Fiji Celebrates 50 Years Of Independence With 10 Must-Do Happy Moments

This year Fiji is celebrating 50 years of independence, and the only thing missing is you! While this Fiji Day (October 10, 2020) won’t be the same without us celebrating together in person, Fiji wants to inspire you to keep dreaming of your next trip.

This year Fiji celebrates its 50^th anniversary of independence. 

The friendly island nation celebrates Fiji Day annually on the 10th Ocotber, which is the National Day of Fiji to mark the anniversary of both Fiji’s cession to the United Kingdom in 1874 and its attainment of independence in 1970.

Celebrating fifty years is a huge milestone for Fiji and also a significant one for our friends over at Tourism Fiji.

The tourism industry is incredibly important to Fiji, employing one in every nine people, and making up 40% of our GDP. In 1970 Fiji welcomed 110,042 visitors from around the world, and prior to COVID-19 hitting, the country was on track to have almost a 750% increase in visitor arrivals from around the world.

In order to celebrate, we’d like to share 10 happy moments to have in Fiji to help you keep dreaming of the place where happiness finds you—because Fiji’s Bulanaires, islands, hidden gems, pristine environment, cultural experiences, surf spots, private beaches, and ‘Bula Spirit’ await!

1. A Bulanaire you need to meet: Tom Kinikinilau

In Fiji, ‘Bula’ is more than just a greeting. It’s a wish for happiness, good health and the energy of life.

Tom Kinikinilau is from Malolo Island Resort and his secret to a happy life is to start each day by giving yourself a big ‘Bula’ smile.

“Wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and just give yourself a big, bright ‘Bula’ smile. If you can make yourself happy, you can make everyone happy.”

Tom Kinikinilau

2. A private island you need to buy-out: VOMO Island

If your idea of paradise is getting together your friends and family and jetting off onto a private island, this is a happy moment you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.

Check out VOMO Island Fiji  (max occupancy-100), this resort is the epitome of barefoot luxury, offering three miles of beaches, two infinity pools, a fully equipped Kids Village with Baby Butlers, scuba diving, a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course, tennis, and more!

SO DREAMY.

3. A hidden gem to discover: the Underwater Cathedral

On a Fijian adventure, there are plenty of hidden gems that will leave you filled with happiness.

We think the Sawa-I-Lau Caves in the northern Yasawa Islands are pretty special. These caves are sculpted by centuries of wave erosion, leaving an incredible (and super Instagrammable) spot to swim in.

4. An enriching experience: Help a Turtle

A trip to Fiji is not complete without an enriching experience that further supports Fiji’s sustainable tourism initiatives.

If you adore animals, this experience will make you smile from the inside out. Guests at Treasure Island Resort can take part in the Hawksbill Turtle Conservation program that helps injured turtles rehabilitate and return to the sea.

5. A dive spot not to be missed: Kadavu

Fiji is known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” and a diver’s paradise! While it is hard to run out of new places to explore, Kadavu is one you simply cannot miss.

Kadavu is known as Fiji’s “untouched Eden” features one of the world’s largest barrier reefs the Great Astrolabe Reef. This dive site has pinnacles, passages, drop-offs, and an abundance of wildlife.

6. A national park to explore: Colo-i-Suva Forest Park

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park has recently been put on the map as a must-do in Fiji, thanks to the Royal Family’s recent visit in 2018. This national park is one of the most beloved parks by locals in Suva.

7. A cultural landmark to visit: Navala Village

Nestled into Fiji’s highlands, Navala is a traditional village from the 19^th Century that has been preserved and offers visitors a truly off-the-grid experience.

8. A surf spots to hang-loose on: Cloudbreak

Catch happy moments and epic waves on Cloudbreak, a world-renowned surf break that consistently produces some of the cleanest, and most challenging, waves to surf.

9. A beach to to relax and recharge at: Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is listed in the book by Patricia Schultz “1000 Places to See Before you Die” and it’s not too hard to see why.

This lush untouched beach is only accessible by boat and on the western coast of Matangi Island. Hello, paradise.

10. A top destination pick: Yasawa Islands

This is a hard one, as there are so many dreamy destinations on the 333 islands that call Fiji home. However, we’ve settled on the Yasawa Islands.

Here, adventure is always calling, with remarkable landscapes, friendly marine life, hospitable locals, and remote beaches waiting to welcome you.

We can’t wait to visit you again soon.

Click here to send your well wishes to Fiji and watch the video that goes live at 7pm tonight.

Click here to read all 50 Tourism Fiji must-do happy moments.

READ: Keeping The Bula Spirit Alive: Fiji’s September Happiness Update