Staying at one of Fiji’s fantastic family-friendly resorts? Add one of these awesome experiences to your Fiji holiday bucket list. Wherever you lay your head on a Fiji holiday, embracing Fiji Time is essential, and you can be as active or idle as you please, whenever you please.
When you’re on a family holiday in Fiji, remember you will be on ‘Fiji Time’ – it won’t take you long after your arrival to work out exactly what that means, but if you need a hint … Fiji Time operates with no watches, no clocks and no stress!
Find a lounge by the pool and have fun with your kids, swim in the turquoise waters of the aptly named Coral Coast, watch the sundown fire-lighting ceremony, eat at one of the many restaurants or, more decadently, treat yourself to some time out at the divine spa or play a round of golf while little ones are treated like loved family by Fiji’s famous nannies and kids clubs.
When you’re on a beautiful island paradise, there are no cars and buses, no sirens, no high-rise and no white noise, except for the gentle lapping of water and birds tweeting, and the frequent sound of happiness that emanates with every “Bula!”. If you need some inspiration on how to fill your days, you’ll find 20 of our favourite things to do in Fiji below.
1. Enjoy a sunset cruise and firedancing dinner show
Marvel at a spectacular firedancing performance with Robinson Crusoe Island Tours, off the Coral Coast. Shows are held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, with evening performances every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Located on Likuri Island, Robinson Crusoe offers many other memorable cultural experiences in a laidback beachside setting, such as herbal medicine tours and coconut tree climbing demonstrations, as well as watersports like snorkelling and kayaking.
Robinson Crusoe’s mainland jetty is located close to Natadola Beach, a 45-minute drive from Nadi. From there it’s a 30-minute cruise down the Tuva River to get to the resort. You can also stay in one of 14 Fijian bungalows, known as bures, at Likuri Island Resort.
2. Catch a world-class cultural performance at VOU Hub Fiji
Enjoy traditional stories being told in modern and innovative ways with Fun Hub Fiji’s evening show, Fiji Untold. Performed by the acclaimed VOU Dance Company, the circus-like spectacle takes place each evening in the 450-seat Big Top Arena, just minutes from Denarau Island in Nadi.
The experience begins with acrobatic displays in the trees as you are led into the foyer, before the story unfolds of a young girl, of chiefly Fijian heritage, who is plunged into a journey of self-discovery that takes her far from home. The brainchild of husband and wife duo Sachiko and Edward Soro, who also founded VOU, Big Top Fiji is the first of five unique arts venues the couple plans to create.
Fiji Untold is staged at the Big Top Arena every Thursday and Sunday from 7pm. Tickets include transfers from Nadi hotels and resorts, as well as a complimentary drink and snack.
3. Cycle the historic Coral Coast rail trail with Ecotrax Fiji
Jump on a modified electrical bicycle carriage and follow the old sugar railway line past the stunning scenery of the Coral Coast on a tour with Ecotrax Fiji. The guided journey begins with a safety briefing and history talk before taking you past beautiful beaches, rivers, rainforests, mangroves, fields and villages, with lots of animals and friendly locals along the way.
The electric bike function means you can pedal or not, depending how much energy you want to use. Stop to swim in clear turquoise water, snack on fresh fruit and sip on coconut drinks while lying back on an inflatable couch, before the return trip.
4. Take a jet boat village tour with Sigatoka River Safari
Take a thrilling jetboat ride and visit a traditional Fijian village to get an authentic taste of local life on an award-winning half day tour with Sigatoka River Safari. The tour includes a super fun ride aboard a custom-built safari jet boat down the river, which runs from the hills of the Navosa Province down to the sand dunes in Kulukulu, on the Coral Coast.
After donning life jackets and a safety briefing you will board the boat and hear about the history of the region, including its cannibal past! Children from villages that line the river wave as you cruise past. After a warm welcome at the village you will visit the chief’s bure, or community hall, and take part in a kava ceremony, before a tour of the village and a traditional lunch, including fresh tropical fruit, followed by Fijian singing and dancing.
Sigatoka River Safari visits a different village every day in an attempt to minimise the impact of tourism on the lifestyle in this remote part of the world.
