Question 1

What does Bula mean? How do you say hello in Fijian?

Accepted Answer

Bula (pronounced BOO-la) is the most important word in the Fijian language — it means hello, welcome, and good health all in one. Use it to greet everyone you meet in Fiji. Other essential phrases: Vinaka (vee-NAH-ka) = thank you, Moce (mo-THAY) = goodbye, Yadra (YAN-dra) = good morning, Io (EE-oh) = yes, Sega (SENG-a) = no, Kerekere (ke-re-ke-re) = please.

Question 2

What language is spoken in Fiji?

Accepted Answer

Fiji has three official languages: English, iTaukei Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. English is the language of government, business, and tourism — you will have no language barrier anywhere in Fiji. iTaukei Fijian is spoken by indigenous Fijian communities, and Fiji Hindi by the Indo-Fijian community. In tourist areas everyone speaks English fluently. Learning Bula and Vinaka is welcomed warmly.

Question 3

What is kava? What does it taste like?

Accepted Answer

Kava (called yaqona in Fijian, pronounced yang-GO-na) is Fiji's national ceremonial drink, made from the ground root of the kava plant mixed with water. It's non-alcoholic and legal worldwide. Taste: earthy, slightly bitter, similar to muddy water. Effects: a mild numbing sensation on the lips and tongue and slight relaxation — not intoxicating at normal ceremony quantities. Sharing kava is a gesture of friendship and respect in Fijian culture.

Question 4

How does the kava ceremony work? What do I do when offered a cup?

Accepted Answer

When offered the bilo (coconut shell cup): clap once, say bula, drink it in one go, then clap three times and say vinaka (thank you). Participation is entirely optional with no pressure — if you'd rather not drink, gesture no thank you to the cup-bearer. Do not decline at a formal ceremony unless you communicate this respectfully in advance. Children are usually offered fresh coconut water as an alternative.

Question 5

What is a sevusevu and do I need to bring one?

Accepted Answer

A sevusevu is a traditional gift of kava root presented to the village chief when visiting a Fijian village — it's the formal way of requesting permission to enter and a sign of respect. Buy a bundle of kava root (waka) at Nadi market for around FJD $10-15. Never visit a traditional village without a sevusevu unless invited by a resident; your guide will explain the protocol if you're on a tour.

Question 6

What should I wear when visiting a Fijian village?

Accepted Answer

Village visits require modest dress — shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. A sulu (wrap-around skirt) is ideal and can be bought cheaply at markets. Remove your hat when entering a village, as wearing one is considered disrespectful. Remove shoes before entering a bure (traditional house). Avoid touching anyone's head, as it's considered sacred in Fijian culture.

Question 7

What Fijian cultural customs should visitors know?

Accepted Answer

Key customs: bring a sevusevu (kava gift) to any village visit; cover shoulders and knees in villages and churches; remove hats when entering a village; always ask permission before photographing people, especially elders; Sundays are observed as a day of rest in many communities, so avoid loud activity near villages; and greet everyone with Bula — it's Fiji's warmest and most important custom.

Question 8

What is Fijian traditional food? What should I try?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Fijian food centres on the lovo — an underground earth oven that slow-cooks meats, fish, and root vegetables wrapped in banana leaves for 2-3 hours, producing tender, smoky food. Kokoda (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream) is considered Fiji's national dish, similar to ceviche. Other dishes to try: palusami (taro leaves in coconut cream), dalo (taro root), and cassava. Indo-Fijian cuisine — roti, curry, dal — is also widely available and excellent.

Question 9

What is the Fijian concept of kerekere?

Accepted Answer

Kerekere is a traditional Fijian custom of requesting something from another person, with an expectation it will be given — sharing resources is fundamental to community life in Fijian culture. As a visitor, this means if a Fijian generously offers you something, it's polite to accept graciously. The concept reflects communal values at the heart of Fijian society, where resources are traditionally seen as belonging to the community rather than individuals.

Question 10

What is the best way to experience authentic Fijian culture?

Accepted Answer

The most authentic cultural experiences include attending a sevusevu and kava ceremony in a village, watching a meke (traditional dance) performance, visiting the Fiji Museum in Suva for historical context, taking a guided tour to traditional farming communities, and attending a Sunday church service — Fijian Methodist choirs are extraordinary and visitors are genuinely welcome. Purely commercial cultural shows at tourist hotels are less meaningful than the real thing.

Fiji Culture, Kava & Language Guide

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