10 Reasons to Go to Fiji

By Minal Hajratwala, author of Moon Fiji

One of the most remote archipelagoes in the world and famous for its flawless beaches, deep-sea wonders, and cocktails in coconuts, Fiji is the place to go when you want to get away from it all. Here are ten reasons to add it to your list of must-visits:

For the beaches

From hiking along uninhabited shorelines to lounging on pristine stretches of white sand, get ready to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world.

For the hikes

On Fiji, you can trek through lush rainforest, over rolling sand dunes, past thundering waterfalls, and along remote beaches. With an extinct volcanic peak at the center of every island, spectacular views await those who are willing to walk for it.

To spot some underwater treasures

Fun fact: Fiji was dubbed the “soft coral capital of the world” by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. With visibility of 35 meters or more, and dramatic underwater topography that ranges from tranquil coral gardens to challenging tunnels, walls, and pinnacles, Fiji offers a plethora of options for divers and snorkelers of all skill levels.

Lionfish — Spot beautiful underwater creatures like the lionfish. © Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort

For some top-notch surfing

Fiji is a surfer’s paradise: you can ride some of the world’s best waves here, including the famous Cloudbreak. There are options for beginners too, like the swells on Qamea Island.

To ride the rapids

There’s nothing quite like rushing down the thrilling Navua River as it cuts through dramatic volcanic gorges. Rivers Fiji leads awesome white-water rafting trips that also adhere to ecofriendly “Leave No Trace” practices.

Navua Gorge — The dramatic Upper Navua gorge. © Tourism Fiji/Aaron March

For the cinematic islands

From The Blue Lagoon’s Nanuya Lailai to Cast Away’s Modriki Island in the Yasawas, you’ll recognize more than one silver screen beach in Fiji…

For its contemporary art and culture

Whether you catch a performance from the dance artistes of VOU—a renowned company that blends ancient tribal dances with amazing modern choreography—or seeing vibrant paintings in the art galleries of Suva, Fiji’s local art scene is well-worth experiencing.

VOU Dance Fiji dancers, whose contemporary costumes incorporate traditional materials. © VOU Dance Fiji

To immerse yourself in the Fijian way of life

There’s no better way to get to know Fiji like a local than a homestay—like at Namosi Eco Retreat (north of Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu) where you’ll be welcomed like a family member.

To visit Bouma National Heritage Park

One of Fiji’s best nature reserves is an epic adventure: You can snorkel pristine waters, hike to lush jungle waterfalls, or take a beautiful walk along the coast.

For the bird-watching

Thanks to Fiji’s 150 species of birds, you’re going to see (and hear) some unique feathered species, from parrots and kula lorikeets to friendly wild chickens. Bonus: the Fiji flying fox and mastiff bat are only found here!

Minal Hajratwala

About the Author

Minal Hajratwala first visited Fiji at age four, when she met her grandmothers for the first time and got a fishbone stuck in her foot. She returned numerous times, interviewing relatives and poring through archives to research her award-winning epic Leaving India: My Family’s Journey from Five Villages to Five Continents. Called “incomparable” by Alice Walker and “searingly honest” by the Washington Post, the book won four literary awards in the United States. It opens with the story of her great-grandfather, who first migrated to Fiji in 1908.

For this edition of Moon Fiji, she was delighted to scout out local hotspots, talent, and natural beauty, underwater as well as above ground, as a PADI-certified diver. Having traveled to islands all over the world, from the Philippines to the Seychelles to the Bahamas, Minal finds that despite threats from climate change and globalization, Fiji remains one of the most welcoming and gorgeous places on earth.

A graduate of Stanford University, Minal is the author of a critically acclaimed poetry book, Bountiful Instructions for Enlightenment, and editor of the groundbreaking anthology Out! Stories from the New Queer India. She is the recipient of several writing awards including a professional fellowship at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a Fulbright senior fellowship to India. She is a co-founder of The (Great) Indian Poetry Collective. She lives in California, where she coaches writers, teaches, and lectures widely through her Write Like a Unicorn enterprise.

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