Nadi
Nan-di
Nadi (gateway city to Fiji)
Usage
Fiji's main international city, home to Nadi International Airport. "d"="nd" so "Nadi" = "Nan-di".
Grammar Note
"d"="nd" so "Nadi"="Nan-di". Pronouncing Fijian place names correctly makes a great impression on locals.
Suva
Su-va
Suva (capital of Fiji)
Usage
Fiji's capital and largest city. Home to Fiji Museum, Thurston Botanical Garden, and Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Grammar Note
Suva is on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu. It's one of the larger capitals among Pacific island nations.
Na yanuyanu ni Mamanuca
Na ya-nu-ya-nu ni Ma-ma-nu-tha
Mamanuca Islands
Usage
Resort islands off Nadi. Famous as filming locations for "Cast Away" and "Survivor".
Grammar Note
"c"="th" so "Mamanuca"="Mama-nu-tha". The most popular tourist area in Fiji.
Na yanuyanu ni Yasawa
Na ya-nu-ya-nu ni Ya-sa-wa
Yasawa Islands
Usage
Pristine islands in northwestern Fiji. Famous as the filming location for the movie "Blue Lagoon".
Grammar Note
Yasawa Islands are accessible by ferry or seaplane. Known for emerald waters and dramatic cliffs.
Na Coral Coast
Na Ko-ral Kost
Coral Coast
Usage
Resort area along the southern coast of Viti Levu. Offers affordable resorts and beautiful coral reefs.
Grammar Note
"Coral Coast" is used as-is in English. Many Fijian tourist destinations are known by their English names.
Na Sigatoka Sand Dunes
Na Si-nga-to-ka Sand Dyuns
Sigatoka Sand Dunes (national park)
Usage
Fiji's first national park. One of the Pacific's largest sand dunes with significant archaeological finds.
Grammar Note
"g"="ng" so "Sigatoka"="Si-nga-to-ka". Knowing the correct pronunciation of Fijian place names impresses locals.
Na Garden of the Sleeping Giant
Na Ga-den ov de Sli-ping Jai-ant
Garden of the Sleeping Giant (orchid garden near Nadi)
Usage
Orchid garden near Nadi. Famous for orchid collection originally started by actor Raymond Burr.
Grammar Note
The "Sleeping Giant" name comes from the shape of the Sabeto mountain range near Nadi. The mountains resemble a sleeping figure.
Na waqa ni waitui ki na yanuyanu
Na wa-ngga ni wai-tui ki na ya-nu-ya-nu
Ferry to the island
Usage
Taking the ferry to outer islands. Ferries to Mamanuca and Yasawa depart from Port Denarau near Nadi.
Grammar Note
"Waqa" = vessel, "waitui" = saltwater/sea. "Waqa ni waitui" = sea vessel = ferry. The spelling is waqa (q = [ŋg]); the old "waga" would be [waŋa], a different word.
Viti Levu
Vi-ti Le-vu
Usage
Fiji's largest island, home to about three quarters of the population, including Nadi, Suva and Lautoka. "Levu" means "big". Said "Vee-tee Lay-vu"
Vanua Levu
Va-nu-a Le-vu
Usage
Fiji's second-largest island and the heart of the Northern Division, with the towns of Labasa and Savusavu. "Vanua" means land or homeland
Taveuni
Ta-ve-u-ni
Usage
Fiji's third-largest island, called the Garden Island for its rainforest. The 180th meridian crosses it; known for Bouma National Heritage Park and Rainbow Reef diving
Kadavu
Kan-da-vu
Usage
Fiji's fourth-largest island, south of Viti Levu, ringed by the Great Astrolabe Reef. Almost no sealed roads — you move around by boat. Said "Kan-da-vu" (d = nd)
Ovalau
O-va-lau
Usage
Main island of the Lomaiviti Group east of Viti Levu, home to the old capital Levuka. Reached by ferry from Natovi to Buresala, or by light plane to Bureta Airport
Levuka
Le-vu-ka
Usage
Fiji's capital until 1882, on Ovalau. Its colonial-era timber waterfront was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013
Beqa
Mben-gga
Usage
Island off Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu's south coast, known for the vilavilairevo firewalking tradition and shark diving. Said "Mben-gga" (b = mb, q = ngg) — "Beh-kah" will not be understood
Rotuma
Ro-tu-ma
Usage
Remote island about 460 km north of Viti Levu. A dependency of Fiji with its own Rotuman language and culture; reached only by light plane or cargo boat from Suva
