From the thrum of a yaqona circle on a rainy afternoon to the salt-bright breeze off the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, Fiji smells of coconut husk, warm timber, and freshly picked vanilla. Colorful sulu skirts flutter in open-air markets in Suva, while hand-painted masi cloths catch the sun in village workshops—every island has a craft, flavor, or ritual worth taking home.

Whether you want a practical keepsake, a wearable piece of island life, or a taste that reminds you of surf and sand, here’s what to buy in Fiji to bring a piece of this generous archipelago home with you—perfect for anyone hunting memorable Fijian souvenirs.

1. Kava (yaqona) powder

Why pick this up: Kava is the social drink of Fiji—earthy, peppery, and central to ceremonies and village life. A bag of dried yaqona lets you recreate that mellow, communal moment at home.
What to look for: Choose finely ground, labelled yaqona from recognised growers (ask for noble varieties). Check for a fresh, earthy aroma and avoid packets that smell stale or mouldy.
Price bracket (2025): FJ$8–35 per 250–500g depending on grade and village sourcing.
Where to find it: Suva Municipal Market, Nadi Market, roadside stalls outside villages, or specialty shops in Port Denarau and online Fijian suppliers.

2. Tanoa (ceremonial kava bowl) and kava set

Why pick this up: The carved wooden tanoa is more than a bowl—it’s a centerpiece of ceremony and makes a striking conversational object in your home.
What to look for: Solid hardwood with even carving, multiple small cups (bilo) and a polished finish. Smaller souvenir sizes are easier to pack but authenticity often comes with hand-tool marks.
Price bracket (2025): FJ$60–400 for carved tanoa; small souvenir sets FJ$30–80.
Where to find it: Craft markets in Suva and Nadi, village woodworkers on main islands, souvenir shops at Port Denarau.

3. Masi (tapa cloth)

Why pick this up: Masi—Fiji’s tapa—is a soft, hand-painted bark cloth used for ceremonies, wall hangings, or table covers. Each design can tell a story about island life.
What to look for: Hand-painted motifs (geometric patterns, traditional motifs), natural dyes, and different sizes (from small placemats to full cloths).
Price bracket (2025): FJ$45–250 depending on size and handcrafting.
Where to find it: Village workshops in Bau and the outer islands, arts stalls at Suva’s Hanuabada craft markets, galleries in Nadi and Denarau.

4. Sulu (Fijian wrap/skirt)

Why pick this up: The sulu is Fiji’s everyday garment and a wearable memory—bright prints are perfect for beach days or casual dinners.
What to look for: Cotton or lightweight rayon, reinforced waist ties, and authentic Fijian prints (flower, reef, or tapa-inspired patterns). Men’s and women’s styles differ—ask vendors about formal vs. casual sulus.
Price bracket (2025): FJ$18–65.
Where to find it: Markets in Nadi and Suva, beachside shops in the Mamanucas and Yasawas, resort boutiques.

5. Pandanus weaving (mats, baskets, hats)

Why pick this up: Hand-woven pandanus goods are durable, beautiful, and made with techniques passed down generations—perfect for home décor or travel-ready storage.
What to look for: Tight, even weave, natural pandanus colour or dyed with traditional earth tones; larger mats are lighter than they look if properly dried.
Price bracket (2025): FJ$20–FJ$150 (small baskets to full mats).
Where to find it: Village cooperatives, craft stalls in Savusavu, and Nadi’s market areas.

6. Pearls (cultured and South Sea varieties)

Why pick this up: Lustrous Pacific pearls—often sold as pendants or studs—are a luxurious reminder of Fiji’s clear waters and coral lagoons.
What to look for: Good nacre, even colour, and secure settings. Fiji retailers often sell pearls alongside Tahitian or South Sea varieties—ask about origin and certificates.
Price bracket (2025): FJ$200–3,500 (simple freshwater pendants to larger South Sea pieces).
Where to find it: Jewellery stores in Suva, luxury boutiques at Port Denarau and island resorts, pearl farms on outer islands.

7. Coconut shell and shell crafts

Why pick this up: From carved coconut bowls to delicate shell necklaces, these are sustainable, island-made souvenirs that carry a seaside sensibility.
What to look for: Smooth finishes, sealed interiors for bowls, and hand-drilled shell jewellery (check for secure fittings).
Price bracket (2025): FJ$5–80.
Where to find it: Beach markets in the Yasawas, craft stalls on Denarau Island, roadside vendors on main islands.

8. Artisanal Fijian chocolate and cacao products

Why pick this up: Small-batch chocolate bars made from island-grown cacao capture Fiji’s tropical fruit notes and make excellent gifts.
What to look for: Bean-to-bar labels, single-origin Fijian cacao, and bars with local flavours like coconut, ginger, or chili.
Price bracket (2025): FJ$8–22 per bar; gift boxes FJ$25–80.
Where to find it: Specialty food stores in Suva, Taveuni and Kadavu island producers, airport boutiques.

9. Vanilla, honey and tropical preserves

Why pick this up: Fiji’s warm islands produce fragrant vanilla pods, wildflower honey, and chutneys (mango, guava) that taste like sunshine on toast.
What to look for: Plump, oily vanilla beans in sealed packs; single-origin honey with clear labelling; small-batch preserves with minimal preservatives.
Price bracket (2025): Vanilla FJ$15–45 per pack; honey FJ$8–35; preserves FJ$5–20.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets in Savusavu and Suva, roadside stalls on Vanua Levu, boutique grocers.

10. Wood carvings and traditional paddles

Why pick this up: Carved canoe paddles, miniature waka, and totem-like figures are expressive souvenirs that reflect Fiji’s seafaring heritage and carving traditions.
What to look for: Hand-carved grain, natural finishes, and provenance (which island carver made it). Smaller paddles are far easier to pack.
Price bracket (2025): FJ$30–450 depending on size and intricacy.
Where to find it: Craft villages, the arts centre in Suva, resort gift shops and specialist carvers in villages around Viti Levu.

When shopping, bargain respectfully, ask about how items were made, and consider buying directly from village cooperatives—your purchase supports families and keeps traditional crafts alive. Happy hunting for Fijian souvenirs that will instantly whisk you back to coral reefs and palm-lined horizons! 🌴

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!