Visiting Hawaii had always been a dream of mine. The lure of its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and rich culture was irresistible. When I finally booked my trip, I had no idea that beyond the natural beauty, this getaway would teach me valuable lessons in minimalism. From the simplicity of island life to the essentials-only mindset required for travel, my Hawaiian adventure transformed my outlook on life. I will do my best to share some storage and minimalism lessons you can learn during a Hawaiian getaway.

Arrival in Paradise

Stepping off the plane in Honolulu, I was immediately greeted by the warm, tropical air. The hustle and bustle of the airport quickly gave way to the laid-back vibe of the island. My first stop was Waikiki Beach, where I stayed in a modest hotel with an incredible ocean view. This initial taste of minimalism came in the form of my accommodations. Instead of opting for a luxurious resort, I chose a simple room that provided just what I needed: a comfortable bed, a bathroom, and a breathtaking view.

This decision set the tone for the rest of my trip. It was a reminder that I didn’t need extravagant surroundings to enjoy myself. In fact, the simplicity allowed me to focus more on the experiences and less on the material aspects of my stay.

Embracing the Essentials

Hawaii’s natural beauty is its greatest asset, and I spent most of my days exploring the outdoors. I visited the stunning Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, hiked up Diamond Head for panoramic views, and took a road trip along the North Shore. Each activity reinforced the idea that true enjoyment comes from experiences rather than possessions.

Packing light became an essential lesson in minimalism on my Hawaiian getaway. I realized that I only needed a few pieces of clothing, some basic toiletries, and my camera. This pared-down packing list made travel easier and highlighted how much unnecessary clutter I typically carried in my daily life.

Living with Less

The Hawaiian lifestyle emphasizes living with less and appreciating more. Locals often favored practical, multi-purpose items over single-use gadgets and trinkets. This was evident in everything from their homes to their wardrobes. Inspired by this approach, I decided to adopt a similar mindset.

I visited several local markets where artisans sold handmade goods during my stay. These markets were a testament to the island’s emphasis on quality over quantity. Each item was crafted with care and designed to serve a purpose. I bought a few souvenirs, each carefully chosen for its utility and beauty. These items held more meaning than any mass-produced keepsake ever could.

Mindful Consumption

One of the most impactful minimalism lessons you can learn during a Hawaiian getaway is the importance of mindful consumption. In Hawaii, there is a strong emphasis on sustainability and respecting the environment. This is evident in the local cuisine, which heavily features fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I enjoyed meals at farm-to-table restaurants where the focus was on quality, not quantity.

Eating this way made me more conscious of my consumption habits. I started to appreciate the value of high-quality, nutritious food over processed, convenience items. This shift in mindset extended beyond food to other areas of my life, including clothing and personal care products. I began to prioritize items that were sustainably produced and designed to last.

Disconnecting to Reconnect

One of the unexpected benefits of my Hawaiian getaway was the opportunity to disconnect from technology. With limited Wi-Fi and an abundance of natural beauty, I found myself spending more time outdoors and less time on my phone. This break from constant connectivity was refreshing and allowed me to fully immerse myself in my surroundings.

Without the distractions of social media and emails, I was able to be present in the moment. I spent my days exploring hidden beaches, hiking through rainforests, and watching sunsets. This slower pace of life reminded me of the importance of disconnecting to reconnect with myself and the world around me.

Connecting with Others

Disconnecting also helped me connect with people who loved Hawaii just as much as I did. During my trip, I met several people who had even made the leap of moving here for good, inspired by the minimalist way of life, including a couple who had recently completed the move from Florida to Hawaii. They shared their experience of hiring interstate movers to transport and store their minimal possessions, which helped ease the transition and allowed them to focus on settling into their new lives. Hearing their stories further inspired me to adopt a minimalist mindset and appreciate the beauty of a simplified life.

Adopting a Minimalist Mindset

Returning home, I brought with me a newfound appreciation for minimalism. The lessons I learned during my Hawaiian getaway were invaluable. I realized that living with less allowed me to focus on what truly mattered: meaningful experiences, relationships, and personal growth.