Lau
Lau Group
Usage
Around 60 islands scattered across Fiji's far east, with strong Tongan cultural influence. Lakeba is the main island; access is by light plane or cargo boat only
Lomaiviti
Lo-mai-vi-ti
Lomaiviti Group
Usage
Central island group east of Viti Levu, including Ovalau, Koro, Gau and Makogai. The name means "the middle of Fiji"
Vanua Balavu
Va-nu-a Mba-la-vu
Usage
Island in northern Lau, known for the limestone pinnacles of the Bay of Islands and popular with visiting yachts. Said "Va-nu-a Mba-la-vu" (b = mb)
Mana
Ma-na
Mana Island
Usage
Mamanuca island about 90 minutes by fast catamaran from Port Denarau. It also has a small airstrip and is an easy day trip
Monuriki
Mo-nu-ri-ki
Usage
Uninhabited island in the western Mamanucas where "Cast Away" was filmed. Visited on day boat trips from neighbouring islands
Waya
Wa-ya
Usage
Mountainous island in the southern Yasawas, known for ridge hikes and village stays. A stop on the Yasawa Flyer boat from Port Denarau
Nacula
Na-thu-la
Usage
Island in the northern Yasawas, next to the Blue Lagoon beach on Nanuya Lailai. Said "Na-thu-la" — Fijian "c" is the "th" of "this"
Sawa-i-Lau
Sa-wa-i-Lau
Sawa-i-Lau Caves
Usage
Limestone sea caves on a small island in the northern Yasawas. You swim in, and reach the inner chamber through an underwater gap. Visited by boat from nearby islands
Nananu-i-Ra
Na-na-nu-i-Ra
Usage
Small island off Rakiraki in northern Viti Levu, about 15 minutes by small boat from Ellington Wharf. Reliable wind makes it a windsurfing and kitesurfing base
Qamea
Ngga-me-a
Usage
Island just east of Taveuni, reached by boat from near Matei Airport. Said "Ngga-me-a" (q = ngg) — "Kah-mee-ah" will not be understood
Bau
Mbau
Usage
Tiny island off Tailevu, but the seat of Cakobau who unified Fiji in the 19th century and still politically central. Visits require the chief's permission. Said "Mbau"
Denarau
Nde-na-rau
Denarau Island
Usage
Reclaimed island just west of Nadi, joined by a bridge. Hotel strip and golf course, and the site of Port Denarau where the outer-island boats leave. Said "Nde-na-rau" (d = nd)
Lautoka
Lau-to-ka
Usage
Fiji's second city and capital of the Western Division. Its sugar mill earns it the name "Sugar City". About 35 minutes by road from Nadi
Nausori
Nau-so-ri
Usage
Town on the Rewa River about 19 km northeast of Suva, and the site of Nausori International Airport, Suva's airport
Sigatoka
Sin-ga-to-ka
Usage
Main town of the Coral Coast, at the mouth of the Sigatoka River on the Queens Road; its market is the local supply stop. Said "Sin-ga-to-ka" (g = ng)
Ba
Mba
Usage
Town on the Kings Road in northwestern Viti Levu, with a large Indo-Fijian population, a sugar mill and a famous football team. Said "Mba" (b = mb)
Tavua
Ta-vu-a
Usage
Small town on the Kings Road along Viti Levu's north coast, the access point for the Vatukoula gold mine. About 30 minutes from either Ba or Rakiraki
Rakiraki
Ra-ki-ra-ki
Usage
Town at the northern tip of Viti Levu in Ra Province, on the Kings Road. Ellington Wharf, for boats to Nananu-i-Ra and ferries to Vanua Levu, is nearby
Korovou
Ko-ro-vou
Usage
Small town in Tailevu Province on the Kings Road. The turnoff for Natovi Landing — ferries to Ovalau and Vanua Levu — leaves from here
Navua
Na-vu-a
Usage
Town at the mouth of the Navua River in Serua Province on the Queens Road, about 45 minutes from Suva. Starting point for river trips to highland villages and for rafting
Pacific Harbour
Pa-si-fik Ha-ba
Usage
Town on the Queens Road between Navua and Suva, billed as Fiji's adventure capital: shark dives in Beqa Lagoon, river rafting and ziplining all start here
Labasa
Lam-ba-sa
Usage
The largest town on Vanua Levu, on the island's northern side; a sugar-cane centre with a mainly Indo-Fijian population. Said "Lam-ba-sa" (b = mb)
Savusavu
Sa-vu-sa-vu
