The 10 Best Fiji Islands That Look Like Paradise

Tropical islands are the kind of destinations that promise you the most scenic and picture-postcard locales. The Fiji Islands are no different. Offering palm-fringed shores to powdery white beaches, dense forests and stunning coral reefs you’ll get the tropical island holiday you’ve always dreamed of. Add to that a rich island culture and heritage with friendly people to delectable local food, and we reckon you should dust off your luggage ASAP and book the next flight to Fiji!

How Many Fiji Islands Are There?

1. Viti Levu – Where the Adventure Begins

2. Robinson Crusoe Island – Authentic Fijian Culture

3. Kadavu Island - Unspoilt Eco-Paradise

4. Ovalau Island – Colonial Remnants

5. Vanua Levu – Adventurous Getaway

6. Monuriki Island – Cast Away

7. Beqa – the Land of Storytellers and Firewalkers

8. Taveuni – The Garden Island

9. Qamea, Matangi and Laucala – The Trio

10. Yasawa Islands – Spectacular Beaches

When there are 333 of them, you know Fiji will spoil you for choice with its islands. But how can you narrow it down to just one to visit? Thankfully, for the sake of decision making, only about one third are inhabited. There are not many on the tourist circuit. 

But the ones that are accessible to travellers are as close to paradise as possible! It is easier said than done, but we have managed to round off the 10 best Fiji islands that look like an absolute dream. 

An archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is located east of Australia and north of New Zealand. Officially known as the Republic of Fiji, it is approximately 3000 km from Australia and 2000 km from New Zealand. 

The United States has had a consulate in Fiji since 1978. Up to that point, the US ambassador was based out of Wellington, New Zealand. 

Fiji was a part of the Commonwealth following British rule. After briefly being suspended from the Commonwealth in 2009, the island nation got re-inducted in 2014. 

Everyone agrees that Fiji is one of the best bucket-island destinations!. Of course, good things do come at a cost, and a Fiji holiday is not cheap. This can be evident looking at the major heads of expense that you can expect to factor in as an Aussie visiting Fiji. 

You will have to fly in and, depending on where you are, there are flights from the major Australian cities, including Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The most preferred accommodation in Fiji is usually the luxury resorts, though there are cheaper options too. Travelling between the islands is costly if you are looking forward to island hopping. The local food and drinks can add to the overall cost too, but if there’s anything we’ve learned from the pandemic - it is that you can never take travel for granted! We believe that a visit to Fiji would be well worth your money!

The largest island among them all, this is where most visitors enter Fiji. Understandably, Viti Levu is where the international airport is located and the right place to begin your Fijian adventure. The tourism infrastructure is robust, and there are plenty of options to get to the other islands in comfort. 

Typical of any popular island, Viti Levu has its fair share of the best tropical beaches and other recreational options galore for the island tourist. For those into culture and heritage, this is where you can feel the vibes and understand Fijian history better. Besides the cultural village, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu temple in Nadi is a must-visit. 

This is not to say that there aren’t any outdoor activities in Viti Levu. For those who are the outdoorsy type and looking for some adventure, the highest peak in Fiji awaits you. Mount Tomanivi, at 4344 feet, is the kind of hike that will give you not just an adrenalin-filled climb but also a glimpse of the villages along the path. A dormant volcano, Tomanivi is a 4.5 km trek that is both a satisfying outing and will promise stunning views of the faraway islands strewn around. 

If you want to get an authentic taste of island life in Fiji, this is one stopover you must consider. Robinson Crusoe is a private island that can be accessed easily by boat from Nadi, and you could either make a day trip or, time permitting, stay over. Some extra time here will be worth it too. 

The island is a complete package in itself, with the accent being on giving the visitor a holistic feel of all things Fijian. From a rousing welcome with local, traditional music and the shouts of Bula, it is a good way to try your hand at most things that the Fijian lifestyle offers. 

If your preference is for something a little away from the hustle and bustle of other more frequented Fijian islands, try Kadavu. On the Fiji Islands map, you will find Kadavu Island, located south of Viti Levu. This is one place that is more laid back yet throbbing with the delights of the village lifestyle. The sandy beaches, as everywhere else in Fiji, promise the best of relaxation and leisure. 

Talking of leisure, Kadavu is no slouch when it comes to action. The Great Astrolabe Reef is a magnet for the scuba diving crowd, while surfers flock in for the waves to have their share of surfing action. As for accommodation, the resorts here focus on ecotourism and match the remoteness quotient of the island. 

Another heritage stopover can be the Ovalau Island. The first capital of Fiji, there is a lot of history that is packed in here. The relics of a colonial past can be seen in the atmospheric town of Levuka that deserves to be seen leisurely. Try and catch a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide or even take a walk yourself to take some memorable pictures. 

This is another island that is not overrun by tourists. You won’t have to jostle with crowds that will mostly confine themselves to the larger and more popular islands like nearby Viti Levu. But Ovalau does have it all – beaches, jungles, mountains and friendly villages. 

