The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families 👪 [2024]

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Getting to Fiji

First things first, you’ll need to see if you and your family are actually able to travel to Fiji due to restrictions put in place at the borders after the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit Tourism Fiji’s website for the latest travel information.

Next, what is the best way to get to Fiji? Fiji can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yachts. The most popular way for families to travel to Fiji is by international flight, so let’s start there.

Flying to Fiji

Direct international flights come from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Nauru, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Wallis & Futuna, the US and South Korea. If you are coming from further afield, then you will need to make a connecting flight most likely in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Hawaii. See How Long Does it Take to Fly to Fiji? for more information.

Although Fiji has two international airports, around 97% of visitors to Fiji come via Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island). Learn more in our guide, Which Airport to Arrive in Fiji.

Family Cruises to Fiji

Fiji is on the itinerary of several family-friendly South Pacific cruises from Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia. There are five ports of call in Fiji, the main ones being Suva, Lautoka and Port Denarau. Find out about which cruiseliners have Fiji on their itinerary, as well as what to do at each port of call in The Guide to Taking a Cruise to Fiji.

Sailing to Fiji

Fiji is conveniently located at the centre of the Transpacific journey between the US and New Zealand. The yachting season is between May and October. Learn about the sailing formalities and the ports of entry in The Sailing Guide to Fiji.

A Note on Customs Declarations

Fiji has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Fiji has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Fiji so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on How to Get to Fiji for even more tips on making your way to the islands of Fiji.

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The Best Time to Visit Fiji for Families

Fiji is a tropical country and experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. It has two distinct seasons, a dry season which is drier and cooler, and a wet season which is hotter and humid. Learn more about the climate in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Dry Season (May to November)

The dry season is also known as the winter season in Fiji, although many would not describe it as winter with temperatures around 19-29°C (66-84°F). The rainfall per month is an average of 70-150mm (2.8-6″).

Wet Season (December to April)

The wet season is hotter and more humid, with temperatures around 22-33°C (72-91°F) and an average monthly rainfall of 180-310mm (2.8-6″). This is also Fiji’s cyclone season, which means there’s a risk of cyclones (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Fiji).

Still can’t decide when the best time is to travel to Fiji? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Fiji, which dives much deeper into the subject.

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Family Packing List for Fiji

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Fiji is having a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for visiting Fijian villages. A packing list for Fiji might look a little something like this:

• Shorts/Skirts/Dresses some below the knee for village visits
• Singlets/T-Shirts
• Light shirts/T-shirts to cover the shoulders for village visits
• Light cotton shirt to cover arms for sun protection
• Sarong (Sulu) to cover your legs on village visits
• Light sleepwear
• Light jacket/Cardigan/Pashmina for cooler evenings
• Outfit for smart/casual dress-code restaurants at luxury resorts
• Underwear
• Bikini/Boardshorts
• One-piece swimsuit for watersports/village stay for women
• Rash vest for sun and surf protection
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Light rain jacket if visiting in the wet season
• Flip-flops/sandals
• Reef shoes
• Walking shoes/sandals

And that’s just clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out The Complete Packing List for Fiji. Plus, we have more useful packing recommendations in our 29 Essential Tips for Travelling to Fiji With Children.

Health Products

Although the water in towns is generally safe to drink, there is questionable drinking water in Fiji’s villages and more remote islands – see Can You Drink the Water in Fiji? That coupled with high UV levels and the presence of mosquitos means that certain health products are essential to take to Fiji.

Fiji also has a fragile marine ecosystem so natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are a must, while water purification bottles/tablets are preferable to buying bottled water for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Fiji. Plus, find more health tips in the 10 Health & Safety Tips for Travelling in Fiji with Kids.

Fiji Currency

The currency in Fiji is Fijian Dollars. While credit/debit cards are accepted in major resorts and businesses in Fiji’s towns, you should have cash available for taxis and visiting villages. If you need more information, just head to What is the Currency in Fiji?

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How Long to Visit Fiji For on a Family Vacation

Admittedly, Fiji makes an idyllic getaway for just staying in the same resort for a few days to a week – and that’s fine; we all need some R&R from time to time. More intrepid families, however, will find that Fiji is an excellent country not only for island-hopping but road tripping around Viti Levu.

For those of you who want to explore, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes… (And don’t worry, we’ll get onto the destinations in the next few sections).

