With 333 islands to choose from, here's your guide to making the most of your holiday in Fiji.
Fiji has been drawing Australian travellers across the Coral Sea for decades, and it's not hard to see why. With warm weather year-round, and a hospitality culture that's genuinely hard to match, the bigger challenge isn't convincing yourself to go, it's figuring out which island suits you best. Here's a rundown of the best islands in Fiji and what makes each one worth the flight.
How to get to Fiji from Australia
Most international flights land at Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, Fiji's main island and the likely starting point for your trip. Fiji's capital, Suva, sits on Viti Levu's south-east coast and is easily connected via a 30 minute flight from Nadi.
The best islands in Fiji to visit
Planning a Fiji holiday starts with one question: which island? With more than 300 to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming. The islands range from buzzing resort hubs to barely-there strips of sand with nothing but a palm tree and a reef for company. The hardest part of planning a Fiji holiday isn't deciding to go, it's narrowing down which island is right for you.
Viti Levu
The island that has it all
Most visitors to Fiji land on Viti Levu without realising they're already on one of the most interesting islands in the archipelago. The main island is home to Nadi International Airport on the west coast and the capital Suva on the south-east — a lively, underrated city with good food, markets and the Fiji Museum. In between, the Coral Coast has a string of mid-range resorts, and the rugged interior offers village visits and waterfall hikes well off the typical tourist trail.
Yasawa Islands
Best island group in Fiji for white sand beach bliss
A chain of around 20 volcanic islands running north of Viti Levu, the Yasawas are known for their white sand beaches, clear lagoons and laid-back atmosphere. It's quieter than the Mamanucas and less developed than Denarau, with a mix of budget lodges, village homestays and upmarket resorts. A hop-on hop-off ferry connects nearly 30 ports across the island group, making it one of the easiest parts of Fiji to explore at your own pace.
Taveuni Island
The best island in Fiji for nature lovers
The third largest of Fiji's islands, Taveuni is a nature lover's paradise. The Bouma National Heritage Park has more than 300 rivers with waterfalls tumbling into the sea from towering cliffs, so this island is no stranger to spectacle. If you're still deciding where to stay in Fiji, Taveuni delivers a little bit of everything: beaches, rainforest, waterfalls and walking trails. There are also intimate hotels and luxury villas to choose from.
Mamanuca Islands
Best island group for snorkelling, surfing and sailing
When it comes to luxury, the Mamanuca Islands have got it all sewn up, as you’ll find some of the fanciest hotels have made a home across this gorgeous archipelago. Don’t worry though, the Fiji Islands aren’t known for snobbery, and along with the swanky high-end resort hotels, you can also find simple beachfront bungalows if you’re after cheaper options. Or you can go full Tom Hanks in Cast Away, and wash up on nearby Monuriki Island. Book a day trip from the Mamanuca’s to the real-life set of the film, and explore this extraordinary island. Any surfer worth their salt-bleached hair should head to Cloudbreak, one of Fiji’s most popular surf breaks in the southern Mamanuca’s. Non-surfers who prefer to take their salt on the rim of a margarita would be better suited to Cloud 9, an offshore floating lounge bar surrounded by a turquoise sea.
Vanua Levu Island
Best island in Fiji for budget travellers
Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island with the town of Savusavu offering holidaymakers plenty of things to do. From visiting the produce markets, waterfront bars and shops, to taking advantage of the great snorkelling. Vanua Levu is a criminally underrated island, as it manages to combine traditional Fijian culture, fab watersports ops, and spectacular scenery, without being too touristy. As an added bonus, there are a glorious range of hotel options from affordable backpacker pads, to glamorous luxury hotels.
When is the best time to visit Fiji?
Fiji's dry season runs from May through October and is generally the best time to visit, with temperatures around 22–26°C, humidity around 60–70% and minimal rainfall. Trade winds provide natural cooling that makes outdoor activities more comfortable.
Cyclone season officially runs from 1 November to 30 April, with peak activity between January and March. If you're visiting during this period, opt for flexible bookings and take out comprehensive travel insurance. Wet season also brings lower prices which can often be 30–50% off dry-season rates at luxury resorts and a more lush, green version of the islands.
How do you get around the Fiji islands?
Boats and small planes are the main ways to move between Fiji's islands.
Fly — Fiji Link, the domestic arm of Fiji Airways, connects the main islands with regular scheduled services and charter seaplanes for more remote resorts.
Ferry — Awesome Adventures Fiji runs an island-hopping ferry service across the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands, with hop-on hop-off passes giving access to nearly 30 island ports.
Cruise — Captain Cook Cruises offers day trips and multi-day voyages, including routes to more remote island groups.
Once you've settled on an island, the planning can begin in earnest. Whether you're chasing things to do in Fiji, looking for adventures across the islands, or narrowing down luxury and wellness stays, we've got you covered. Planning a Fiji honeymoon or travelling with kids? Fiji is also one of the most affordable family-friendly destinations in the South Pacific.
FAQs about the best islands to visit in Fiji
Ready to plan your Fiji getaway? Skyscanner Australia has the best deals on airfares, hotels and car hire.