If you felt Viti Levu is quite a happening island but would like to base yourself in one that is just a little smaller but with enough to see and do, Vanua Levu could be just the destination. The second-largest island in Fiji, this is where you can come over to escape the crowds of Viti Levu yet get all the vibes of a large island. 

From mountain peaks to waterfalls and plantations, there is something for all nature and outdoor lovers. For the culture and heritage traveller, there is also the charm of the colonial era, and this can be savoured in Savusavu with its streets and the timeless architecture still intact. Also, don’t miss the mysterious Snake Temple, the Naag Baba mandir, to get a feel of a Hindu temple. 

If the great outdoors is your thing, then you should be hitting the Hibiscus highway to take in the island’s views from the comfort of a vehicle. But if you are more adventurous, head for the Wasali Nature Reserve and do some hiking. The rainforest itself is quite a sight, but you will be rewarded with even better views when you get to the top. 

Closer to the water, the Rainbow Reef and the Namena Marine Reserve offer top-notch coral viewing. Then there are some good options if you want to try some snorkelling and scuba diving. 

If this tropical island looks familiar from afar, you are not the only one to feel so! Monuriki Island was made famous by Chuck Noland and Wilson, yes, that’s Tom Hanks and the volleyball, respectively, in the classic movie Cast Away.

On the Fiji Islands map, you will find this island located off the coast of Viti Levu. Monuriki Islands is made up of white sandy beaches, blue lagoons with coral reefs, rocky cliffs and tropical dry forest vegetation.

If you plan to go on a day trip to this secluded island, you would have to visit the village of Yanuya and make a request to the elders there who are the traditional landowners.

For those interested in spotting wildlife, there are numerous seabirds, turtles and some endemic lizards that include the rare Fijian crested iguana.

If you have always wanted to experience the thrill of snorkelling and scuba diving in clear waters, see beautiful corals and exotic fish and swim along with tiger sharks, then the small island of Beqa is where you need to be. 

An adventure sports hot spot, Beqa Island is the lip of a dormant volcano and is teeming with wildlife and marine life.

Another highlight that draws tourists onto this island is the Beqa firewalkers. The mysterious spectacle of warriors walking on red-hot stones and flames and emerging unscathed with no burns or pain is a unique experience.

Volcanic in origin, Taveuni is the third-largest on the Fiji islands map. It is known as the ‘Garden Isle’ and for good reasons. There are several endemic floral species in Taveuni, and it is the only place in the world where you’ll find the Tagimoucia flower. 

Head out to the Bouma National Heritage Park to see this crimson coloured flower in full bloom or hike to the three Tavoro Waterfalls and take a dip in their natural swimming pools.

There are several dive sites around the Eel Reef, Rainbow’s End and the Great White Wall for marine enthusiasts and divers to see the magnificent and diverse biodiversity.

Here is an exciting entry into this list, and it is a trio of 3 islands that are just a short distance towards the north of Taveuni. The advantage of considering a cluster is that their proximity helps you cover them in a shorter span and get a taste of each individually. 

These are three small but ideally placed islands located north of Taveuni Island. Take your pick from any one of these – Qamea, Matangi or Laucala, and you will find them equally tranquil with the soft, white beaches before you and the lush green rainforests behind. The luxurious resorts on each of these islands are just right, whether it is a quiet holiday or a romantic retreat you are planning. 

Matangi is an expansive 240-acre island, home to a dormant volcanic crater and the pretty, palm-fringed Horseshoe Bay beach. 

Qamea can be the perfect mix of serenity or action, depending on what you prefer. There are activities like treks, water sports and cultural outings for those who want to be up and about. Or soak up all the scenery from the comforts of your resort. 

Laucala is no different when it comes to living the island lifestyle. With lagoons and private beaches, the resorts here are located with great views of the South Seas. For those interested in catching a glimpse of the Fijian landscape, taking walks around the island is a great way to unwind. 

A cluster of 20 islands, the Yasawa group has many surprises and delights packed in for anyone looking to go off the busy circuit. The remoteness and the comparatively more challenging access to these islands mean that they can be more exclusive and secluded. 

At the northern end is a must-visit attraction that itself makes a trip to Yasawa islands worthwhile. The Sawa-i-Lau caves are renowned locally for their legends, but for any visitor, the draw has to be the limestone caverns that create saltwater pools filled with turquoise blue water. It is an experience in itself to watch the shimmering waters with the cave walls fortifying it like a secret swimming pool. 

Then there is the Naukacuvu Island that is picturesque and offers tranquil resorts with powdery sand beaches stretching into crystal blue waters. For the keen water sports enthusiast, there are enough options, like snorkelling, to explore the action underwater. 

With so many islands to choose from, each with its own unique character and attraction, you will definitely struggle to find a favourite. So rather than just picking one island for you, based on the top 10 best Fiji Islands, we have rounded up for you, plan a trip and visit a few of them to get the true Fijian experience. 

Yes, there are the bigger and more bustling Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, but then there are also the many smaller, less explored ones we have shared that you could choose from. Depending on what kind of an experience and holiday you are looking for, there is a Fiji Island for everyone!