5. Meet Fiji's colourful wildlife at Kula Wild Adventure Park
Meet beautiful bright green Fijian crested iguanas and other cute critters, including parrots and turtles, at Kula WILD Adventure Park. You can also frolic on waterslides and soar above the rainforest on the zipline, plus there’s a splash pool for kiddies with water shooting from different directions and spilling from a dump bucket.
6. Snorkel the islands on a guided Reef Safari Fiji tour
Explore Fiji’s incredible underwater world on a tour with Reef Safari, which operates throughout the west of Fiji, from the Coral Coast to the Mamanuca Islands, all the way up to the Yasawas. Learn how the reef was formed and how coral feeds, grows and breeds and see a range of tropical fish going about their daily business. If you’re new to snorkelling, then a snorkel safari is also a terrific way to ease a few of those first-time nerves, with guides happy to hold first-timers’ hands.
7. Go ziplining, canyoning or caving with Zip Fiji
Soar through the air and explore rainforests, canyons and caves with Zip Fiji’s newest zipline. Located just 35 minutes’ from Nadi, 16 ziplines take thrillseekers on a 5km adventure covering three eco-systems. Close to Pacific Harbour, children as young as five can take a ride on on the zip-line (the smaller ones are accompanied by guides).
The upper part of the mountain is abundant with old growth vesi trees, which are used to make the bowls for kava ceremonies. Then transition to the lower section of the mountain, which is filled with raintrees, before enjoying lunch in a limestone cave.
The company has a second location at Pacific Harbour where you can experience a 2km ride on eight ziplines above the canopy and the Wainadoi River Valley. Each platform has a unique Fijian name inspired by the view. Pausing at different platforms along the way gives you a chance to appreciate the lush rainforest scenery and amazing wildlife.
8. Play in the mud at Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
Forget the resort pool – for a dip of another sort try the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool. A completely natural setting, it contains muddy pools with varying degrees of heat, and others of piping hot spring water to soak in afterwards.
Cake yourself in mud before soaking in the three hot springs, which range from comfortably warm to so hot you can boil an egg in them. The kids will enjoy playing about in the mud – and laughing at the silly adults who seemed to enjoy coating themselves in it too.
Located halfway between Nadi and Lautoka, the rustic attraction in the lush Sabeto Valley is administered by residents of a nearby village. It will make a great family holiday snap for Facebook or Instagram!
9. Learn the history of awe-inspiring Naihehe Cave
An off-road cave safari, operated by the same family as Sigatoga River Safari, is a great way to explore the more rugged attractions of Fiji. Notably, the 4.5 hour trip includes the awesome Naihehe Cave with its fabulous rock formations, sacred pond, and remnants of ancient cultures (though some details may be a bit much for littlies!). The tour includes a kava ceremony, Fijian BBQ lunch and optional swimming.
10. Swim and splash in Fiji's most incredible waterfalls
Book a tour to see Fiji’s incredible waterfalls. Depending on tour operator and location, bonus experiences include learning about the region’s history and traditional Fijian uses of plants. Root systems and hanging vines formed a backdrop to spectacular falls and natural swimming holes where the kids can splash about and enjoy a refreshing dip.
11. Wander through the lush Garden of the Sleeping Giant
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is just north of Nadi and covers 20 hectares. These beautiful gardens showcase over 2000 types of orchids, a jungle walk and lovely lily ponds. Let the kids explore then enjoy a picnic in the lush surrounds.
12. Cruise the islands with Captain Cook Fiji
Take an island cruise – even just for a few days. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji does 3, 4, 7 and 11-night cruises of the Fiji islands, with a kids’ club on board and plenty of activities every day.
You can also take a day trip to beautiful private island Tivua, being entertained by the friendly staff playing live Fijian tunes en route. Tours depart Denarau Marina aboard the tall ship Ra Marama or luxurious catamaran Fiji One. Upon arrival, take part in a traditional welcoming kava ceremony and then spend the day embarking on a range of activities. Or simply relax in a beanbag or in a hammock on the white sandy beach while the kids play.
