Location: Centrally located in the mid-South Pacific. Fiji has over 300 islands in its archipelago, each fringed with coral reefs and lapped by warm azure waters. Amid its wealth of natural beauty, Fiji's true magic lies in its people and the fascinating blend of their diverse cultures.
Bula! (“Welcome!”) is the greeting you will hear throughout Fiji. It comes as an unreserved invitation to enjoy the hospitality of the Fijian people. Whether staying on one of the numerous resort islands or exploring Fiji’s mainland visitors will encounter this legendary hospitalit. Fijians like to be happy and they want visitors be happy also and their warmth, friendliness and smiles are infectious.
The main island of Viti Levu offers a variety of resorts either at Denarau (approx 20 minutes drive from Nadi Airport) or the Coral Coast (approx 45 minutes drive from Nadi Airport). Suva is the capital city and is accessible by either road or air. The resorts within the Mamanuca Islands (closest to the mainland) are approx 1 hour from Denarau by catamaran or water taxi or approx 10 minutes by helicopter or sea plane. The more remote islands within the Yasawa Group, Vatulele and Wakaya are approx 45 minutes by air from Nadi Airport. To the north lies the island of Vanua Levu approx 45 minutes by scheduled flight to either Savusavu or Taveuni which are the gateway towns.
How to get there: Nadi International Airport is located on the main island of Viti Levu and is the gateway to Fiji. Air Pacific (Fiji’s international carrier) offers non stop flights to New Zealand, Japan and USA . Air New Zealand and Qantas (some flights code share with Air Pacific) also offer daily non stop services from New Zealand, Australia and the USA with connections from key European and north American cities. Pacific Blue also operates daily services to Fiji from Australia.
Climate and culture: Fiji’s mild tropical climate can be enjoyed year round and is a popular escape from the winters in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The best time to visit, however, is in the dry season from May to October with cooler temperatures and less rainfall and humidity. Daytime temperatures average around 25°C (77°F).
The Fiji Islands have an interesting blend of various cultures, Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, European and Chinese This blend is reflected in the food, the language, architecture and ambience. Suva’s British influence is reflected in its many colonial buildings.
Many features of Fiji’s richly diversified past were suppressed with the old religion in the mid to late 19th century. On the contrary, the chiefly system and village structure has remained mostly intact, partly due to laws protecting Fijian land rights and which many years ago prohibited Fijian labour on the cotton and sugar plantations. Fiji became independent on 10 October 1970 and introduced a Westminster political system. The political parties were organised along racial lines.
Today as a visitor, observe time-honoured traditions, explore ancient relics, experience well-preserved cultures and share in past legends as they are retold around the kava bowl, Fiji’s traditional ceremonial and social drink or at the traditional Meke (song and dance). Timeless Reasons to Savour Fiji’s Past, Present and Future.