I began to declutter my home, getting rid of items that no longer served a purpose. I adopted a more intentional approach to shopping, focusing on quality over quantity. This shift reduced physical clutter and created a sense of mental clarity.

Sustainable Living

Hawaii’s emphasis on sustainability had a lasting impact on me. I became more mindful of my environmental footprint and sought ways to live more sustainably. I started using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, reducing my reliance on single-use plastics. I also made a conscious effort to support local businesses and artisans, knowing that my choices could make a difference.

The island’s approach to living in harmony with nature inspired me to make changes in my daily life. I started a small garden, began composting, and made more environmentally friendly choices in my home. These steps, though small, contributed to a larger goal of living more sustainably and consciously.

The Role of Storage in Minimalism

Another significant lesson from my Hawaiian adventure was the importance of efficient storage solutions. Staying in smaller accommodations forced me to think creatively about how to organize my belongings. Limited space meant that I had to be selective about what I brought with me and how I stored it. This experience underscored the value of having a streamlined storage system at home.

Efficient storage is a cornerstone of minimalism. It encourages keeping only what is necessary and useful while also ensuring that everything has its place. This approach not only reduces clutter but also makes it easier to maintain a tidy, organized space. Inspired by my time in Hawaii, I revamped my storage solutions at home, focusing on functionality and simplicity.

Final Reflections

My Hawaiian getaway was more than just a vacation; it was a journey towards a simpler, more intentional way of living. There are many minimalism lessons you can learn during a Hawaiian getaway, and the ones I learned during my time on the islands have stayed with me and influenced my lifestyle and mindset. I realized that true happiness and fulfillment come not from material possessions but from meaningful experiences and a mindful approach to life.

About the author:
Marlie Parsons is a freelance journalist and travel writer who resides in the Vancouver, British Columbia area.

My hubby Rick and I had always dreamed of going on a safari into distant exotic wilds. We just didn’t expect it to be aboard a sleek jet boat in the heart of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island…

Picked up early from our charming resort at magnificent Natandola Beach, we’re transferred into Sigatoka town and joining ten other intrepid travelers, soon begin our safari, first in a van!

Our 10-mile journey parallels the river running through Fiji’s “salad bowl,” the fertile Sigatoka Valley known as for its abundant fresh produce.

Pointing out flowering sugarcane fields, luxuriant taro and cassava plots, plentiful papaya and banana plantations along the way, our driver grins broadly, “You open your mouths…we fill’em!” he jokes.

Arriving at our remote riverside departure point, spectacular cliffs surround us on all sides; fertile farmland lies at our feet. Buckling ourselves into flaming orange life jackets, we hike down a short dirt trail through lush jungle, emerging at a wharf perched on the banks of the mighty Sigatoka River.

Helping us aboard one-by-one, guide Jay gives a safety briefing before introducing us to the magical jet boat we’re in. “Unique in Fiji, these vessels are custom built in New Zealand…and all our drivers have been specially trained on rivers there…”

Glancing at this gleaming boat, Vicky whispers worriedly, “Oh, my…I soooo hope this doesn’t turn out to be Fiji’s version of a high-tech Disney ride…” With that, engines growl to life, everyone shifts their weight fully forward and the jet boat skims quickly away from lurking sandbars, heading quickly upriver. Along the riverbanks, rural life unfolds before us.

Women and children from the many remote villages lining the river enthusiastically wave to us. Clutching sunglasses and hats, we wave back, shouting out joyous “Bulas!”

Families on horses cross shallow waters, others pole-fish from shore; women scrub clothes on the rocks, singing in the sun. Farmers guide pairs of glistening bullocks, slowly plowing their small fields. Other sturdy beasts graze…or soak in the river, glancing up benignly as we roar by. I muse, “It must be their day off…”

Jay pauses midstream, cueing the onboard Fijian storyteller. “The Sigatoka is Viti Levu’s longest river, running from the hills of Navosa Province to the sand dunes along the Coral Coast…and the only route into the interior until the late 1950s.

