We’ve done all the leg work, so all you have to do is figure out which of these spectacular Fiji islands ticks the boxes for you.
Which Fiji islands should I visit?
There are lots of spectacular Fiji islands to visit, but the most popular islands in Fiji (in no particular order) are:
The main island of Fiji is Viti Levu, and is where your Fijian adventure will most likely start. Most international flights land at Nadi International Airport. Fiji’s capital Suva is on the south east coast of Viti Levu, a couple of hours from Nadi and is worth a visit for its melting pot metropolis of Melanesian culture.
Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands are straight out of a cliché-filled South Pacific holiday brochure. If you can’t find an idyllic Fiji Islands holiday here you’re really not trying! Endless white sand beaches? Tick. Azure waters inhabited by colourful tropical fish? Yep. Coral reef gardens and protected lagoons? Sure. Luxury beachfront resorts shaded by coconut palms? Oh yeah. Only open to the public in the 1950s, the word ‘pristine’ does not do this island justice.
Best Fiji Island for: beaches
Hotel Recommendation: Try Yasawa Island Resort and Spa on the northernmost Yasawa Island for a relaxed Fijian holiday in understated luxury. Heads up, honeymooners. It’s one of the most romantic resorts in the archipelago.
Denarau Island
A short drive from Nadi Airport, and connected to the mainland via a small bridge, is Denarau Island. Of all the Fiji Islands, this is probably the easiest to get to from the mainland, as it’s virtually part of Viti Levu. Many of Fiji’s best resort hotels are located on Denarau Island, so it’s kind of a win-win when it comes to finding paradise quickly. Black sand beaches, landscaped gardens, and epic sunset views await you here.
Denarau Marina is also the departure point for multi-day cruises, dive trips, island hopper ferries and day trip adventures depart from.
Best Fiji Island for: boat trips
Recommended hotel: Check into Hotel Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa for their wonderful bula meets bonjour Fijian/French hospitality. There is also a fabulous beachfront pool with a gazillion sun loungers.
Mamanuca Islands
When it comes to luxury, the Mamanuca Islands have got it all sewn up, as you’ll find some of the fanciest hotels have made a home across this gorgeous archipelago. Don’t worry though, the Fiji Islands aren’t known for snobbery, and along with the swanky high-end resort hotels, you can also find simple beachfront bungalows if you’re after cheaper options. Or you can go full Tom Hanks in Cast Away*, and wash up on nearby Monuriki Island. Book a day trip from the Mamanuca’s to the real-life set of the film, and explore this extraordinary island.
Any surfer worth their salt-bleached hair should head to Cloudbreak, one of Fiji’s most popular surf breaks in the southern Mamanuca’s. Non-surfers who prefer to take their salt on the rim of a margarita would be better suited to Cloud 9, an offshore floating lounge bar surrounded by a turquoise sea.
Best Fiji Island for: luxury resorts
Recommended Hotels: Families and loved-up couples will love Malolo Island Resort’s beach-house style white-washed bungalows. If you want to spoil yourself in absolutely luxury, check into Likuliku Lagoon Resort, home to the Fiji Islands’ only overwater bungalows.
*Wilsons not included 🙁
Taveuni Island
The third largest of Fiji’s Islands, Taveuni Island is a nature lovers paradise. The Bouma National Heritage Park has more than 300 rivers with waterfalls tumbling into the sea from towering cliffs, so this island is no stranger to spectacle. If you’re still deciding where to stay in Fiji, Taveuni delivers with a little bit of everything: beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, and walking trails. There also intimate Fiji hotels, and luxury Fiji villas to choose from too.
Best Fiji Island for: nature lovers
Hotel Recommendation: Check into Taveuni Palms Resort for an indulgent, romantic getaway in a gorgeous beachfront or hilltop villa.
Vanua Levu Island
Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island with the town of Savusavu offering holidaymakers plenty of things to do. From visiting the produce markets, waterfront bars and shops, to taking advantage of the great snorkelling. Vanua Levu is a criminally underrated island, as it manages to combine traditional Fijian culture, fab watersports ops, and spectacular scenery, without being too touristy. As an added bonus, there are a glorious range of hotel options from affordable backpacker pads, to glamorous luxury hotels.
Best Fiji Island for: budget travellers
Hotel Recommendation: A short drive from Savusavu, Jean Michel Cousteau is one of Fiji’s best resorts. Known affectionately as simply JMC, the resort overlooking SomoSomo Strait has easy access to one of Fiji’s best dive and snorkel sites, Rainbow Reef.
When is the best time for a Fiji Islands holiday?
Fiji’s islands are spread across the South Pacific Ocean on a similar latitude to Cairns, which means warm temperatures year-round. Fiji’s weather is divided by the ‘wet’ or the ‘dry’ season. Therefore, as a general rule the best time to visit Fiji is between April to November (the dry season), when the trade-winds keep things cool and rainy days are infrequent.
Beware of visiting during cyclone season (the wet season) which is generally between December and March.
How do you get around the Fiji Islands?
Boats and planes are the usual way to travel around Fiji’s 300 or so islands.
- Fly – Fiji Link is the domestic carrier for the flagship airline Fiji Airways. This is your go-to airline for flights around the archipelago, with sea planes and small planes able to drop you at your favourite Fiji resort.
- Cruise – If flying doesn’t float your boat (pun *totally* intended) hop aboard Fijian owned Captain Cook Cruises. This company offers island day trips and to multi-day voyages into remote islands as far-flung as the Lau Group.
- Island hop – If you’re after a little Fiji island hopping, than the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands are a great place to do this kind of holiday. Awesome Adventures Island Hopping ferries offer tours where you can hop on and off at almost 30 island ports.
- Day Trip – Blue Lagoon Cruises’ MV Fiji Princess which accommodates 68 passengers in boutique cruising style through the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands. Daily excursions to beaches, snorkelling over coral reefs or visiting villages are just some of the off-ship activities.
How to volunteer in the Fiji Islands?
Want to give something back? Vinaka Fiji is a volunteering (also known as voluntourism) charitable trust that aims to provide assistance to Fijian villages that lack basic amenities. As a visitor to the Fiji Islands you’re welcome to get volunteer and get involved using whatever skills or experience you have. Whether you have a few hours or a few weeks to spare, you’ll be welcomed by villagers with the genuine warmth and friendship Fijians are renowned for.
