Drinking in Fiji
Kava — Fiji's National Drink
Kava (Yaqona) is not just a ceremonial drink but also an everyday beverage. In Fiji, there are Kava bars (more like Kava circles on the grass), where men sit together for hours in the evening, drinking round after round. As a tourist, you will often be invited — sharing a Bilo (bowl) with strangers is a wonderful way to make connections. Kava costs 30–80 FJD per kilo at the market.
Fiji Bitter & Fiji Gold
Fiji Bitter is Fiji's national beer: a light, easy-drinking lager, perfect for tropical temperatures. Brewed by the Paradise Beverages Company in Suva since 1957. A bottle at the resort: 7–12 FJD, in the supermarket: 3–5 FJD. Fiji Gold is the premium variant with more character.
Fruit Juices & Coconut Water
Fresh coconuts are available at every street corner and on the beach for 2–5 FJD — the vendor chops off the top with a machete, inserts a straw, and it's ready. The water is isotonic and perfect after a day of snorkeling. Fresh mangoes, papayas, and passion fruits are offered everywhere as juice or freshly cut.
What You Should Know
- Alcohol: Fiji is not strict about alcohol, but in the villages, only Kava is consumed. Bringing alcohol to villages is disrespectful — avoid it.
- Tap Water: Generally drinkable in Suva and Nadi, bottled water is recommended on the smaller islands.
- Fiji Water: Yes, the globally exported Fiji Water does indeed come from Fiji — from an artesian source in the Yaqara Mountains on Viti Levu. Cheaper locally than anywhere else, but still more expensive than tap water.