3 Days / A Long Weekend in Fiji

Over a long weekend, you will have enough time to explore Nadi, Denarau and the Coral Coast or perhaps take a quick trip to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. See an example itinerary in Fiji Family Itinerary: 3 Days / Weekend.

5 Days in Fiji

Five days is enough time for a quick island-hopping itinerary in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands or check out Fiji’s landscape of resorts and adventure activities along the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour. Alternatively, those with more budget could take a charter flight to and between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Check out Fiji Family Itinerary: 5 Days for inspiration.

7 Days / One Week in Fiji

A week in Fiji gives you time to relax in any one of the island groups, but for those who want to move around, you could take a road trip around Viti Levu or do some island-hopping in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Alternatively, you could explore between the two less-visited islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. See Fiji Family Itinerary: 7 Days / One Week for a trip idea.

14 Days / Two Weeks in Fiji

14 days allows you to extend itineraries suggested for a week. It will also give you time to explore a mix of Viti Levu and the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands or Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, or a week in Kadavu and a week in Viti Levu… Check out more suggestions in the Fiji Family Itinerary: 14 Days / Two Weeks.

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Where to Visit: Family Holidays on Viti Levu

Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, is the arrival island for most travelling to Fiji. It’s also a fabulous destination in itself, offering several exciting regions for families to enjoy a resort holiday or to explore. The benefits of staying on Viti Levu is that it eliminates the cost and time associated with transporting your tribe to another island, as many families will find that Viti Levu has all you dreamed for a family getaway to Fiji and then some.

Where to Go on Viti Levu?

Want a Fijian destination that’s easy to get to, has an array of amazing family-friendly resorts, as well as a mix of adventure, culture and island excursion tours? Choose either to stay in Nadi, Denarau or the Coral Coast. Find out more about these regions in the following guides:

• The Guide to Nadi for Families
• The Guide to Denarau Island for Families
• The Guide to the Coral Coast for Families

For families looking to get more off the beaten track, do some independent exploration, and enjoy some river adventure tours, look into regions like the Pacific Harbour & Beqa, the Suncoast and the nation’s capital, Suva. See the following guides to learn more:

• The Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families
• The Guide to the Suncoast for Families
• The Guide to Suva for Families.

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Where to Visit: Family Holidays in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

A scattering of sandy-lined islands surrounded by turquoise waters, just like you’ve seen in the brochures, make up the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Stretching in a rough line from the northwestern shores of Viti Levu, these island groups are some of the easiest outer islands to get to from Nadi International Airport. A ferry ride or helicopter flight from Port Denarau will get you to the islands in no time.

Mamanuca Islands

The Mamanuca Islands are home to some of Fiji’s most prestigious resorts, many of which are a top choice for families. Resorts are equipped with everything you need for a smooth yet fun family holiday, including kids’ clubs, family-friendly activities, swimming pools, snorkelling, beaches, cultural activities and much more. Dive a little deeper into what a family trip to the Mamanucas is like with The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands for Families.

Yasawa Islands

Travel a little further north from Viti Levu and the Mamanucas and you’ll reach the volcanic string of islands the Yasawas. There are some resort options here that are a little more affordable for families, but some still offer kids’ clubs and babysitting services if you’re dying to go scuba diving or hit the spa. Learn more about the Yasawas in The Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families.

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Where to Visit: Family Holidays in Vanua Levu and Taveuni

Although less visited than the previously mentioned islands, Fiji’s northern islands are home to some of the most luxurious boutique resorts. Some of them have fantastic kids’ programs, while much of the scenery is simply natural pristineness, from the tops of volcanic mountain peaks to deep in the coral-filled waters.

Vanua Levu

Stay in one of the award-winning family resorts or keep things in the family with one of the many holiday homes and villas on Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu. Discover the wild side of Fiji together with waterfalls, Fijian villages and some of the best snorkelling the islands have to offer or if you do want some alone time, there are a few resorts with excellent kids’ clubs and nanny services. Find out more in The Guide to Vanua Levu for Families.

Taveuni

Nicknamed Fiji’s “Garden Island”, Taveuni is an island of tropical jungles, authentic villages and, of course, a scattering of resorts, villas and lodges all with room for families. With limited babysitting services and no kids’ clubs, Taveuni is definitely for the family that wants to explore nature’s paradise together. See The Guide to Taveuni for Families to learn more.

© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

Where to Visit: Family Holidays in Kadavu, the Lomaiviti and Lau Islands

Finally, don’t rule out Fiji’s least-visited islands that give an insight into the way Fiji used to be. Families have some excellent boutique eco-friendly resorts in Kadavu, the chance to visit historic islands of the Lomaivitis, and even the far-flung Lau Islands to explore.

Kadavu

Pristine nature and authentic island culture await on the island of Kadavu, which is Fiji’s fourth-largest island lying just an hour’s flight south of Viti Levu. Despite the outer less-visited islands of Fiji often being an intimidating prospect for families, Kadavu is one of the most family-friendly, with a great selection of resorts to look after the whole family during your adventurous Fiji getaway. But forget days sipping cocktails by the pool, Kadavu is an island for the family to get active together. Find out more in The Guide to Kadavu for Families.

Lomaiviti Islands

Conveniently located just a 10-minute flight from Suva, Ovalau, which is the main hub of the Lomaivitis, is packed with history even earning a status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk around the town of Levuka is sure to get the imaginations of the little ones going, while days on the islands enjoying snorkelling, kayaking and relaxing by the pool are other ways to spend a family getaway here. Discover if the Lomaivitis is the right destination for your family in The Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands for Families.

Lau Islands

Finally, the Lau Islands are rarely visited by families, unless they join one of the cruise ships that visit the islands a few times a year. Find out more in The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.

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The Best Ways for Families to Get Around Fiji

Yes, after seeing the number of island groups in Fiji, let alone the different islands and some of the larger islands to explore, you’re probably wondering: how do we get around all of these islands?

Transport differs between island groups. More touristic islands, such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas are well serviced with ferries, seaplanes and water taxis, while the lesser-visited islands may only have transport that is provided by your chosen resort. The main ways to get around Fiji include:

Domestic Flights

There are two scheduled domestic carriers in Fiji, both offering regular flights between Fiji’s most populated islands. Learn more about these flights in The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji.

Charter Flights

Charter flights via fixed-wing, seaplane and helicopter aircraft are available in Fiji to take passengers between Fiji’s island groups, particularly Viti Levu and the Mamanucas, Yasawas, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. Find out more in Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji and Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji.

Ferries

High-speed catamaran ferries service the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau in Viti Levu, while the slower passenger, vehicle and cargo ferries run from Suva in Viti Levu to the Lomaiviti Islands, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. Find out more in The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry.

Car Rental

Rental cars are available in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Learn more about hiring a car in The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji.

Public Buses and Express Buses

Public buses are the cheapest type of transport available in Fiji. They are available in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. Find out more in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

Taxis

Taxis in Fiji can be identified by their “Taxi” signs and “LT” at the beginning of the registration plate. They offer affordable metered fares within towns, while fares for sightseeing or going between towns can be negotiated. Find out more in The Guide to Taxis in Fiji.

There are a lot more ways to travel around Fiji so be sure to browse our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji for more advice.

© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

Family Accommodation in Fiji

First and foremost, Fiji is a country of resorts. In most cases, resorts handle everything: accommodation, entertainment, tours and sometimes even transport and babysitting. For these reasons, one of the most important decisions you can make for a trip to Fiji is where you are going to stay.

That’s not to say that Fiji solely has resorts. If that’s not your style, then you have lodges, hotels, homestays, holiday homes, villas and even small-ship cruises to choose from.

Resorts in Fiji For Families

The most abundant accommodation type in Fiji, resorts are typically complexes with hotel-style rooms or freestanding bure (bungalows) and facilities such as a restaurant and swimming pool. Many resorts across Fiji, especially on remote islands, offer an entertainment schedule, as well as optional paid tours, such as scuba diving, fishing, massages and more. Most resorts offer babysitting services, while some even have kids’ clubs. Dive deeper into what a resort entails in How to Pick the Best Resort in Fiji for You. Plus, don’t miss the 20 Best Family Resorts in Fiji.

Hotels in Fiji For Families

International-style hotels can be found in Fiji’s largest towns, such as Nadi, Suva and Lautoka. The rest of Fiji’s hotels are typically budget hotels found across Fiji’s smaller towns on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Learn more in How to Pick the Best Hotel in Fiji for You. Plus, browse our 10 Best Hotels in Fiji.

