Fiji Museum

Located in Suva, this comprehensive museum houses artifacts from Fiji's pre-colonial, colonial, and modern periods including the famous Bau canoe and extensive collections of tribal artifacts. It's essential for understanding Fijian history, culture, and the country's complex past.

Things to do

• View the Bau Canoe — Examine the museum's centerpiece—a large traditional Fijian war canoe that showcases the craftsmanship and maritime heritage of pre-colonial Fiji.
• Explore Tribal Artifacts Gallery — Walk through extensive displays of weapons, tools, pottery, and ornaments from various Fijian tribes spanning centuries of cultural development.
• Study Colonial Period Exhibits — Review documents, photographs, and artifacts documenting Fiji's colonial era under British rule and its impact on Fijian society.
• Attend a Guided Tour — Join a museum docent to gain deeper context about specific artifacts and learn authentic historical interpretations from local perspectives.
• Browse the Gift Shop — Purchase locally-made crafts, books on Fijian history, and reproductions of traditional items that support local artisans.
• Visit the Tapa Cloth Collection — Observe intricately patterned traditional bark cloth (tapa) with designs specific to different regions and their ceremonial significance.

Food to try

• Kokoda — Fresh raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice, a national dish that represents Fiji's connection to the ocean and is commonly available in Suva's restaurants.
• Lovo — Meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground oven wrapped in banana leaves, an essential traditional cooking method you can experience at local eateries near the museum.
• Cassava Cake — Sweet dessert made from grated cassava root, coconut milk, and sugar, commonly sold by street vendors and local cafés in central Suva.
• Dalo Leaves in Coconut Milk — Taro leaves cooked with fresh coconut cream, a staple vegetable dish representing traditional Fijian island cuisine available at nearby restaurants.
• Fijian Roti — Flatbread served with curried vegetables or meat, reflecting Indo-Fijian culinary influence and widely available in Suva's diverse food scene.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Objects — Many artifacts in the museum hold spiritual significance to Fijian communities; handle displays carefully and follow all museum guidelines without touching exhibits.
• Learn Bula Etiquette — Greet staff and other visitors with 'Bula' (hello) and show appreciation for Fijian hospitality by being courteous and respectful throughout your visit.
• Dress Modestly — Wear respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees, as Fiji maintains conservative cultural norms, and this applies when visiting cultural institutions.
• Ask Permission Before Photography — Check with museum staff about photography policies on certain sacred or culturally sensitive artifacts before taking images.