunch and professional guide services.

16. Indulge in Banana Leaf Body Wrap and Massage

After spending time lapping up the sun, sand, and sea, you may need to take a step back to relax and rejuvenate your sun-tanned skin. If you do, there's nothing quite like a banana leaf body wrap and massage at the Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa on the island of Vanua Levu.

Expert masseurs use an oiled banana leaf with a blend of aromatic herbs, raw sugar, and coconut oil scrub to gently massage, exfoliate, and enhance circulation and detoxification. Hello, holiday glow!

Treat yourself to a massage session with a masseur followed by a soothing hot water bath; all you have to do is lie back and relax! A 60-minute session would cost you $120, while a 9--minute service would cost $250.

17. Fish Fertile Waters

Famous for its fertile and untouched underwater ecosystem, Fiji is also one of the world’s best game fishing spots. From Mackerel to Marlin to Giant Trevally and Yellowfin, you’ll be well catered for as you explore the sparkling blue waters and reefs.

You only need to venture a little further to the outer reefs, and you’re sure to come back with a crate full of fish.

Fiji has some great spots for angling; the waters around the Beqa in the Southern Islands are the best spots for marlin and dolphin fish. Full day fishing charters are available with fishing equipment for 4 adults at $2500. Don’t have all day? Half-day charters are available at $1200.

Be sure to check the months for finding specific and admiring the exotic schools before you take your fishing trip!

18. Visit Some Museums

One of the best ways to get a better understanding of a country is by visiting their museums. The museums in Fiji showcase fascinating archaeological pieces that bring the Fijian culture and heritage to life.

Visit the Fiji Museum in Suva to immerse in Fiji’s culture and history, with some artefacts dating back more than a thousand years. The entry ticket for adults and children are priced at $4.5 and $3, respectively.

Opened as part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Ba Town, the Ba Civic Museum in Viti Levu Island is famous for its innovative displays and comprehensive collections. The entry ticket for adults and children are priced at $3 and $2, respectively.

19. Explore Hindu Temples

Ever since Indians were brought over to Fiji in the late 1800s by the British to work on sugarcane plantations, this archipelago has been home to a large community of Indo-Fijians who follow Hinduism.

In Nadi, you can visit Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the biggest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. Dedicated to Lord Muruga, this pyramid-shaped temple has colourful sculptures of various Gods and Goddesses.

You can make ritual offerings at the temple in the form of flowers, incense sticks and fruits daily. You can buy these ritual offerings at the temple or from the small shops outside the temple for less than $5.

20. Spend a Day on the Greens

In Fiji, you can find top-class golf courses to hone your swing and practise your short game, but only if you can keep your eyes from the ball without straying away from the vast Pacific Ocean!

With Fiji’s beautiful warm weather and stunning scenery, there couldn’t be a perfect setting for some well-deserved tee-time. With a range of spectacular golf courses scattered around the country, you’ll have no trouble finding a golf course that will fit your skills and budget.

Green fee is in the range of $150 for non-house guests at nine-hole golf courses like Shangri-La'sFiji Mocambo Hotel Executive Golf Course to $600 for more premium 18-hole golf courses like Natadola Bay and Denarau Golf & Racket Club. There is no fee for guests.

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