Fiji offers a vibrant shopping experience with a diverse range of options, from traditional markets showcasing local crafts to modern malls featuring international brands. Visitors can find unique items such as Fijian wood carvings, tapa cloth, pearls, kava sachets and local delicacies no matter where they go in the country. Keep in mind that every purchase you make supports local artisans and preserves the island's cultural heritage, so do your research on verifying an item’s authenticity by getting local recommendations and checking online.
Here are a few must-buy items you should get from Fiji.
With a large Indo-Fijian population and home to a habanero variety called bongo chillies, you can’t leave Fiji without stuffing its famous hot sauce in your luggage. Fiji Fire's "Bongo Chilli Hot Sauce” uses wild turmeric collected by local Fijian women for a kick that pays tribute to the islands' legendary fire walkers. It’s combined with pepper, carrots and naturally brewed vinegar for a pleasantly tart taste that you can use on omelettes and curries. In addition to this, check out Friend Fiji’s range of chutneys, jams, honey and dried fruits like pawpaw to take back home with you. All these products can be bought at Nadi International Airport and in retail stores throughout the island.
A Bula shirt is a traditional Fijian garment characterised by its vibrant colours and patterns that reflect the island's culture and identity. It is often made from lightweight cotton, which is suitable for the tropical climate, and is commonly worn during special occasions, festivals and as a symbol of hospitality. The shirts are adorned with frangipani or other flower patterns and can be purchased at local markets and at retail stores like Jack’s of Fiji.
Painted bark cloth is a richly patterned textile from the Lau Islands of Fiji. Often referred to as masi or tapa, its creation is exclusively practised by Fijian women. Masi paintings are decorated with techniques that vary from region to region, such as stencilling, printing, dyeing and freehand painting. The display and exchange of large pieces of masi form important components of ceremonial life in many areas of Polynesia, so treat each artwork with the respect it deserves. Buy them at Fijian Handicraft Centres in places Suva, Nadi and Lautoka; the My Fiji Store; or the RoC Market in Nadi—Fiji’s largest and longest-running community market—on the third Sunday of every month.
Fiji’s cacao plantations are well-known for producing the most delicious chocolate so consider buying the sweet treat as one of the souvenirs you take back with you. Nadi-based Vanua Chocolate produces award-winning craft chocolate using locally grown cacao and sugarcane. Stop by the Vanua Café to take a tour of their chocolate factory and pick up a few of their delicious bars, which include flavours like chilli, ginger and kava. Meanwhile, KokoMana’s delicious hand-made chocolate are crafted in an agroforest in Savusavu. Its founders are passionate about running a sustainable operation and sharing their knowledge with local communities. Take a tour of the property, where you’ll see the entire tree-to-bar process. You can also consider Fijiana Cacao, who make their chocolate in small batches by hand to ensure top quality.
Pure Fiji is a brand that offers a range of natural body care products made from ingredients sourced from the country, such as virgin coconut oil and tropical botanicals. Founded by mother-daughter duo Gaëtane and Andrée Austin in 1996, their products combine traditional Pacific Island practices with modern skincare technology. Employing a “seed-to-skin” approach, where naturally ripened seeds are collected by hand and minimally processed by humans, the brand is leading the way on sustainability and minimising their carbon footprint. In fact, all products come in environmentally responsible packaging that is greywater-friendly. Buy their hydrating body lotion, masques and peels, and nourishing face oils from their website.