10 Unusual Things to do in Fiji

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Fiji is truly an isolated island paradise. It takes 10 hours to fly from either Hong Kong or Los Angeles and three hours from New Zealand, its closest large neighbor.

The islands are best known for white sands and crystal clear water, so we were surprised to discover a great mix of fun, offbeat things to do on Fiji.

Sure, you can still enjoy the relaxed island life, but it’s also nice to know that Fiji has enough to do that you can mix it up a bit when you get tired of sunning in your beach chair.

Here are our picks for 10 of the most fun and unusual things to do in Fiji.

Holi Festival

Each February or March, Fijians break out their colored paints and powders to celebrate the Holi Festival. Also known as the festival of colors or the festival of love, Holi is an ancient Hindu religious festival that Fiji has embraced with great enthusiasm. Holi isn’t a public holiday in Fiji, but Fijians of all religions get in on the fun.

Photo by FaceMePLS

Poseidon Undersea Resorts

Though it’s not yet open, and has been plagued by ongoing delays, the Poseidon Undersea Resort promises to be one of Fiji’s most unusual attractions. When it opens, not only will it be located on a private island in Fiji, it will be the world’s first sea floor resort. You might want to save up before you book a spot though; it’s rumored that rooms will cost $30,000 per couple per week.

Photo by Poseidon Undersea Resort Fiji

Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool

Definitely not overly commercialized, the Sabeto mud pools are not much more than a heated mud bath in the ground with a distinct smell of sulfur. That said, they’re a nice taste of island life outside the commercialized resorts.

Photo by Jon Roig

Visit one of Fiji’s 333 islands

When most people think of Fiji, they think of the largest and most visited island in the chain (named Fiji as well). In fact, Fiji is made up of 333 tropical islands, many deserted and private like Castaway Island Fiji (also known as Qalito island). With 333 islands to choose from, you’re bound to find one that’s perfect for you. Check out this map of Fiji to check out the islands for yourself.

Photo by Castaway Island Fiji

Firewalking at the Mariamma Temple

Every July or August, you can watch men walk across red hot coals at the South indian fire-walking festival at the Mariamma Temple. Indigenous Fijian fire walking (known as vilavilairevo) was originally practiced only on the tiny island of Beqa, but today you can also see fire walking year round at the Pacific Harbour Arts Village, in many major resorts, or at Suva’s Hibiscus Festival in August.

Photo by Lars

Fijis underwater caves

The limestone caves of Sawa-i-Lau are famous for being one of the locations for the movie The Blue Lagoon. The inner limestone cave of Sawa-i-Lau is only accessible by swimming under a rocky veil so getting there isn’t for the faint of heart.

Underwater caves at Sawa-i-Lau in Fiji by Catherine and Simon Gidzinski on Flickr

Photo by Catherine and Simon Gidzinski

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park

These vast sand dunes set against a deep blue sea are well worth the two hour hike that takes you along the dunes and through a mahogany forest. If you ask, the rangers will tell you a little bit about the ancient burial site in the park that has evidence of human habitation from almost 3,000 years ago.

Photo by kyle post

Vinaka Fiji Volunteering in the Yasawa Islands

Fiji’s Yasawa Islands are home to 27 villages living below world standards of health and poverty. The Vinaka Fiji Trust was set up to give something back to the villagers and to say “thank you (vinaka) for welcoming us into your islands.” The Trust runs three main programs: marine conservation, education, and sustainable communities.

Naihehe Caves

The Naihehe Cave was once a fortress for a cannibal tribe, and still houses a cannibal oven. Even today, the cave is secluded, and only accessed by a 4×4 drive through the limestone mountains.

Photo by Graeme Churchard

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park

The Colo-i-Suva (pronounced tholo-ee-soo -va) Forest Park is a true lush rain forest. If you’re lucky, you may spot a sulphur-breasted musk parrot, Fiji warblers or goshawks. There are natural swimming holes along the walking trails, with a rope swing in the Lower Pools to bring out your inner Tarzan.

Photo by jdf_92

Lonely Planet Fiji (Travel Guide)

Countries Less Traveled Fiji Part A

Fiji North Beach Mana Island photo by Corey Hamilton.

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Piritta January 3, 2015

Wow, great things to do there for sure! Inspiring post, thank you for sharing. If we have a chance to go to Fiji in the future – I hope we will – I’d definitely want to experience smth mentioned here.
Piritta recently posted..Visiting a Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica

Gemma January 7, 2015

What a great list, showing the real diversity of Fiji!

So many people think it is just a place to sip cocktails on the beach, but it is so much more than that.
I spent 3 weeks here a few years ago and loved the place, especially the amazingly friendly locals.
I wish I had done half the things on this list and this post had really made me want to return some day.
Clearly I missed out on a lot!

I do know something about the fire walkers though, we actually managed to stay with the chiefly family of the fire walker tribe. They are hugely important in Fijis heritage and the locals are very protective of them. While we were there people were bringing offerings of respect, gifts etc. it was so interesting to see.

Jodie @alaperchoine January 26, 2015

Wow this has definitly inspired me to put Fiji on my bucketlist. Im looking forward to ticking off some of these!

Jodie

Albert February 18, 2015

To bad those Poseidon Undersea Resorts are above my budgets, else I would gladly spend a few nights there.

Great list!
Albert recently posted..22 Photos from Arnhem, the Netherlands

Solomon February 20, 2015

The under water caves are stunningly beautiful. The Naihehe caves though have a dark history would offer an unforgettable experience. Thanks for this post