The Top Fiji Hostels
Fiji might be associated with honeymooning couples and families on resort holidays, but the backpacking scene here is the islands’ true hidden gem. What many don’t realise is that Fiji is scattered with hostel-style resorts, making a hybrid accommodation that we like to call “backpacker resorts“. Here, you’ll find your usual hostel dorm rooms. The major difference from hostels found elsewhere in the world, however, is that self-catering facilities are replaced with meal plans, mainly due to the remote locations of these hostels, which, by the way, are paradise! Find out what more to expect from hostels in the How to Pick the Right Backpacker Hostel in Fiji. Otherwise, let’s crack on with this list of the very best hostels in Fiji!
1. Smugglers Cove Beach Resort
Situated on the backpacker resort-lined Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi, Smugglers Cove Beach Resort is a good go-to for when you first arrive in Fiji with a generous offering of inclusions. Make use of the free WiFi, free luggage storage, free kayak hire, free airport transfers, free beach activities, a free scuba diving lesson and free nightly entertainment! There are rooms for every type of budget traveller, from private double rooms, family suites, girls dorms to mixed dorms. See how this hostel compares to others in the 7 Best Backpacker Resorts in Nadi.
Check Smugglers Cove Beach Resort out:
- Smugglers Cove Beach Resort on Booking.com
- Smugglers Cove Beach Resort on Trip.com
- Smugglers Cove Beach Resort on Expedia
2. The Beachhouse
If you want to stick to the mainland but still want your beach fix, head to The Beachhouse on the Coral Coast. Stay in the dorm rooms of The Lodge or treat yourself to one of the Frangipani Rooms with an ensuite garden bathroom. Either way, the backpacker resort offers a wealth of free, cheap and paid experiences from fishing to island trips; scuba diving to jungle treks. At the end of the day, enjoy the cultural dancing and sundowners with like-minded travellers. Compare this hostel with others in the 9 Best Budget Accommodations on the Coral Coast.
Check The Beachhouse out:
3. Colonial Lodge
In the capital, tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac yet still within walking distance of the city centre’s attractions, Colonial Lodge is a renovated bungalow offering homely accommodation for backpackers. The hostel, shared with the friendly hosts and their pets, feels like a hybrid of a hostel and a homestay. Choose between double rooms upstairs or the dorm room downstairs with shared facilities. See how the hostel compares with the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Suva.
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4. Mantaray Island Resort
Heading to the outer islands now, Mantaray Island Resort is located in the backpacker-friendly island chain of the Yasawas. Get that “mid-range resort” experience without the associated costs by staying in Mantaray’s Paradise Dorm. The 32-bed dorm has private alcoves of bunks with air-conditioning, giving you a good night’s rest between swimming with manta rays or, well, relaxing on the beach. Although meals are a little pricier than what’s available at other backpacker resorts in the Yasawa Islands, Mantaray is definitely worth it to treat yourself for a couple of days.
Check Mantaray Island Resort out:
- Mantaray Island Resort on Booking.com
- Mantaray Island Resort on Trip.com
- Mantaray Island Resort on Expedia
5. Naqalia Lodge
One of the most underrated hostels in Fiji, also in the Yasawa Islands, Naqalia Lodge offers super affordable dorms and tent sites along with authentic Fijian experiences. In between dining on Fijian, Western and traditional lovo meals included in the dining package, guests can get stuck into island hikes, shark feeding, kayak tours, spearfishing, handline fishing, snorkelling, surfing and more! Include this resort with others in your Yasawa island-hopping trip, listed in the 10 Best Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Naqalia Lodge out:
6. Mana Lagoon Backpackers
One of the most affordable all-inclusive island hostels in Fiji, the Mana Lagoon Backpackers offers a relaxing vibe in the Mamanuca Islands. Choose from dorms and tent sites or double, twin or three-bed private rooms all with three meals and airport transfers included. The social hostel has lots of free activities on offer, like snorkelling, volleyball and fishing. Plus, the backpackers is close to a Fijian village giving you the opportunity to mingle with the locals (remember your village etiquette). See how the hostel compares to others in nearby in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in the Mamanuca Islands.
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7. Maravu Lodge
If you’re adventurous enough to travel to the less-visited “garden island” of Taveuni, then consider a stay at Maravu Lodge. The lodge/hostel has a communal dining area, a restaurant and a swimming pool, as well as a place to stay in their affordable dorm rooms. Based in Matei, it is a short walk from the town’s shops, eateries and beaches. You can also book a number of free or paid activities at the front desk. See more like this in 7 Best Budget Accommodations in Taveuni.
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8. Bamboo Backpackers
The fun, social and affordable Bamboo Backpackers is an epic place to start or end your trip in Fiji. The Wailoaloa beachfront hostel in Nadi offers free airport transfers, a swimming pool, cheap food at Cafe Bamboo, a beach bar with live Fijian music and more. They keep guests entertained with kava parties, daily volleyball games, and can organise affordable day trips to Nadi and excursions to the islands. Choose from a range of dorms and private rooms.
Check Bamboo Backpackers out:
9. Uprising Beach Resort
If you have some of Fiji’s adventure activities on your bucket list, such as white water rafting or scuba diving with sharks or in the Beqa Lagoon, then stay at the Pacific Harbour‘s Uprising Beach Resort. Their Tree House Dormitory with a shared bathroom allows you to save big bucks on accommodation while having access to all of the resort’s facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a rugby field, a restaurant, a beach bar, a massage bure (bungalow) and free use of beach sports equipment like kayaks, beach volleyball, snorkelling gear and more. See how the backpacker resort compares to other hostels nearby in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
Check Uprising Beach Resort out:
- Uprising Beach Resort on Booking.com
- Uprising Beach Resort on Trip.com
- Uprising Beach Resort on Expedia
10. Boathouse Nanuya
Offering something a little different in the Yasawa Islands, Boathouse Nanuya swaps the usual resort vibe for a more convenient base with its ATM, WiFi, convenience store, sports bar and day spa. That’s not to say that you won’t find the usual fishing, kayaking or trip to the famous Sawa-i-Lau Caves! When it comes to accommodation, choose between fresh-looking dorms (no bunks!) and twin rooms. Again, you can always compare this hostel with others in our list of the 10 Best Backpacker Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.
Check Boathouse Nanuya out:
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.