Family-Friendly Fiji for First-Time Visitors

Fijians are famously friendly. Combine their warmth with hidden beaches and the sparkling sea, and it’s easy to see why the country is a great fit for traveling families.

Located due north of New Zealand and west of Tahiti, Fiji comprises 333 islands, though only 110 are inhabited. The country stretches across an area slightly larger than the state of Washington, but boasts a total land mass that’s less than the state of Rhode Island. While travelers seem to recognize and remember the names of resorts in Fiji, they seem to not be as familiar with the nation’s islands and geography.

Fiji 101 for Families

Although Fiji features more than 100 islands, it’s relatively easy to understand the nation’s geographic layout. There are two main islands, Viti Levu (the largest) and Vanua Levu (the second-largest), plus numerous island groups or clusters. The island groups are often divided into four categories: Western Islands (Yasawa and Mamanuca), Central Islands (Lomaivitit), Eastern Islands (Lau) and Southern Islands (Kadavu).

That said, if you feel like you’re more familiar with the names of popular Fiji resorts than the names of their actual locations, know you’re not alone. For example, Kokomo Private Island Fiji, arguably one of the nation’s most luxe resorts, is located to the south in the Kadavu Island Group, and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is located to the north east on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island.

Viti Levu, Fiji’s Largest Island

For families looking to avoid multiple flights, Viti Levu comes out on top.

Often referred to as the “mainland,” Viti Levu is where more than 70 percent of Fijians call home. A vast majority of visitors get their first look at Fiji here when they touch down at Nadi International Airport, the country’s main international airport.

Fiji Airways offers nonstop overnight flights to Nadi from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort Worth and Honolulu. The flights from Hawaii are approximately 5 hours. Those departing California take about 10 hours, while the flight time from Texas stretches a bit more than 13 hours.

What to See and Do on Viti Levu with Kids

Fiji is well-known for white sand beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, but there’s a plethora of family-friendly activities that have nothing to do with the surf or sand.

Sigatoka River Safari

Just the right mix of culture and adventure, the Sigatoka River Safari allows travelers to visit authentic Fijian villages along the interior banks of the undeveloped Sigatoka River. This stretch of Viti Levu is often called the “salad bowl of Fiji,” as 70 percent of Fiji’s fruits and vegetables reportedly come from the Sigatoka Valley.

Along with a tour of the village, you can expect lunch (if your kids are picky eaters, I recommend bringing some familiar snacks), the opportunity to participate in a traditional kava ceremony and singing — Fijians are well-known for their heartfelt vocals.

After visiting the village, the return jet boat ride is where things get adventurous with an assortment of high-speed maneuvers and spins. You will get wet, so bring a dry bag for your camera and phone. You might also want to bring along a change of clothes.

When visiting villages, all guests must cover their shoulders and knees (a complimentary sulu or sarong is provided). I recommend the entire family wear shorts; it’s also important to know that women are not allowed to wear pants in villages. Women who do will be asked to wear the sulu on top. I can speak from experience: The layering results in a hot and uncomfortable visit.

Sigatoka River Safari works with 18 remote villages. To lessen the impact of visitors, tours visit a different village every day, Monday through Saturday, and villages only participate for four months at a time. Tours provide funding for villages, but many guests I traveled with also brought school supplies to share with village children.

Hot Glass Fiji

Fiji’s first and only glassblowing studio can offer a welcome break from the sun. In less than an hour, Fijian artisans at Hot Glass Fiji teach families how to create mementos such as a vase, bowl or dish. The glassmaking process is entertaining from start to finish. It’s amazing to watch the glass heat up and start to take shape, and there are a plethora of vibrant colors to personalize your creation.

Kids need to be at least 7 years old to participate. Instructors are incredibly patient and very good at making beginner mistakes magically disappear. Glass must be left at the studio overnight to cool properly. If you are unable to pick up your project the next day, you can arrange to have it delivered to your hotel or shipped home.

Rise Beyond the Reef

Selecting the correct souvenir can help to support rural and remote women artisans across Fiji. Rise Beyond the Reef (RBTR) works with indigenous women artisans from 31 remote communities. By making a purchase, you keep traditions alive and provide economic support and stability.

Along with the shop on Denarau Island (a bustling development on the western side of Viti Levu that’s home to nine resorts), RBTR also runs the Shed Shop, steps outside of its warehouse. Anyone is welcome to come and shop. Along with home décor such as wall hangings and pillow covers, toys, pencil cases, assorted colorful bags and clothing are available for purchase.

Families staying at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa can tour the Rise Beyond the Reef studio and warehouse and see firsthand how goods are made. Female artisans travel from their villages to the studio throughout the year to produce goods onsite, so you never know what you might get to see being created.

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Where to Stay on Viti Levu

Spread across 35 acres, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa features 266 accommodations. It’s a large property with a long list of amenities, including three pools, a kids’ club, spa, trio of restaurants, two bars, a dive center, and an 18-hole championship golf course.

About an hour from Nadi International Airport, the InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa is set on Natadola Beach, considered by some to be Viti Levu’s best beach.

The resort’s Club InterContinental accommodations are a great choice for traveling families. These rooms are farther from the beach, but they offer easy access to an infinity pool that was never crowded during my stay. Club families enjoy perks such as breakfast, nonalcoholic drinks throughout the day, daily afternoon tea and evening canapés and cocktails.

Nanuku Resort Fiji is about a 3-hour drive from the airport, but it is well worth the extra miles. (The resort boasts a private airstrip, so families can also arrive by air.) There are just 37 accommodations at Nanuku. They range from one-room suites to multi-bedroom villas and residences, so everyone in the family has room to spread out. Another perk: A majority of accommodations feature private plunge pools.

Cultural experiences play a starring role here. Take in a meke (a traditional Fijian performance), enjoy a lovo feast cooked in an underground oven, go crabbing in the mangroves or visit the resort farm. The list of options is long and changes daily.

The Lailai Adventure Club is a top-notch kids’ club. All children under 8 have a dedicated nanny, and kids up to 14 years old are welcome. Activities might include mangrove planting, yoga and tie-dyeing t-shirts.

Just 20 minutes from the airport, Denarau’s nine resorts offer the most convenient home base location. There are endless entertainment options for kids of all ages, but the trade-off is that your family is less likely to have an authentic Fijian experience.

It’s rare, but if your travels take you to Suva, Fiji’s capital and largest city, the Grand Pacific Hotel is a local landmark. Opened in 1914, the hotel retains colonial architecture that makes a memorable impression. Stay in a Heritage Room or Suite in the original building, and if your time and schedule allow, enjoy afternoon tea. Tour guide Peter Sipeli runs guided walking tours of Suva that highlight the city’s history and landmarks. I wouldn’t recommend it for families with young children, but tweens and teens might enjoy a tour of the city’s bustling open-air market.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family accommodations and activities in Fiji on Ciao Bambino

3 fabulous family resorts in Fiji worth a splurge

Where to go in French Polynesia: Q&A with Travel Advisor Kiki Humes

Best things to see and do on Tahiti with kids

Magical Moorea: Paradise for families in French Polynesia

For review purposes, Dana received media packages from some of the properties mentioned. As always, our thoughts and opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Dana Rebmann except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.