Escorted by a marine biologist, view the colourful underwater world on a guided snorkelling trip over amazing reefs and clam gardens, or stay dry and see the sea life from a glass bottom boat. Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding around the island, play volleyball, or join a guided herbal medicine nature walk.
A complimentary Captain Kids’ Club is available for 90 minutes during the day, with activities such as treasure hunts, sandcastle building and sports. Guests will enjoy a tropical buffet lunch including fish, chicken, sausages, salads and fruit before a coconut husking demonstration, basket weaving, afternoon tea and more music and entertainment on the return journey.
Captain Cook also offers a range of three to 11-night cruises throughout the Fijian islands in which families can visit remote villages and schools, attend a church service and partake in a traditional sevusevu ceremony, meke and lovo feast.
13. Join the Kids' Sea Camp at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
For families who love the ocean, Kids Sea Camp provides a week packed with events and great learning experiences for families with kids aged four to 15. As well as plenty of diving and snorkelling opportunities (including lessons and equipment), the experience includes a range of tours and cultural activities that even non-divers will love.
14. Go sandboarding on the Sigatoka Sand Dunes
At Sigatoka, on the main island of Viti Levu, explore the sand dunes for an exciting and unusual adventure of sand-boarding! The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is a must-visit on Fiji’s Coral Coast, just 10 minutes out of Sigatoka town.
15. Celebrate Holi - the Festival of Colours - in Fiji
Hindu Holi – the Festival of Colours, which takes place over February and March, involves people squirting each other with coloured water. Many resorts – like Fiji Mariott Resort Momi Bay near Nadi – hold their own Holi celebrations for guests to participate in, including the traditional colourful dyes along with music, food and dancing.
16. Get involved in eco-tourism experiences
Eco tourism is an important, all-in initiative across Fiji, and most resorts have implemented wonderful projects that are not only a bonus for the environment, but also for their guests, with hands-on conservation participation, via fabulous kids club activities and fun family experiences.
Getting the balance right is key, and ensuring that tourism and the environment happily co-exist is paramount. You’ll be able to say you helped nurture beautiful underwater coral gardens, lent a hand with baby turtle breeding, learnt about the protection of Fiji’s delicate flora and fauna, went on a bush tucker trail, discovered how precious fresh water supplies are on smaller islands (and why island desalination systems are important), and contributed to the love and preservation the people of Fiji have shown for their island paradise for thousands of years.
17. Enjoy a traditional 'lovo' feast at your resort
Enjoy a traditional Fijian night at your resort. Almost all resorts hold a weekly lovo night where you can feast on mouth-watering, smoky barbecue chicken, fish, pork and vegetables that have been covered in banana leaves and cooked underground for several hours. Most include a meke (songs and dancing – which the kids often enthusiastically join in!).
18. Take a village cultural tour and meet the local children
The village is central to island living in Fiji and many villages welcome visits from families that can be arranged through your resort. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss it, because the cultural experience is not only fun and fascinating but also integral to really understanding what island living is all about.
Out of respect women, in particular, should wear clothing that covers below the knee, shoulders and décolletage, and always remove your hat or cap before entering a village. Kids love meeting their friendly Fijian peers and looking around village schools – it becomes obvious very quickly that a classroom is a classroom and schoolwork is schoolwork wherever you live!
19. Experience a kid-friendly kava ceremony
Kava is a traditional beverage for many Pacific Islanders, including Fijians. Made from the powdered roots of yagona plants, kava has tribal and celebratory significance in villages, and many resorts offer the opportunity for guests to try a bowl! Some resorts also have kid-friendly versions of the kava ceremony using beverages like chocolate milk, meaning the whole family can participate.
If you visit a Fijian village you will be invited to drink kava with the chiefs in a ceremony that is integral to your welcome by the village elders. It is considered rude to refuse so, if you’re not fond of the taste, just take a small, polite sip from the bowl when it is offered!
How to get to Fiji
Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Fiji Airways fly to Nadi from Australian capital cities. Fiji is an easy three to four hour flight from Sydney and Brisbane and just under five hours flying time from Melbourne.
Opening image: Get up close to the marine life in Fiji with a snorkelling tour
