Welcome to Fiji, a South Pacific paradise perfect for families, featuring idyllic beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a rich cultural tapestry.
Known for its postcard-worthy views, this island gem offers more than just scenic beauty: it’s a place where adventure and relaxation converge. Whether snorkeling over stunning reefs, jet-skiing, or hiking lush trails, Fiji provides an array of activities to suit travelers of all ages.
For families, the charm lies in balancing thrilling outings with serene days by the beach or pool. Dive in to discover how Fiji’s allure promises unforgettable experiences for both the young and young at heart.
A Fijian Welcome
Since achieving independence from Britain in 1970, Fiji has greeted visitors with open arms and a population fluent in English. This tropical paradise, which is home to the famous Fiji Water brand, centers around its two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, where most of the nation’s famously friendly community resides.
Known for their warmth and good cheer, Fijians are often referred to as ‘the happiest people in the world’. Learn just one word, ‘Bula’, which means hello, and you’ll have made a friend for life. There’s hospitality from the get-go; expect to be greeted at Nadi Airport, which welcomes more than 2 million international passengers annually, with a lively song and dance performance—the perfect introduction to Fijian culture.
Want more extraordinary travel ideas? Get inspired with our newsletter!
Getting There
Flying into Nadi Airport and Transfers
Our family adventure began with a direct flight from Los Angeles to Fiji aboard Fiji Airways‘ state-of-the-art A350 aircraft, while the second leg – which we undertook a few days later – was a 45-minute Fiji Airways flight from Nadi.
The warm smiles, scenic views, and the delight of traveling on a small plane set the tone for our stay. En route, we engaged with tourists from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan. We all enthusiastically cheered for our skilled female pilot after a smooth flight over turquoise waters.
If you’re flying on Fiji Airways from overseas, book your flight all the way to Savusavu to get the international luggage allowance. Otherwise, the domestic luggage allowance is 33 lbs. I was startled when we were weighed with our hand luggage before boarding, and while my son thought it was great fun, I immediately regretted indulging at the morning buffet.
Early Morning Arrival
Our flight left LAX late in the evening and after crossing the date line and approximately 11 hours in the air we arrived in Fiji two days later, early in the morning. It takes a while to get your head around the time difference.
If traveling with small children, you might want to consider booking a hotel room for the night before, so you have a place to go right into upon arrival. We did not do this and arrived at 5am and got access to our room around 3pm. We made ourselves comfortable around the pool and beach, and were glad we had planned easy access to our swimwear but I’d change that if I did the trip again.
Viti Levu: Denarau Island Paradise
Of the 333 islands in this stunning archipelago, we visited two of them; Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, starting with The Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, on Viti Levu. It proved to be the perfect start to our adventure. Just minutes from Port Denarau Marina and Nadi Airport, this family-friendly haven offered everything from pools and golf to water sports and a gorgeous beach.
First Stop: The Sheraton Denarau
The resort’s extensive amenities included childcare, varied dining, and a fitness center. Evenings featured cultural treats like Meke dancing and fire shows under the stars. A highlight was the jet ski snorkel safari, where we explored colorful coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life.
My kid is a teenager but if I did have little ones, it’s a great option because everybody can be happy. There are plenty of nannies to rent and it’s safe with kids pools and activities. For families needing a blend of relaxation and fun, the Sheraton Denarau is the complete getaway. I could have happily stayed here for the entire trip, it had real ‘plop and stop’ energy.
Enjoy a Sunset Sail
Spending time on the water at dusk is a must-do for anyone visiting this tropical paradise, and around all the snorkeling and diving, one of the best ways to enjoy a sunset is on the water. To that point, the memorable Captain Cook Sunset Cruise was a celebratory evening to remember. We danced joyfully around the deck as the sky filled with hues of crimson and tangerine, cocktail in hand.
The cruise featured a buffet dinner, vibrant cultural dances, and live musical performances, which we all enjoyed. It’s a sailing experience that stays close to shore, perfect for those without much ocean experience yet yearning to engage with Fiji’s stunning marine backdrop. Whether you’re sipping champagne with your family or grooving to the rhythm of the Pacific, this sunset sojourn is bound to leave you inspired.