Usage
Town on Savusavu Bay on Vanua Levu's south coast. Hot springs bubble up in town, and the sheltered bay is a favourite yacht anchorage. Has an airport and is the start of the road east toward Taveuni
Nabouwalu
Nam-bou-wa-lu
Usage
Town and ferry terminal at the southwestern tip of Vanua Levu in Bua Province. Vehicle ferries run between here and Natovi Landing on Viti Levu. Said "Nam-bou-wa-lu" (b = mb)
Seaqaqa
Se-a-ngga-ngga
Usage
Town in the interior of Vanua Levu on the road between Labasa and Savusavu. Said "Se-a-ngga-ngga" (q = ngg) — reading it as "See-a-ka-ka" will get you nowhere
Vunisea
Vu-ni-se-a
Usage
Main settlement of Kadavu, on the island's narrow isthmus, with the airport, hospital and government offices. From here you continue to villages and lodges by boat
Navala
Na-va-la
Navala Village
Usage
Village in the Ba highlands, known as the one village where every house is still a traditional thatched bure. Visitors pay a village fee and are formally received
Viseisei
Vi-sei-sei
Viseisei Village
Usage
Village near Vuda Point between Nadi and Lautoka, held by tradition to be where Fiji's ancestors first landed; there is a monument and a church
Waiyevo
Wai-ye-vo
Usage
Administrative centre on Taveuni's west coast. Ferries from Vanua Levu land here, and the 180th meridian marker is a short walk away
Sabeto
Sam-be-to
Usage
Valley northeast of Nadi with hot springs and mud pools and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant — the standard half-day trip from Nadi. Said "Sam-be-to" (b = mb)
Nadroga-Navosa
Nan-dro-nga Na-vo-sa
Nadroga-Navosa Province
Usage
Province in the Western Division covering the Coral Coast and the Sigatoka Valley; its centre is Sigatoka town. Said "Nan-dro-nga Na-vo-sa" (d = nd, g = ng)
Cakaudrove
Tha-kau-ndro-ve
Cakaudrove Province
Usage
Province in the Northern Division covering eastern Vanua Levu and Taveuni, centred on Savusavu. Said "Tha-kau-ndro-ve" (c = the "th" of "this", d = nd)
Macuata
Ma-thu-a-ta
Macuata Province
Usage
Province in the Northern Division covering northern Vanua Levu, centred on Labasa, with the Great Sea Reef offshore. Said "Ma-thu-a-ta" (c = the "th" of "this")
Naitasiri
Nai-ta-si-ri
Naitasiri Province
Usage
Province in the Central Division and the largest on Viti Levu, taking in the interior highlands and river valleys north of Suva
Namosi
Na-mo-si
Namosi Province
Usage
Province in the Central Division, the least populated, covering the steep mountains of southern Viti Levu. Its gorges are reached on river trips up from Navua
Rewa
Re-wa
Rewa Province
Usage
Province in the Central Division — the smallest in area but the most populous, containing Suva and the Rewa River delta
Serua
Se-ru-a
Serua Province
Usage
Province in the Central Division along the Queens Road on Viti Levu's south coast, containing Navua and Pacific Harbour
Tailevu
Tai-le-vu
Tailevu Province
Usage
Province in the Central Division on Viti Levu's east coast, containing Korovou town, Natovi Landing and the chiefly island of Bau
Bua
Mbu-a
Bua Province
Usage
Province in the Northern Division covering western Vanua Levu, with Nabouwalu where the ferry from Viti Levu docks. Said "Mbu-a" (b = mb)
Ra
Ra Province
Usage
Province in the Western Division at the northern end of Viti Levu, with Rakiraki town, Ellington Wharf and the Nakauvadra range
Central Division
Sen-tral Di-vi-zhon
Usage
One of Fiji's four divisions, headquartered in Suva. Made up of Naitasiri, Namosi, Rewa, Serua and Tailevu provinces
Western Division
Wes-tan Di-vi-zhon
Usage
Headquartered in Lautoka and made up of Ba, Nadroga-Navosa and Ra provinces. Nadi International Airport and the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands are all in this division
Northern Division
No-dan Di-vi-zhon
Usage
Headquartered in Labasa and made up of Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata provinces — that is, Vanua Levu and Taveuni
