Experience Fiji Like a Local

Fijians are famous for their warm hospitality, making it easy to immerse yourself in their culture and make friends. From visiting villages and attending Sunday church services to playing rugby or sharing a traditional feast, here are the best ways to connect with the Fijian people and experience the islands like a local.

Visit a Village

Village and community are everything in Fijian culture, with many Fijians still living in their traditional villages. A visit to a village is a unique and heartwarming experience, highlighting the kindness, warmth, and hospitality the locals are known for.

The staff at many resorts hail from the local villages. Therefore, your visit will enable you to see the village’s school, church, and community center, while also meeting the families of those who have taken care of you. Expect to be welcomed in true Fijian style with song, dance, and kava, accompanied by a lovo feast.

Your resort can assist in organizing a village visit and providing guidance on what to bring (a sevusevu, or gift for the chief) and what to wear (modest clothing).

Participate in a Kava Ceremony

Whether you find yourself in a village, at your resort, or shopping in Nadi, you will likely have the opportunity to try kava, a drink made from the ground root of the yaqona plant. Once reserved only for chiefs, the kava bowl has become a gathering spot for families and friends to relax and enjoy conversations.

The kava powder is mixed with water in a wooden bowl called a tanoa, where participants sit on the floor. The mixing involves traditional songs and prayers, and Fijians are always eager to help newcomers navigate the drinking protocols.

What does kava taste like? It’s often described as earthy and organic. After a few bowls, you might feel a sense of relaxation, making kava a delightful choice for unwinding after dinner.

Join in Song and Dance

In Fiji, music is deeply integrated into daily life. Fijians enjoy singing and dancing, and visitors are always encouraged to participate.

Be prepared to be welcomed at your resort with traditional songs like Bula Maleya. During your stay, you’ll experience music throughout the day. Attending a local church service is highly recommended to hear beautiful a capella hymns. When you depart, you might find yourself emotionally moved by the traditional farewell song Isa Lei.

Fijians also express their culture through dance, known as meke. These dances, passed down through generations, narrate the stories of Fijian ancestors. You can witness a meke performance during a village visit or at your resort’s Fiji Night.

Feast Like a Fijian

Fijians have a passion for food, and they enjoy a wide variety of fresh fish, seafood, tropical fruits, and native vegetables. The culinary landscape is further enriched by influences from Fiji’s Indian and Chinese communities.

Traditional feasts, known as lovos, have been a staple for centuries. These meals are cooked in a large pit covered with hot stones and banana leaves. Ingredients can vary but typically include chicken, pig, and root vegetables. Village visits often include a lovo, and many resorts host weekly lovo cooking events.

Another way to savor Fijian cuisine is by visiting a local market, where you can interact with vendors and sample a diverse range of products.

Tackle Some Rugby

If you ask any Fijian what unites the country, they will undoubtedly mention Rugby. Significant matches capture the entire nation’s attention, prompting gatherings around televisions. Fijian rugby players are among the world’s best, having won Gold in the Men’s Tournament at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Rugby is played throughout Fiji—after school, after work, or on weekends, often using makeshift balls if none are available. If you’re unfamiliar with rugby rules, locals will gladly share their knowledge, and you might find yourself scoring tries in no time.

For beachfront games, visit Wailoaloa and Natadola beaches. Alternatively, if you’re serious about training like the Fijian Olympians, you can run the challenging hills at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.