A Road Trip Through the Heart of Fiji
Three Days Around Viti Levu
When you think of Fiji, your mind might go straight to white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious island resorts. And yes, those postcard-perfect images are real—but they’re only part of the story.
The real heart of Fiji lies in the everyday beauty: open landscapes, lively local markets, mountain villages, and the warm smiles of people you meet along the way. If you're looking to explore Fiji beyond the typical resort experience, a three-day road trip around Viti Levu, the country’s main island, is one of the best ways to do it.
Day 1: From Nadi to Suva – From Countryside Calm to Capital Buzz
Our road trip kicked off at sunrise, as we left the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. As we drove out of the town, open plains stretched around us. Wild horses and cows roamed freely along the roadside—a perfect start to a slow-paced, island-style adventure.
We soon arrived in Sigatoka, a riverside town known for its bustling produce market and the scenic Coral Coast drive. We stopped for fresh fruit and soaked in the view of the sweeping beaches and gentle waves.
By mid-morning, we reached Maui Bay. Walking along the wooden jetty felt like floating above the crystal-clear lagoon. Locals waved and smiled, offering beach horseback rides—a surprising and heartwarming touch.
As the day went on, we cruised through Pacific Harbour, famous for shark diving and high-end resorts. Even without diving, we felt the laid-back luxury in the air. Finally, we reached Suva, Fiji’s capital. Colonial-era buildings lined the streets, alongside energetic markets and local eateries.
We checked into the Tanoa Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Suva. With its convenient location, modern rooms, and calm atmosphere, it offered a relaxing contrast to the day’s busy journey. Whether you’re in town for business or exploring the capital, the hotel is a comfortable base with great service and on-site dining.
Day 2: Into the Green – Mountains, Mist, and Hidden Villages
The second day started slow, with a morning stroll through Suva’s museums and historic sites. Then we hit the King’s Road, heading north through the island’s lush interior. This side of Viti Levu is hillier, greener, and cooler. Banana trees lined the roads, and mist hovered over the hilltops.
As we drove, small roadside markets appeared, selling just-picked pineapples and root vegetables. The farther we went, the quieter it became. Villages nestled in the hills, and friendly waves from passersby made the drive all the more personal.
By late afternoon, we arrived at the Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel, tucked away on the northern coast. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and just minutes from town, the hotel offers cozy accommodations, a poolside bar, and a welcoming local atmosphere. It’s also ideally located for diving trips and excursions to nearby Nananu-i-Ra Island. After a long day on the road, it was the perfect place to unwind.
Day 3: Spice Markets and Ocean Breezes – The Final Stretch
Our last day took us west, toward Ba Town. Sugarcane fields stretched endlessly on both sides of the road, and the dry heat reminded us that we were now in another region entirely.
Ba is known for its strong Indo-Fijian community, and that’s reflected in its colorful spice markets and delicious Indian street food. We had one of the best spicy curries of the trip here—an absolute must for food lovers.
Our final stop was Lautoka, Fiji’s second-largest city and a major port. It was lively, full of energy, with everything from bustling fish markets to modern malls. After a quick coffee break and a few souvenir stops, we headed back to Nadi—just a 30-minute drive away. And just like that, our three-day loop around Viti Levu was complete.
Why You Should Try This Road Trip
Viti Levu isn’t just a gateway to the outer islands—it’s a destination in itself. In just three days, you’ll witness Fiji’s diversity: tropical beaches, misty highlands, busy towns, quiet villages, and the many cultures that make up this beautiful country.
Throughout this journey, Tanoa Hotels provided the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and local hospitality. With decades of experience in Fiji, Tanoa has become a trusted name, loved by both locals and international travelers. Whether in the capital city or along the quieter northern coast, their hotels made our road trip even more memorable.
So if you’re planning your own island loop, we highly recommend staying with Tanoa along the way.
Rent a car, hit the road, and let the heart of Fiji unfold around you.