Eastern Division
Is-tan Di-vi-zhon
Usage
Headquartered in Levuka and made up of Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti provinces. Being all islands, it is served mainly by light aircraft and cargo-passenger boats
Nadi International Airport
Nan-di In-ta-na-sho-nal Ea-pot
Usage
Fiji's main airport (code NAN), handling almost all international flights, about 9 km north of Nadi town; domestic flights to the outer islands also leave from here. Say "Nan-di" (d = nd)
Nausori International Airport
Nau-so-ri In-ta-na-sho-nal Ea-pot
Usage
Suva's airport (code SUV), at Nausori about 23 km northeast of the city. Mostly domestic, and the departure point for flights to Taveuni, Kadavu and the Lau Group
Labasa Airport
Lam-ba-sa Ea-pot
Usage
Airport for Labasa in northern Vanua Levu (code LBS), with domestic flights from Nadi and Suva. The name is said "Lam-ba-sa"
Savusavu Airport
Sa-vu-sa-vu Ea-pot
Usage
Airport at Savusavu on Vanua Levu's south coast (code SVU), served by light aircraft from Nadi and Suva; from here you can continue overland toward Taveuni
Matei Airport
Ma-tei Ea-pot
Matei Airport (Taveuni)
Usage
Taveuni's airstrip at Matei on the island's northern tip (code TVU). A tiny airport where lodges meet arriving flights on the apron
Malolo Lailai Airport
Ma-lo-lo Lai-lai Ea-pot
Usage
Airstrip on Malolo Lailai in the Mamanucas (code PTF). About 10 minutes' flight from Nadi — the fastest way into the group if you do not want the boat
Vunisea Airport
Vu-ni-se-a Ea-pot
Vunisea Airport (Kadavu)
Usage
Kadavu's airport (code KDV), reached by light plane from Nadi or Suva. From the airstrip you transfer to a boat for your lodge
Bureta Airport
Mbu-re-ta Ea-pot
Bureta Airport (Levuka)
Usage
Ovalau's airstrip and the way in to Levuka (code LEV), about 15 minutes by light plane from Nausori. Said "Mbu-re-ta" (b = mb)
Port Denarau
Pot Nde-na-rau
Usage
Marina on Denarau Island near Nadi and Fiji's main outer-island hub — every fast catamaran to the Mamanucas and Yasawas leaves from here. Said "Nde-na-rau" (d = nd)
Natovi Landing
Na-to-vi Lan-ding
Usage
Jetty on Viti Levu's east coast in Tailevu. Vehicle ferries run from here to Buresala on Ovalau and to Nabouwalu on Vanua Levu
Buresala Landing
Mbu-re-sa-la Lan-ding
Usage
The Ovalau end of the ferry from Natovi. From the jetty a bus or carrier takes you over the ridge into Levuka. Said "Mbu-re-sa-la" (b = mb)
Ellington Wharf
E-ling-tan Wof
Usage
Wharf near Rakiraki in northern Viti Levu. Small boats cross to Nananu-i-Ra from here, and inter-island vessels also call
Kings Wharf
Kingz Wof
Kings Wharf (Suva)
Usage
Suva's main port. Ocean-going ships dock here, and the inter-island ferries and cargo-passenger boats for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and the Lau Group leave from this waterfront
Natuvu
Na-tu-vu
Natuvu Landing (Buca Bay)
Usage
Jetty on Buca Bay in eastern Vanua Levu, with a small ferry across to Waiyevo on Taveuni. "Buca" is said "Mbu-tha" (b = mb, c = th)
Queens Road
Kwiinz Rood
Usage
The sealed southern highway from Nadi through Sigatoka, the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour to Suva — about 190 km, four to five hours by bus
Kings Road
Kingz Rood
Usage
The northern highway from Lautoka via Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki and Korovou to Suva. Longer and more scenic than the Queens Road, with rougher stretches
Hibiscus Highway
Hai-bis-kas Hai-wei
Usage
The coast road running east from Savusavu along Vanua Levu's southern shore toward Buca Bay — the route to Natuvu for the Taveuni ferry
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
Sri Si-va Su-bra-ma-ni-ya Tem-pel
Usage
Brightly painted Hindu temple at the southern end of Nadi's main street, built in South Indian Dravidian style and the town's landmark. Remove shoes and dress modestly to enter
Fiji Museum