Other Things to Do in Denarau Island
Denarau Island, located just 20 minutes from Nadi, is home to an array of facilities, including an 18-hole golf course, several spas, and a wide variety of water sports. At its heart is pretty Port Denarau Marina, a lively spot perfect for evening strolls with the family. The marina offers diverse dining options, from sushi and fresh seafood to traditional Fijian dishes, allowing guests to enjoy a culinary journey without leaving the island. A favorite among families are the many seafood buffets, where parents savor fresh, local catches while children explore nearby shops and enjoy the marina’s vibrant ambiance. The area also serves as a launching point for day cruises, making it easy to explore Fiji’s stunning outer islands.
While on Denarau, kids will also enjoy a few hours splashing about at the Big Bula Water Park, which is home to the world’s largest permanent inflatables, and which is open daily. For a more cultural activity, the Momi Battery historical park features a small museum operated by the Fijian National Trust, and tells the story of the island’s role in WWII.
Vanua Levu: the Road Less Traveled
Our second stop saw us pack our bags and travel to Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island after Viti Levu. It’s a serene and less-populated paradise, ideal for those seeking a more authentic Fijian experience. Known for its lush landscapes, Vanua Levu is home to dense rainforests, secluded beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Vanua Levu is also renowned for world-class diving sites, where visitors can marvel at rich marine life, colorful coral, and breath-taking underwater landscapes. Visionaries like environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau and life coach Tony Robbins both found inspiration here.
The island’s main town, Savusavu, which translates to ‘the hidden paradise’, features geothermal hot springs, charming markets, and unique cultural encounters like kava ceremonies and traditional Meke dance. Just a short drive out of town, you can visit local waterfalls, tour one of their many cocoa farms, and also the Flora Tropical Gardens, which features more than 250 species of palm tree.
Second Stop: Koro Sun Resort
Our second location was the picturesque Koro Sun Resort, the only eco-conscious resort offering family-friendly over-water bungalows known as ‘bures.’ These accommodations are a rare find for families, designed to emphasize harmony with nature. Built sustainably, they offered both luxury and authenticity, with a private deck that allowed us to soak in serene views and snorkel at sunrise, creating unforgettable memories.
Visit Koro Sun’s Rainforest Spa
A visit to Koro Sun’s Rainforest Spa took relaxation to another level and as the primary organizer of the vacation, it was the perfect time-out for mom while my husband and son enjoyed quality bonding time by the infinity pool.
Set within the resort’s verdant forest, the spa is a serene retreat. Each of their three treatment bures are illuminated by candles and lanterns. Surrounded by soothing forest sounds and lush scenery, I melted into a massage that felt like Mother Nature’s embrace—an essential stop for weary travelers needing a peaceful break.
Other Things to Do in at Koro Sun Resort
Koro Sun Resort boasts a wide range of activities, ensuring every member can find something fun to do. From kayaking and paddle-boarding to snorkeling, tennis, and eco-friendly kids’ club activities, the entertainment was endless. Teens explored nearby lagoons while adults relaxed with gourmet dining and Fijian cooking classes for a culinary adventure.
The resort organizes daily trips to nearby lagoons for snorkeling and scuba activities, ensuring excitement for all ages. After a day of exploration, evenings at the Koro Sun were filled with cultural experiences like a local church group singing, kava ceremonies, and we enjoyed delectable, elegant dinners featuring fresh seafood and Fijian cuisine with Indian influences.
Other Things to Do on Vanua Levu
Vanua Levu offers rich biodiversity and has many snorkeling spots that are more secluded, making it ideal for younger children learning to snorkel and become educated on the life of the coral reef. In fact, many of the hotels here offer eco-tours and practice sustainable tourism.
Families can explore Nukubati Island, the third largest reef in the world. This private island offers an exclusive experience with snorkeling and beach picnics and is ideal for a special family day trip. It has an area of around 202,700 square kilometers and is 200 kilometers in length. According to the World Wildlife Fund, a recent survey of the Great Sea Reef showed that it is home to 55% of all the known coral reef fish species in Fiji, which makes for a spectacular experience.
Vita Levu: Figi’s Adventure Capital
Leaving Koro Sun for The Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu, offered a change in pace without losing Fiji’s charm. The Pearl, a boutique gem with contemporary style, is ideal for family relaxation. With lush gardens, pristine beachfronts, and views of Beqa Lagoon, it feels both intimate and refreshing.
Third Stop: The Pearl Resort
This is a wonderful location for two things; diving and weddings. You can do both but we divided our days between poolside lounging and beachside strolls, taking full advantage of the warm Fijian climate. Shady palm trees offered a perfect backdrop for unwinding or playing in the surf.