It once took some villagers three days to travel downriver on their bamboo bilibili-rafts; return journeys took much longer. Locals depend on this river for freshwater mussels, fish, prawns, eels, drinking water and crop irrigation.” Open nowadays to tourists like us, we’re privileged to experience this untouched beauty first-hand.

Passing miles more of pristine scenery, Jay deftly steers the speeding boat, twisting and sometimes turning sharply to avoid snags and sandbars. Stopping abruptly in a quiet backwater along a muddy riverbank, he asks us to imagine a remote cave high in the mountains.

“It was a refuge for the last village resisting Christianity, possibly cannibals. To Christian Fijians, the old cannibal ways represented a frightening primitive practice for gaining personal power: chiefs ate eyes to gain vision; warriors, the hearts for courage; women, the backs for strength.” Before long we reach our destination in the interior.

The village spokesman greets us at the top of a steep, muddy pathway. As we women drape yellow, red or emerald-green safari Sulus around our waists, he beams, “Call me Amos…welcome to Toga Village, my home… ”

We parade toward the meetinghouse, remove shoes and sandals and enter a large, bright room where villagers await us. Seated cross-legged on woven mats, we face rows of grinning men; groups of women and children sit to the side and back, all smiling. Amos introduces us in Fijian, presenting our bundle of yanqona roots, a gift and distant relative to the pepper plant.

In a welcome ritual honoring guests for centuries, elders mix up these pounded yaqona-roots with fresh water in a large wooden tanoa-bowl. Our esteemed chief-for-a-day, Ratu Peter solemnly drinks first from a coconut-shell-cup, claps and says “Vinaka!” (thankyou). Next, the hereditary chief chugs down his cupful. Then in turn, we all receive kava. Calling ‘Bula,’ we gulp down the popular national drink, clapping three times according to ages-old custom.

Village women then place floral wreaths around our necks and pat rose scented talcum powder on our cheeks. While we chat with the chief and villagers, a fellow visitor distributes small gifts to eager children.

Later touring the village, Amos tells us that there are thirty-five houses here, ‘modern’ cinder block or clapboard construction. These villagers farm, selling their produce downriver at the Saturday markets so popular all across Fiji. Roosters, piglets and dogs wander the grassy yards; children pose excitedly for pictures…

Back inside the meetinghouse, a remarkable, colorful buffet beckons from a patterned aqua-blue cloth spread out atop the floor-mats.

Feeling right at home, we try this generous selection of typical foods: plates of taro leaves layered with coconut cream, steaming purple sweet potatoes, luscious papaya wedges, juicy-ripe pineapple and fresh squeezed orange juice. Mealy cassava-root-chunks quickly become my favorite…until a toothless matron beams, “Too much o’ dat gonna make ya’ fat!”

Before we’re ready, it’s time to go. Harmonizing voices sing Isa Lei…Fiji’s farewell anthem moves us to tears, making it difficult to leave the warmth and hospitality of the community.

Back aboard for the return trip downriver, our thoughts drift often to the serenity of Toga Village. Because this safari visits different villages each day, intrusions on traditional lifestyles are minimized, and our cultural encounter deep in the Fijian highlands leaves hearts brimming and spirits high. Meeting these beautiful interior villagers proves to be a safari like no other.

About the author:

This week Traveling Tales welcomes the travel writer team of Rick and Chris Millikan who live in North Delta, a suburb of Vancouver, B.C.

About the photos:

1: Loading up at the dock. Rick Millikan photo
2: Jet Boat up close. Photo courtesy of Sigatoka River Safari
3: A view in one of the villages. Rick Millikan photo.

