Thread: Fiji

Fiji is absolutely wonderful! Went there two years ago. Flew Air New Zealand out of LAX to Nadi (nonreved without a problem) Stayed on Denarau Island at the Sheraton (there is a lovely Westin right next door too). Both properties oceanfront but the beach is not really a good swimming beach, it's volcanic sand. However, the vistas and the sunsets are spectacular. Every single day we took day cruises to nearby islands, it was so beautiful and relaxing. Went snorkeling in the crystal waters of some of these islands and simply relaxed on their beaches. People are marvelous and friendly and it's a very safe place. When we visited the numerous tiny islands nearby, we loved the 'bures' right on the beach (next time that's where we will stay, cabanas right on the edge of the water). We loved the diverse cultural landscape of the Fijian islands. You will no doubt make friends there as we did. There were few americans, mostly Kiwis and Aussies there. Overall, well worth the long flight. Oh, and the food at the Sheraton was superb!! Enjoy!

I also have to add that Fiji is nowhere near as commercialized and hyped as Hawaii, it's a very laid back and humble place, not to mention a lot less expensive than HI...and people are far warmer and more welcoming of Americans than in our own HI.

Fiji used to be one of the more expensive places to visit, but is a little cheaper these days due to it's somewhat unstable nature... the army that launched a coup in 2006 failed to hold elections last year and as a result has been suspended from the commonwealth of nations and pacific islands forum. Whilst this sounds dodgy, it has significantly reduced tourism and hence prices have now lowered as a result. Also most resorts are outside the capital Suva where the political sphere is located so it isn't dangerous for tourists in any way, and there is no threat of terrorism like there is in places such as Bali.

Depending on who you have agreements with, you can fly direct to Nadi from LAX (NZ or FJ), from ICN (KE), and from HNL (FJ).

If you like HNL and don't like the idea of such a long flight maybe you could spend half the time in HNL and half in Fiji? It would break up the journey for you a little.

Also, Phuket in Thailand is beautiful, and you would probably get a lot more bang for your buck than Fiji. The compromise is it is a much longer flight, and would most likely need a plane change in BKK.