The highlight of our stay was a sunset cocktail cruise, where we were treated to a thrilling encounter with a reef shark swimming beside the boat, an exciting yet common sight in these waters. The resort also features a top-notch spa, an 18-hole golf course, and exquisite dining with Fijian and international flavors, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the island’s culture while enjoying some modern comforts. The Pearl balances tranquility with adventure, giving families an exceptional Fijian experience amid stunning natural surroundings.
Adventures Pacific Harbor
Pacific Harbour is known as Fiji’s ‘Adventure Capital’, and it certainly delivers, especially if you’re after some dry land thrills (after all the water sports).
Go Zip-Lining at Kila Eco-Adventure Park
At the Kila Eco-Adventure Park, you can experience a stomach-lurching 12-meter drop from their Kila Killer Giant Swing, as well as Fiji’s longest and fastest zip line (the Flying Fox), abseiling and the high ropes, which are suitable for groups and individuals.
If all of that sounds too much of an adrenaline rush then take a more peaceful stroll through the park’s serene lowland tropical rain forest, along six miles of jungle paths, waterfalls, picnic bures and Fiji’s only linear botanic garden, which means you can easily follow the trail.
Take a Sigatoka River Safari
The Sigatoka River Safari was the crown jewel of our Fiji adventure, offering more than just a high-speed boat ride. This eco-cultural tour is a gateway into Fiji’s breath-taking landscapes and vibrant cultures, allowing travelers to connect deeply with the land and its people.
The river is the longest river on the island of Viti Levu, running from the hills of the Navosa Province right down to the sand dunes in Kulukulu, on the famous Coral Coast. The river provides locals with fresh water mussels, fish, prawns, eels, water for agriculture and for drinking.
It was used as the only means of transport from the coast to the interior right up until the late 1950’s but today the river is open to tourists and locals to see first-hand the natural beauty of the river and interior, all from the comfort of the safari jet boat.
Our speedboat glided through the winding waters of the Sigatoka River, bordered by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, and filled every moment with anticipation and awe. It’s a truly immersive family adventure that brings you to the heart of the Fijian wilderness.
Dine with the Locals in Bemana
The real magic of the river safari lies in the kinship formed with the Bemana village community. There are 18 villages on this route but we visited just one as the organizers opt to tour a different village every day, in order to minimize the impact of tourism on village lifestyle in this remote part of the world. We were welcomed with open arms and wide smiles, immediately enveloped in the warmth of Fijian hospitality. Sharing Kava during a special ceremony, dining on traditional Fijian cuisine, and dancing with the locals was not just a cultural experience but a heartfelt exchange of traditions and stories.
We learned that a tabua in Fiji, a sperm whale’s tooth, is often given by a groom and his family to the parents of the man’s (hopefully) future bride when he asks permission to marry her. In Fiji, a gift of a tabua means ‘I love you’ from the inside.
We visited the bure belonging to the village chief and an unexpected highlight was when my husband was himself humorously ordained as “chief,” cementing our bonds with the villagers and adding a layer of humor to the day. Now, back home, we fondly recall those moments, often jokingly calling him “chief” as a tribute to our shared adventure. As his wife, I was given the term “Miss Chief” and I think I need to put that on a tee-shirt. We watched in awe and appreciation as resourceful kids played music using hub caps, plastic bottles, and sticks.
This half-day excursion is more than just a family travel activity—it’s a soul-stirring voyage into the vibrant heart of Fiji.
This was such a wonderful way to experience the culture of Fiji and also gave us a huge sense of appreciation for how other people live their lives. The villagers were so full of generosity in heart and spirit, it’s a great way as a family to expand your horizons. I cannot recommend these village visits enough.
Packaged to Perfection
We flew comfortably with Fiji Airways from LAX, experiencing the excitement of travel as we crossed time zones. The airline offers family-friendly vacation packages with great rates, making it easy to plan your trip.
If you’re not the sort of person to do lots of research and obsess over every detail, consider checking out a few of their packages. This is a particularly good option if you just want to pick one package and go to one place to settle in and explore from there. You can plan your entire escape with a hotel and air in one easy spot.
Our Fijian vacation was a warm, welcoming experience filled with cultural encounters, breath-taking nature, and unforgettable moments. From the first smiling ‘Bula’ to the fond farewell waves, Fiji checked every box on our family bucket list.
While we didn’t extract a sperm whale’s tooth for a proposal, we’d certainly go to great lengths to return. We loved Fiji inside and out.
Read More:
Leave a Reply