When you go:

* For charming digs at Fiji’s famous beach contact Bob- natandola@connect.com.fj
* For an inspiring river safari into Fiji’s remote highlands- jay@sigatokariver.com
* For general travel info contact the Fiji Visitor’s Bureau- infodesk@fijifvb.gov.fj OR Keti at kwaqavonovono@fijifvb.gov.fj

Of Fiji’s many attractions, snorkeling in the South Pacific may be the most enticing. Thus I soon experience one of life’s greatest joys exploring Taveuni’s colorful offshore reefs. Amidst this kaleidoscope of activity, I approach green pipefish idling near the surface. Yellow-striped sergeant fish, vibrant angelfish and psychedelic Moorish idols swoop just below. Gold spotted rabbitfish, iridescent blue damsels and black and white batfish swirl through finger coral while a turquoise parrotfish gnaws creamy polyps.

Below a boulder-sized brain coral hosts tubeworms filtering micro-tidbits into their feathery red, blue, and yellow heads. A lavender-lipped giant clam is wedged below in rubble. Among branching pink corals I discover “Nemo” hovering with his mate above their anemone home. Bodies coated with protective mucus, these anemone fish guard their green tentacled sanctuary from enemies such as butterflyfish. Burbling goodbye to my finny friends, I return for morning tea.

On the beach my love Chris and I soon sample tasty slices of yellow custard pie, often served at Fijian get-togethers…and succulent slices of local papayas, pineapples and bananas. Serving under a huge shady tree, a genial crew member points out the tree’s large pyramidal fruit. Joseph tells us, “That’s vuturakaraka. Its ground seeds were once used as poison to harvest fish.”

Our Beverly Beach’s white sands stretch just beyond Prince Charles Beach, which memorizes Chuck’s royal dip in 1971, Fiji’s independence year. An Aussie shipmate irreverently suggests renaming this strand ‘Camilla Shores.’

Landing a few hours previously, on another palm-fringed beach, we’d boarded an open-air bus and shuttled off to Waiyevo to stroll across a rugby field to the 180-degree meridian and historic international-date line. Until this line was redrawn, a time warp existed. Taveuni was divided into two days. Cameras clicked as my spouse posed on the meridian’s ‘today’ side, while I said “Cheese!” a day earlier on the ‘yesterday’ side.

Just beyond, Wairiki Catholic Mission sprawled on a sunny hillside and provided further insights into Fijian culture. Palms flanks its century-old stone Romanesque church with stained glass windows rumored to be from a cathedral demolished during the French Revolution. Not an unusual sight in Fijian churches where pews are absent, parishioners of all ages sat on woven mats under the high-beamed ceiling.
On weekdays, twelve hundred primary and secondary students attended the adjacent school. I suspected a nearby gigantic slit log once drummed them to classes.

In the presbytery a painting hints at its unusual history. Fierce Taveuni warriors are depicted vanquishing Methodist Tongans in an offshore canoe battle. The Taveuni chief built Wairiki Mission as a reward to his tactical advisor, a Catholic French missionary.

Our tour continued through Somosomo, the island’s largest village. Tumultuous greenery surrounded its pastel clapboard stores, public cinder block buildings and thatched homes. Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs met in its modern central hall influencing far-reaching policies. Further along the coastal road small villages, budget bungalows and resorts lay secluded in tropical greenery. “Camilla Shores”…or “Beverley Beach” made a perfect stop!

Now leaving this regal beach, we travel inland on roads bordered with cliffs festooned with purple creepers, white-blossomed vines and lacy ferns. Countless palms cover hillsides for copra production, which renders glycerin for soap; shiny metal bands encircle the trunks preventing rats and crabs from scuttling coconuts.

Bridging a river, our bus bumps along a gravel road into a plush valley and Bouma village. A grinning local leads us to Tovoro Falls along a grassy pathway bordered by variegated ti hedges. Papaya, banana, mango and breadfruit trees grow below. Alfie points out cassava, kava, dalo and numerous medicinal plants along the way.

Brought here to control coconut pests, Australian magpies now fill the air with sweet fluty melodies. Hearing a raucous interruption, I spy a small vibrantly colored parrot perched in a palm. Ancient Tongans regularly sailed here to barter for this kula’s brilliant scarlet head feathers.

