Fiji is located in the Pacific Ocean and consists of a group of about 322 islands, many uninhabitat, and 522 islets. 87% of the Fijian population live on its two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Both islands are mountainous and covered with tropical rainforests.
The island groups of Taveuni, Kadavu, Mamanuca and Yasawa are the most popular tourist destinations and offer a wide range in accommodation to suit any budget.
There are many unique traditional activities to see and participate in while visiting Fiji. The Sawau tribe of Beqa are noted for their ability to walk on white hot stones without being burned. Strict rituals have to be observed before the firewalking ceremony. There is an ancient myth about how an ancestor of the Sawau tribe was given this power by a spirit god in exchange for his life.
Kava, known in Fiji as Yaqona, is Fiji's national drink. Traditionally, it was used only in important ceremonies. Nowadays, it is a social beverage. There is a strict protocol associated with yaqona drinking. One should clap once, clasping the hands, take the cup, and drink the yaqona in a single draft before returning the cup to the bearer, clapping three times, and saying the word "maca". It is common practice for you to participate in a Kava ceremony when visiting a cultural village.
The lovo is an earth oven—a fire made on in a pit in the ground lined with heat-resistant stones. It closely resembles the hangi of the New Zealand Maori. When the stones are hot, food, wrapped in (banana) leaves, is placed in the pit, covered with soil and left to cook before being exhumed and eaten. Dishes cooked this way include palusami, parcels of taro leaves saturated with coconut milk, onions, and sometimes tinned meat. Most hotels, resorts and accommodation will be able to help you book and experience a traditional Fijian lovo meal once you arrive.
Local delicacies to try include fresh tropical fruits (they can be found at the farmer's market in any town when in season), paulsami (baked taro leaves marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk often with some meat or fish filling and a bit of onion or garlic), kokoda (fish or other seafood marinated in lemon and coconut milk), and anything cooked in a lovo or pit oven. Vutu is a local variety of nut mainly grown on the island of Beqa, but also available in Suva and other towns around January and February.