Fi-ji Myu-zi-am
Usage
National museum set in Thurston Gardens in Suva, holding the ocean-going canoe Ratu Finau and the rudder of HMS Bounty among its collections
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
Tho-lo-i-Su-va Fo-rest Paak
Usage
Rainforest park about 11 km north of Suva on Princes Road, with walking tracks and natural pools under small waterfalls. Said "Tho-lo-i-Su-va" (c = the "th" of "this")
University of the South Pacific
Yu-ni-va-si-ti ov de Saut Pa-si-fik
University of the South Pacific (Laucala Campus)
Usage
Main campus on Laucala Bay in Suva, the regional university jointly owned by twelve Pacific countries. Taxi drivers know it as "USP" or "Laucala Campus"; "Laucala" is said "Lau-tha-la"
Tomanivi
To-ma-ni-vi
Mount Tomanivi (Mount Victoria)
Usage
Fiji's highest peak at 1,324 m, in the interior highlands of Viti Levu. Climbed in about half a day from Navai village; formerly called Mount Victoria
Nausori Highlands
Nau-so-ri Hai-landz
Usage
Upland plateau inland from Nadi, crossed by unsealed roads toward villages such as Navala, with wide views. Not to be confused with Nausori town near Suva — different place, same name
Sigatoka Valley
Sin-ga-to-ka Va-lei
Usage
Farming valley running inland along the Sigatoka River, so productive it is called Fiji's salad bowl. Village tours run up the river from Sigatoka town
Tavuni Hill Fort
Ta-vu-ni Hil Fot
Usage
Fortified hilltop site about 4 km up the river from Sigatoka town, built by Tongan settlers in the 18th century. Earthworks and stone remains, with views over the valley
Natadola Beach
Na-ta-ndo-la Biich
Usage
White-sand beach at the western end of the Coral Coast in Nadroga, about an hour from Nadi and often called the best beach on the main island. Currents can be strong. Said "Na-ta-ndo-la" (d = nd)
Momi Battery
Mo-mi Ba-ta-ri
Momi Battery Historical Park
Usage
Second World War coastal gun battery on a hill overlooking Momi Bay south of Nadi. The original guns remain in place and the view over the passage is excellent
Cloudbreak
Klaud-breik
Usage
Reef break offshore in the southwestern Mamanucas, one of the world's heaviest left-handers. Boat access only and strictly for experienced surfers
Beqa Lagoon
Mben-gga La-guun
Usage
Large lagoon inside the barrier reef around Beqa, famous for its shark dives. Boats leave from Pacific Harbour. Said "Mben-gga"
Bouma National Heritage Park
Mbou-ma Na-sho-nal He-ri-tij Paak
Usage
Village-run park covering northeastern Taveuni, with the three-tier Tavoro Waterfalls and the Lavena Coastal Walk along the shore. Said "Mbou-ma" (b = mb)
Tagimaucia
Ta-ngi-mau-thi-a
Lake Tagimaucia
Usage
Crater lake at about 800 m on Taveuni, known for the tagimaucia flower that grows nowhere else. A hard full-day hike. Said "Ta-ngi-mau-thi-a" (g = ng, c = "th")
Somosomo Strait
So-mo-so-mo Streit
Usage
Channel between Taveuni and Vanua Levu. The current feeds spectacular soft corals, including the world-class Rainbow Reef and Great White Wall dive sites
Great Astrolabe Reef
Greit As-tro-leib Riif
Usage
Barrier reef wrapping the eastern and southern side of Kadavu, known for manta rays and hard-coral bommies. Dived and snorkelled from boats run by island lodges
Cakaulevu
Tha-kau-le-vu
Great Sea Reef (Cakaulevu)
Usage
Long barrier reef running off the northern coast of Vanua Levu, among the longest in the world. The Fijian name means "great reef" and is said "Tha-kau-le-vu"
Nasova
Na-so-va
Nasova (Cession Site)
Usage
Waterfront spot just south of Levuka where the Deed of Cession handing Fiji to Britain was signed in 1874, marked by commemorative stones and a hall
Rewa River
Re-wa Ri-va
Usage
Fiji's largest river, running from the Viti Levu highlands past Nausori into a broad delta. Fijian for river is "uciwai", but signs and maps use the English "Rewa River"
More Fijian phrases
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