Arriving at the dramatic 100-foot waterfalls, half our group immediately strips down and plunges into the inviting crystal pool. The remainder gathers under two enormous Tahitian Chestnuts snapping photos. Circling around the impressive falls, I settle on a rock and contemplate the floral beauty.

Sweet scented red gingers bloom among the dense greenery. Including nearby tree ferns, three hundred types of ferns flourish on Taveuni. Several palm species are found nowhere else on earth. Several swimmers climb the rocks to explore caves behind the falls. Riding rushing waters, I return to the sandy shore.

Isolated volcanic mountains and abundant food make Taveuni a natural haven for plants and animals. I’d read about Bouma National Heritage Park’s largely unexplored rainforest stretching over 37,000 acres. Few travel to its crater lake to see Fiji’s rare national flower. Fragrant garlands of these pure white and blood red Tagimaucia orchids were only given to visiting royalty. Many of Fiji’s 170 identified orchids also grow there: more than 100 bird species make this rainforest park a bird-watcher’s paradise.

There’s no time left to hike the nearby rainforest trail to the magnificent upper falls or seek out the famed silk tails, wattled honeyeaters, orange florescent doves or barking pigeons. Joseph comforts us, “Ya’ can’t see everything! Come back and check out beautiful Lavena Beach, where ‘Return to the Blue Lagoon’ was filmed! And there’s another waterfall cascading from high cliffs into the sea. Ships once sailed past Bouma Village under these falls to fill their holds with fresh water…”

We talk about returning to hike the lush uplands, pedal its scenic roadways, snorkel offshore reefs and kayak its dazzling coastline. How I’d love to scuba seeing Rainbow Reef’s famed soft corals or descend into the Great White Wall, a spectacular marine canyon!

Many dream about romantic life on some South Sea island. Fiji offers 322 possibilities. Sampling this island paradise, we fully appreciate Taveuni’s offering of bula packed experiences.

About the authors:

This week Traveling Tales welcomes the travel writer team of Rick and Chris Millikan who live in North Delta, a suburb of Vancouver, B.C.

IF YOU GO:

Fiji Islands Travel Guide www.fijime.com

Blue Lagoon Cruises – Boutique island hopping journeys exploring Fiji’s turquoise lagoons and palm fringed white beaches. www.bluelagooncruises.com

Photos by Rick and Chris Millikan:

1. Fiji’s Anemone Fish
2. Couple Date on the Dateline
3. Waikari Catholic Mission
4. Buomo Falls
5. Taveuni Beverley Beach

Swiss Family Robinson had been a favourite bedtime story when I was young. Before lulling off to sleep, I’d imagine being swept away to an island paradise where palm trees swayed in sugar white sand. Although I eventually learned the difference between fact and fiction, I discover on this South Pacific adventure that fairytales can come true. The dream transforms as soon as we set foot on Aitutaki, one of the fifteen idyllic Cook Islands located smack dab between Tahiti and Fiji. As well as being welcomed by the traditional “Kia Orana,” and a medley of blister-provoking ukulele tunes, we’re draped with heaven-scented gardenias, offered a husk of coconut milk and treated to winning smiles. There’s no rush, no bustle. It’s obvious, we’re on island time.

Fantasy blurs with reality even more when we veer away from the tarmac, take a sandy road less traveled, and wind up on a shoreline that fringes a breathtaking lagoon.

“This has gotta be as close to Eden as it gets,” I whisper with awe, while gazing over the aquatic wonder that boasts every imaginable shade of turquoise. “All aboard to Paradise, ladies and gents,” comes a command that confirms my suspicion.

Instead of the wearing traditional navy gear, our pontoon boat Captain is decked out in Polynesian florals. And though the short voyage is certainly do-able by back stroke, the venture authenticates the real Robinson Crusoe feel. Add a tribal warrior to the far side beach, who dons a mid calf pareu (sarong), tasseled leggings and a beckoning conch call, and I know we’ve escaped reality.