Holiday Homes and Villas

For a more intimate style of accommodation in Fiji, choose a holiday home or villa. Note that these are some of the very few self-catering accommodations available in Fiji and can usually only be found on Fiji’s larger islands, like Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Learn more about what holiday homes are like in How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Fiji for You and villas in How to Pick the Best Villa in Fiji for You. Plus, find the ideal stay in the 10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and 10 Best Luxury Villas in Fiji.

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Things to Do in Fiji with Kids

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in Fiji than drink cocktails and sit by the pool. Fiji exceeds at adventure, relaxation and culture. There’s so much to do that we could hardly fit it all into our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List.

When it comes to experiences for all ages, our top recommendations include:

• Cruise around the islands for snorkelling, kayaking and building sandcastles on the beach
• Waterslide, zipline and check out the wildlife at the Kula Wild Adventure Park on the Coral Coast
• Fly through the forest on a zipline course in Nadi or the Pacific Harbour
• Treat the kids to a fun-filled day at your resort’s kids’ club
• Go river tubing on the Navua River in the Pacific Harbour
• Jump on a boat trip to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in the Yasawa Islands
• Discover the island culture through Fijian arts and crafts
• Snorkel at the famous Rainbow Reef, Split Rock or Namena Marine Reserve in Vanua Levu
• Have a go on the Waitavala Sliding Rocks in Taveuni
• Kayak through the mangroves, over coral reefs or on an outrigger canoe in the Lomaiviti Islands.

For more information on each activity, head over to the 10 Things to Do in Fiji with Kids.

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Family-Friendly Food and Dining in Fiji

From the menus of the restaurants in Fiji’s major towns to the resort restaurants, a wide range of international cuisine is represented in Fiji. Kids’ menus are a feature of most resorts in Fiji, while some resorts even provide children’s meals for free – see the 5 Resorts in Fiji Where Kids Eat for Free!

There are no major health concerns to be worried about when it comes to food in Fiji. Resort restaurants have a high standard. However, one should be a little wary when it comes to street food – it’s best to try food that is cooked and to avoid drinking tap water (or treat it) if you’re unsure of the quality.

Self-catering is rarely available in Fiji, only in villas, holiday homes and apartments. See the Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji for purchasing groceries. Baby food is widely available in supermarkets, featuring baby food brands imported from Australia and New Zealand.

Vegetarian options are widely available in Fiji, but those with other dietary requirements should contact their resorts prior to arrival. Although most resorts can cater to just about any dietary need, they tend to need notice in order to prepare.

For more food-related advice, check out The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji.

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How Much Does a Family Holiday to Fiji Cost?

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for every family is a, quite frankly, impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?

The Cost of Family Accommodation

• Family rooms/night – FJ$140-$1,000

The Cost of Food

• Indian & Chinese restaurant mains – FJ$6-$15
• Restaurant mains – FJ$20-$30
• Restaurant breakfast meals – FJ$6-$15
• Resort breakfasts – Free
• Resort lunch meals – FJ$16-$25
• Resort restaurant mains – FJ$25-$70
• Resort meal plans/day – FJ$58-$250
• Bottle of water – FJ$1.60-$4
• Bottle of wine – FJ$15-$30
• Pint of beer – FJ$4-$8
• Cocktail – FJ$10.50-$30

Grocery prices for self-catering can be found in What is the Cost of Food in Fiji?

The Cost of Family Tours and Activities

• Day cruise – FJ$150-$250
• Shared half-day fishing charter – FJ$360-$500
• Snorkel tour – FJ$70-$120
• River tubing – FJ$190
• Cultural night tour – FJ$160
• Beach horse riding – FJ$190
• Half-day zipline tour (transfer included) – FJ$260
• Jet boat safari – FJ$280
• Kula Eco Park admission – FJ$50
• 45min helicopter scenic flight – FJ$580

The Cost of Transport

• Ferries to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands (one way) – FJ$80-$135
• Water taxis to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands (one way) – FJ$575-$9,618
• Flights to outer islands (one way) – FJ$92-$600
• Public buses – FJ$1-$5
• Express buses (Nadi to Suva) – FJ$20-$30
• Private resort transfer – FJ$50-$200
• Car rental/day – FJ$180
• Private taxi driver/day – FJ$150
• Taxi (20 minutes) – FJ$30

Again, check out our guide, Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for more budget tips and costs.