• 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!

Social Life in Fiji

Behavior

The people of Fiji are very humble and modest as they rarely express themselves in a way to offend another. This comes in respecting other people, dressing modestly, avoiding outward signs of wealth or affection, and having a reverence for a higher being as most people are Christian or Hindu.

As a visitor to Fiji, that same modesty is expected; modesty in dress, actions, words, and every aspect of your life. Many of the most important behavioral restrictions to be aware of are related to dress, dating (see below for both), and dining (see our Fiji Food & Dining Page for more information). Also try to avoid being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting drunk in public.

Dress

Historically the people of Fiji wore very little. Men wore loin cloths and women wore grass skirts: long skirts for married women and short skirts with braided hair for single women and girls. Tattoos, although not technically clothing, were also common on high ranking members of society.

Today the grass skirts and loin cloths have all but vanished as many ethnic Fijians wear a piece of cloth around their waist called a sulu. This is worn by both men and women and it can come in various patterns and styles. It is most common in the villages, but there are sulus appropriate for business to match suits and the military also has a sulu that is a part of their ceremonial uniform.

In addition to the sulu the clothing is quite varied depending on the situation and individual. In the cities western-styled shirts or blouses are common as are suit jackets for formal occasions. In towns and villages more traditional tops are more common, including many made from local materials. However, throughout Fiji the people are somewhat conservative and showing too much skin is odd if not offensive and the locals won't be wearing short pants or skirts and you won't see exposed shoulders either.

With a large Indian population in Fiji it is also common to see traditional clothing from India, especially among the women. This generally includes brightly colored sarongs or similar items. Like the Fijians, the Indians cover up and always wear long pants and shirts.

As a visitor to Fiji there are two types of clothing that can be worn. The first is in your hotel or resort (as long as your resort specifically caters to foreigners), where swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops are acceptable. The second is whenever you are outside your hotel or resort. Shorts or skirts are considered inappropriate (unless they reach beyond your knees) as is showing your shoulders (and for women even showing your elbows). Because of the climate in Fiji this becomes a challenge so many visitors buy a sulu upon arrival and wear it over their shorts or skirt. For tops, try to wear light and loose fitting shirts that extend beyond your elbows. Also, if ever in a village, never wear a hat as this is offensive to the chief.

This page was last updated: November, 2013