A modern day version of Gilligan’s Island comes alive after we disembark on Akitua and home of the island’s solo property, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa. Billowy palms stand like watchtower sentinels as they line the pristine beachfront and throw shade over the fiesta of tropical flora. Although the resort only takes up a small portion of the twenty-seven lush island acres, its award winning location offers us the best vista of the Cook’s largest lagoon.

Over the next few days, after slathering up with SPF 50, we splash in the glorious Pacific, kayak to neighboring islands, and take a snorkel tour to check for treasures beneath.

I feel like Thor Heyerdahl, the Norwegian native who ventured to Polynesia in his reedy boat, when hopping aboard the Kon-Tiki-like catamaran sporting a canvas pop top. But while skimming the lagoon’s surface, where the infamous Cap’n Bligh and his mutiny men once sailed, the ride is a glide and the vistas are drop dead gorgeous. Tropical motus (islets) that fringe our surreal surface link together by a strand of reef, like a necklace of emerald gems. It’s a setting that’s sensationally stunning, and although it’s with some trepidation, I look forward to seeing what lurks below.

But while skimming the lagoon’s surface, where the infamous Cap’n Bligh and his mutiny men once sailed, the ride is a glide and the vistas are drop dead gorgeous. Tropical motus (islets) that fringe our surreal surface link together by a strand of reef, like a necklace of emerald gems. It’s a setting that’s sensationally stunning, and although it’s with some trepidation, I look forward to seeing what lurks below.

“The reef keeps flesh-loving predators away,” I’m told by our burly pony-tailed guide after we anchor, “and even if the occasional barracuda slips by, they only go for glitter.” He reveals a toothy grin as I nervously don my mask and webbed feet. Without haste, I remove my wedding ring and instruct my hubby to do the same. When he can’t get it off I ask if our wills are complete. I then submerge.

Shards of sunlight pierce the water’s surface, silhouetting colourful species that swarm within my vision; saucer size angelfish, rainbow-scaled parrotfish, and zillions of minnows. It’s a surreal intermingling, and as I float buoyantly in the tepid swells, I feel at one with the Pacific, free from any worldly cares, even barracudas.

Land loving activities are also at our fingertips during our paradisiacal stay. We’re enticed with everything from coconut climbing to Island night, when the hip-notic dancers keep the culture alive. We also check out some local lore during an island tour, and discover even more beauty behind the scenes.

Although our guide goes by the short form of Rey, his full title is Retire. And while traveling en route, I can’t think of a more suitable name.

Swaying coconut palms throw shade over hills and valleys choked with vibrant flora. Manicured yards host cyclone-proof cinder block homes, where wide-eyed children look curiously when we pass. They all smile and wave. In spite of their humble lifestyle, they seem happy.

Sun baked burial plots dot most yards and we discover love for family members continues long after they pass. More tombstones are grounded next to the oldest island church, built by missionaries in 1823. Sun filters through stained panes onto intricately etched motifs and reflect off the raised pulpit where, every Sunday, the preacher gives praise in Maori tongue. And from the rows on rows of pews, harmonizing voices soar and fill all space.

“We have more churches than people,” Rey jests, as we cruise the nine island miles. “There are 1,400 residents and no secrets,” he contentedly chuckles. Rey’s lived on Aitutaki all his life and when he speaks about his country and culture, it’s with pride. “Money’s not an issue. We own our land, grow and catch our food, and get water from the clouds. Life is simple. Simple is best.”

It’s obvious that Cook Islanders march to the tempo of a different drummer. No big box stores, fast food chains, or even traffic lights! It’s clear which one of us has the right idea.

The climax of our tour is the top of an island summit. Although small potatoes in comparison to our hills back home, it surpasses the most scenic postcard. Variegated shades of blue stretch to the horizon; everything from pale limpid to vibrant aquamarine. And snuggled up to one end is our home away from home, our fairytale-like treasure island of Akitua, where over the next few days we’ll just relax and simply retire.

