Coral Coast Region - Fiji

Rydges Hideaway Resort Fiji

Outrigger On The Lagoon Fiji

Mamanuca Islands Resorts - Fiji

Castaway Island Resort

Matamanoa Island Resort

Tokoriki Island Resort

Wadigi Island

Nadi / Lautoka Resorts - Fiji

First Landing

Sheraton Fiji Resort

The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Fiji

Tanoa International Hotel

Tokatoka Resort

Taveuni / Outer Islands Resorts - Fiji

Maravu Plantation Resort

Qamea Resort and Spa

Taveuni Island Resort

Vanua Resorts of Fiji

J.M. Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort

Namale Resort and Spa

Nukubati Island

Viti Levu / Outer Islands Resorts - Fiji

Royal Davui Island

Vatulele Island Resort

Wananavu Resort

Wakaya Club

Yasawa Islands Resorts Fiji

Turtle Island

Yasawa Island Resort

Fiji Island Vacation Travel Guide and Fiji Information

Fiji Island Overview - Fiji Language - Fiji Village Etiquette

Overview of the Fiji Islands

More then anything else, Fiji is an exotic destination.

Fiji's 333 islands can sizzle with excitement or murmur with the quiet calm of pristine nature. Where else can you swim with huge, harmless manta rays congregating by the shore, snorkel over giant rainbow gardens of soft coral, or scuba dive the White Wall and famous Astrolabe Reef. Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-metre wave found offshore at Tavarua, draws surfers from around the world. It is also where you can float in the calm, quiet waters of a turquoise lagoon at sunset or walk alone through lush rainforest. It is where the sun shines almost everyday and when it does rain, people rush outside for a rainbath in the warm, brief downpour of a tropical shower which ends as quickly as it began. This is where life is lived for the joy of it all, where rushing is rude, and the name of a new friend is never forgotten. Fiji is where people wear flowers tucked in their hair, not to impress visitors, but because they like to.

The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. However, in the age of jumbo jets and global travel, Fiji has become the central hub of the exotic South Pacific. More than 85 flights land at Nadi on the main island of Viti levu every week. From there it is only a quick seven minute hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest islands, where the outside world is quickly left behind

For those who like to keep their feet on the ground once they arrive, the big island of Viti Levu offers a wealth of tropical scenery, from rushing mountain rivers and waterfalls in the depths of the rainforest, to palm-fringed beaches where time seems to stop. This is where you can fish from the reef in the morning, picnic at the edge of a waterfall plunging into a rocky jungle pool at midday and eat native food cooked in an earth oven in the evening, and then dance to the beat in a swinging discotheque until long after midnight. Along with it's pristine tropical beauty, Viti Levu offers several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, a shopper's paradise and you will never have to travel more than a few hours to get anywhere on the island.

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Say it in Fijian

Almost everyone in Fiji speaks English - as it is the official language, but the Fijian language is preserved and widely spoken in many different dialects. Almost everyone is bilingual and many Fijian terms are included in everyday English usage. It is handy to know some of the more common words and phrases, and the Fijians will be delighted to know you picked up some of their language.

Fijian pronunciation is similar to English, but with a few changes to the phonetic alphabet. Below is a brief guide which will bring you close to the correct pronunciations. The best way to learn, since there are many subtleties, is to have a Fijian instruct you and then listen closely.

View our Say it like they do in Fiji (note: a new window will open just close it to return)

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Etiquette In A Fijian Village

When visiting a village it is customary to present a gift of yaqona, which is also known as kava. The gift, called a sevusevu, is not expensive-half-a-kilo (which is appropriate) costs approximately $10.

It is presented to the Turaga ni Koro, the executive head of the village. The presentation is usually in his house and will generally be attended by some of the older men who happen to be in the vicinity at the time and can quickly turn into a social occasion. Pounded into powder, the yaqona will be mixed with water and served. Be prepared to shake hands and to answer many personal questions such as where you are from, are you married, how many children do you have, how much money you earn etc.

It is important to dress modestly when away from the immediate vicinity of your resort or hotel. Always carry a sulu (sarong, lavalava, pareu) to cover bathing togs or shorts and halter tops.

Do not wear a hat in a village as it is considered an insult to a chief. Do not wear shoes into people's houses. It is considered an insult to touch someone's head.

Fijians are known as the friendliest people in the world. Your respect for their customs and traditions will not only make you a welcome guest in their villages and homes, but add another dimension to your Fijian holiday.

Important Tips About Visiting Villages:

• Dress modestly. Don't wear shorts, and women must not wear halter tops and shoulders bare.

• Do not wear hats. They are interpreted as a sign of disrespect.

• Always remove your shoes before entering any house or other building.

• Stay with your assigned host. If other villagers ask you to eat or accompany them, politely note that you are with your host and would be honoured to visit with them at some other time. Remember, Fijians will, out of customs, always ask you to eat with them or share whatever they have.

• Speak softly. Raised voices are interpreted as expressing anger.

• Show respect, but be cautious with praise. If you show too much liking for an object, then the Fijians will feel obliged to give it to you as a gift, whether they can afford to or not.

• If you spend a night in the village, reward your host with a useful gift of similar value for each member of your party.

• It is not recommended that you stay in a village which is in the habit of accommodating paying visitors. If you feel obliged to pay more, then ask your host what he or she might like and purchase it for them.
  
  A bundle of groceries is graciously appreciated by large Fijian families.
  

You will find some villages more traditional than others, especially those distant from towns and urban centres. Remember, Fijians are not judgmental of other people and will rarely express a negative opinion. However, you will find that the more you respect their customs, the warmer your village welcome will be.

Call our Fiji Island specialists at - Global: 808.876-1570

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