While Fiji’s luxury resorts attract millions of visitors annually, the heart of Fijian
culture beats strongest in its traditional towns and villages. These communities in the
archipelago of 333 islands have retained their centuries-old customs, each in their
way embracing modern life.
These 20 towns offer a real insight into the cultural way of life, from taking part in the
traditional ‘sevusevu’ ceremonies to learning ancient crafts from local artisans.
Levuka, Ovalau
Fiji’s first colonial capital, Levuka, is the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its historic beach street is lined with 1800s buildings, a fascinating look back into
Fiji’s colonial past.
Above the historic district, traditional ‘bure’ houses dot the hillsides, where elders still gather for storytelling sessions and kava ceremonies.
Savusavu, Vanua Levu
Savusavu is known as the ‘hidden paradise,’ where traditional Fijian life meets a
lively yachting community. The local markets are filled with traditional healing
practices, with herbalists sharing their knowledge passed down through generations.
The town’s natural hot springs remain sacred to locals, who use them for cooking
and traditional ceremonies.
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Navala, Viti Levu
Nestled in Ba Province, Navala is one of the few villages that still retains its
traditional Fijian architecture in every building. The village adheres to strict protocols
to maintain their thatched-roof ‘bure’ homes using only traditional methods of
building.
Traditional mat-rolling sessions and talks on sustainable building techniques by village elders are a possibility for tourists.
Somosomo, Taveuni
Somosomo retains traditional cultural protocols as the historical seat of Tui Cakau,
Fiji’s highest chief based on Taveuni Island. Village life centers around ceremonial
grounds where significant ‘veiqaravi vakavanua’ or welcomes in the traditional
manner takes place.
Local guides explain ancestral tribal alliances as they lead visitors to sacred sites visitors seldom get to see.
Naselesele, Taveuni
Famous for its traditional pottery making, Naselesele preserves ancient Fijian
crafting techniques. Women of the village still create distinctive clay vessels using
methods passed down through generations.
Visitors can take part in pottery workshops and learn about the cultural significance of different vessel designs.
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Nacamaki, Koro Island
This out-of-the-way village preserves some of the most genuine meke (traditional
dance) shows in all of Fiji. Its master craftsmen still fashion traditional outrigger
canoes in the same way they always have.
Families allow guests to live with them, joining in with all the daily activities of the village.
Vunisea, Kadavu
Kadavu Island’s main town is a hub of traditional maritime culture. Traditional
fishermen still practice ancient methods of sustainable fishing, including the use of
traditional fish traps.
The town’s weekly market becomes a gathering point where elders share maritime legends and navigation knowledge.
Naidi, Vanua Levu
At Naidi, traditional salt-making is preserved by community effort. The village, for
hundreds of years, has maintained its cultural identity through the existence of
natural salt flats.
The local families present the tedious process of extracting and processing sea salt by traditional methods.
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Bukuya, Viti Levu
Smack in the middle of the Viti Levu highlands, Bukuya clings proudly to its warrior
roots. The village’s woodcarvers still craft traditional war clubs and ‘tanoa’ (kava
bowls) with designs passed down the generations.
Traditional martial arts demonstrations and fire walking ceremonies are staged on a monthly basis.
Tubou, Lakeba
As the chief village of the Lau group, Tubou preserves elaborate protocols for formal
ceremonies. The community maintains strict traditional hierarchies and customs that
govern daily life.
Local guides explain the complex system of respect and relationships that form the backbone of Lauan society.
Nakelo, Viti Levu
It is also famous for its traditional healing practices, with Nakelo preserving ancient
medicinal knowledge. Village healers keep gardens of indigenous medicinal plants
that they use in traditional treatments.
Visitors can learn about traditional diagnostic methods and the preparation of natural remedies.
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Lovoni, Ovalau
This is a unique inland village that was never conquered during colonial times and
retained its fierce independence. Their stories of resistance are retained through oral
traditions and by staging cultural performances regularly within the community.
Traditional knowledge of hunting and forest management practices is passed down.
Nakorovou, Rabi
Manfred Sommer
Home to the Banabans, Nakorovou provides a peek into the special culture of these
islanders who have been relocated. The community still retains some of its own
dance forms and musical traditions brought from Ocean Island.
Traditional food preparation methods also reflect the amalgamation of Banaban and Fijian influences.
Naloto, Viti Levu
Traditional methods of fishing mark Naloto, and the people are still closely affiliated
with marine folklore. Village elders can advise on tide patterns and the behavior of
fish, knowledge passed down through generations.
Ceremonies are often conducted by the community to appeal for ancestors’ protection before major fishing expeditions.
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Waitabu, Taveuni
This Fijian coastal village was the pioneer of the country’s traditional marine
conservation method. The local fishermen uphold millennial practices that have
always guaranteed the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
Success here has made this the model village for others regarding combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation.
Naisisili, Yasawa
Naisisili is famous for its traditional navigation knowledge and preserves ancient
wayfinding techniques. Village elders teach young people to read ocean currents
and weather patterns using traditional methods.
The community maintains strong connections to its seafaring heritage through regular ceremonies.
Nabukelevu, Kadavu
This mountain village retains some of Fiji’s most sacred old traditions and
ceremonies. The local priests still carry out their ancient rituals, which are taboo for
outsiders at certain sites.
The community safeguards strict protocols on access to sacred grounds and knowledge of ceremonial rites.
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Naweni, Vanua Levu
Renowned for its traditional music, Naweni preserves ancient chanting and
drumming styles. The village’s bamboo bands maintain distinctive rhythms unique to
their region.
Regular music festivals bring together performers who share knowledge of traditional instruments and techniques.
Vuya, Vanua Levu
This coastal settlement maintains traditional methods of pearl diving and shell craft.
Village artisans create intricate jewelry using techniques passed down through
generations.
The community’s connection to the sea is celebrated through regular ceremonies honoring marine deities.
Wailevu, Vanua Levu
Known for its traditional agriculture, Wailevu maintains ancient farming practices.
The community preserves knowledge of crop rotation and planting ceremonies tied
to lunar cycles.
Local farmers demonstrate traditional methods of taro cultivation and yam storage passed down through generations.
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Embracing Living Traditions
These 20 towns represent the living, breathing tapestry of Fijian culture, where
ancient traditions remain relevant in contemporary life. Each community offers
unique insights into how traditional knowledge adapts and thrives in the modern
world while maintaining its core values.
Whether you are interested in crafts, ceremonies, agriculture, or maritime traditions,
these towns offer authentic windows into Fijian cultural life that go far beyond the
typical tourist experience.
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