About the author:

The freelance travel writer/photographer team of Jane and Brent Cassie make their home in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver B.C. on Canada’s West Coast. Visit their website at www.janecassie.com

Photos by Brent Cassie:
Top: Some of the always smiling Cook kids.
Next: Over-water bungalows offer sea-sational views.
Next: A Kontiki-style runabout at rest on the beach.

How to get there:
Air New Zealand
www.airnewzealand.com/gateway.jsp
Cook Island Tourism
www.cook-islands.com

Where To Stay:
The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa
www.aitutakilagoonresort.com

Day trips from Denarau Island to Fiji’s largest island of Viti Levu are just a causeway away!  Our Sofitel Resort & Spa on Denarau is a perfect launch from which to seek out the cultural, historical and untamed tropical beauty of Viti Levu.

The country’s capital of Suva sweeps us back to the time of British rule with its colonial buildings and small churches from the early 1900’s. The Fiji Museum captivates us with a chronology of Fiji’s past with displays of traditional double-hulled canoes, and chief’s whale bone necklaces. From tribal feuding times is a daunting array of war clubs and utensils used in cannibalism practices, as well as the sole from the shoe of missionary Reverend Thomas Baker who in 1867 was eaten for insulting a village chief. Another area reveals the terms of British indenturing of Indian workers for the sugar cane plantations between 1879 and 1916. The descendents of these workers, known as Indo-Fijians, and the indigenous Fijians are the country’s major cultures.

A day trip milling around the laid-back town of Nadi is a fine way to rub-shoulders with locals. Neat coffee shops line the streets serving our new delight – cassava cake. The sizable open-air Municipal Market overflows with vendors sitting on mats displaying taro, pineapple, mango, and strange-looking kava (yaqona) in all its forms; tangled stems, roots, and pre-packaged kava powder. The “grog” made from this plant, belonging to the pepper family, is consumed at ceremonies and social occasions.

Not to be missed is a Sigatoka River Safari. We skim up river in a jet boat to the remote village of Koronisagana where our curiosity about kava grog is to be satisfied in a traditional ceremony. The chief and village dignitaries make up a fresh batch of the mildly sedative, tongue mumbling brew that we down from a halved coconut shells. Our appetites spike for the “lovo” (earth oven) feast the village ladies prepared – tender chicken and fish in a mix of tangy spices, thick slices of baked taro and banana-like plantain. It was good to shake down our overindulgence in traditional “meke” dancing with the villagers.

I couldn’t imagine leaving without yet another day trip to Pacific Harbour Bay, where legendary firewalkers of the Sawau Tribe from the nearby island of Beqa walk over scorching rocks – as did their forefathers for hundreds of years. With ritualistic chanting the chief and several other male tribe members not only tread upon, but stand with arms outstretched on the smoldering rocks with no discomfort showing on their faces. A later close inspection of one young firewalker’s feet reveals no ill effect – their feat (pardon the pun) boggles the minds of scientists.

In between our day trips we relish soaking up the amenities of the Sofitel, with dips in the pool, sunset strolls on the beach, scrumptious suppers in the ocean view restaurant, and more than once finding our way to the resort’s spa for a massage and dip in a private outdoor tub filled with fragrant Frangipani flowers.

In a (coco)nut shell, there is something for everyone in Fiji whether adventurer or beach bum. The population adopts you the minute you arrive and the islands confer a rare tranquility being that the total population numbers less than 900,000. To Tourism Fiji’s catch phrase “fiji me” – I say, “anytime”.

More Info:

Fiji is comprised of 333 islands with 5-star resorts to remote “Robinson-Crusoe-type” escapes. Snorkeling/diving the coral reefs, world-class surfing are draws.

Denarau Island is reclaimed land off the west coast of the Viti Levu. Denarau Marina port is used by catamarans departing to and from the offshore islands.

About the author:
Irene Butler is an award winning travel writer and author of “Trekking the Globe with Mostly Gentle Footsteps”. Her articles have appeared in national and international magazines, newspapers and E-zines. She and her photographer husband Rick explore the world for six months of every year. www.globaltrekkers.ca

Photo Credit: Rick Butler