The warm and welcoming character of the people of Fiji is one of the top reasons to visit. But Fijians are more traditional and more modest than some of their South Pacific neighbors. As a courtesy to them, here are basic dress code and etiquette guidelines:
Resort Attire
While at your resort, you can wear whatever you'd wear on a tropical beach vacation. But do refrain from topless or nude sunbathing on your resort's beaches or at the pool, as it is considered offensive. If you are at a private island resort with secluded bures (bungalows) with private pools and beaches, doff your swimwear with discretion.
Sightseeing Attire
When away from a resort, women should avoid wearing camisoles, tank tops or halter tops that bare their shoulders. Also, both mean and women should not wear shorts (or miniskirts for women). The best advice is to carry a sulu (a Fijian sarong) or two to cover bare shoulders or legs.
Do's and Don'ts
• Do not wear hats when visiting a Fijian village and do not touch anyone's head (it is considered a sign or disrespect).
• Do take off your shoes before entering a bure or house.
• If you are invited to a village, do stay with the host who invited you. Don't wander off if invited by another member of the village as this is considered disrespectful to your host.
• Do speak softy. Fijians interpret raised voices as expressing anger.
• Fijians are known to be exceptionally welcoming and friendly, but if someone turns away when you are photographing them, do respect their wish not to be photographed. Aside from ceremonies and performances, if you want to take a photo of someone, it is considered polite to ask their permission first.
• If offered a bowl of kava to sip during a yaqona ceremony, do try it. It is considered rude not to.