• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Architecture of Fiji

The historic architecture in Fiji is primarily limited to housing. These buildings were square in shape with a pyramid-like roof and were made of local woods and leaves. They had simple thatched roofs and walls and little else to distinguish them. However, as mentioned above, often times a person would be killed and buried beneath the pillars of a new construction in order to gain stability, which they believed would be gained by the spirit of the deceased calling upon the gods for support.

Each village also had a village house, often used for meetings and get togethers, in a similar design, but larger. Villages also often had a spirit house for worship. Each village's chief would also have a home in a similar style, but his home was generally raised off the ground higher than the others and was typically larger than everyone else's house.

This simply style continues to survive today, but with the arrival of the Europeans the building materials and techniques have been altered in these houses to last longer. The Europeans also introduced new styles and structures, such as churches and schools.

With colonization, the architecture in Fiji changed significantly, but only in some areas. As the British urbanized, they only brought their architecture to the growing cities in Fiji. Today there exist a number of buildings in the British styles popular at the time, including the Victorian Style. These structures can be seen in churches, houses, and other buildings, most particularly in Suva.

The Indians also brought new styles to the country, most notably in the form of Hindu temples and Islamic Mosques. These religious structures are commonly found in areas dominated by ethnic Indians, primarily in urban centers.

This page was last updated: February, 2013