5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Fiji + When to See Meteor Showers

1. Yasawa Island (Yasawa Islands)

Well, technically, anywhere in the Yasawa Group will be a good place to watch the stars on a clear night. However, the largest island in the group, which goes by the same name, has many sheltered spots on the island away from any light pollution. For instance, the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa toward the northern end of the island has just 18 luxury bungalows scattered in private areas of the property, making it easy to find a secluded and dark spot for stargazing. Otherwise, head out to one of the 10 private beaches for more easy stargazing. Learn more about staying in the Yasawa Islands in The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Location: Yasawa Island, the northern region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Transport Guide for ways to get there.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

2. Raiwasa Grand Villa (Taveuni)

With around 80% of the island being a national park on an island sitting on the 180th parallel in the southern Pacific Ocean, Taveuni is far enough away from civilisation for some unbelievable stargazing. Anywhere on the coast without the obstruction of trees is a good place to stargaze in Taveuni. Furthermore, the Raiwasa Grand Villa on Taveuni has special star-gazing recliners on the villa’s private deck for your to get comfortable while counting the shooting stars. Learn more about Fiji’s “Garden Island” in The Complete Guide to Taveuni.

Location: Raiwasa Grand Villa, Matei, the northern coast of Taveuni. See the Taveuni Transport Guide to learn how to get there.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

3. Yaqeta Island (Yasawa Islands)

It’s in the name: Yaqeta Island in the Yasawas is home to the Navutu Stars Resort, which incidentally is a spectacular place for stargazing in Fiji. The adults-only resort is the ideal retreat for couples, where stargazing is just one of the many romantic activities on the menu. The “Beachfront Bures” (bungalows) are footsteps from the beach where you’ll have your own recliners waiting to lie back and watch the stars. Check out more amazing resorts in the 20 Best Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.

Location: Yaqeta Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. See the Yasawa Transport Guide for ways to get there.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

4. The Remote Resort (Vanua Levu/Taveuni)

Fiji’s second-largest island might stand out on the map of Fiji, but it is far less visited and populated. You know what that means? Exceptional stargazing! The more remote you go, the better the stargazing becomes, and you can hardly get more remote than The Remote Resort. The all-inclusive resort sits on the edge of its own peninsula, accessible from Vanua Levu or across the water from Taveuni. The resort has plenty of private open space to enjoy watching the stars, even from a private plunge pool on your villa’s deck. Learn more about the island in The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu.

Location: The Remote Resort, the southeastern coast of Vanua Levu, accessible by road then boat from Savusavu (Vanua Levu) or by boat from Taveuni.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

5. Nanuku Resort (Pacific Harbour)

Even from the scattered resorts and villages of Fiji’s main island, you can catch some amazing nights for stargazing. One of the places where you can enjoy a stargazing experience is from the Nanuku Resort on the Pacific Harbour. The five-star resort can organise camp-outs outside of your villa with a bonfire on the beach and stargazing through a telescope. Check out more ways to experience the Pacific Harbour in The Complete Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa.

Location: Nanuku Resort, Nanuku Drive, Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu. See how to get there in the Pacific Harbour Transport Guide.

© Aaron March - Tourism Fiji

Viewing Meteor Showers in Fiji

Experience the mesmerising celestial spectacle of meteor showers from the breathtaking shores of Fiji, where clear night skies and minimal light pollution offer stargazers an unforgettable astronomical adventure.

Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower can be observed from Fiji, which is active from 17 July to 24 August, with their peak occurring around 12-13 August. The optimal viewing time is during the pre-dawn hours when the radiant point in the constellation Perseus is higher in the sky. Under ideal conditions, observers can expect to see up to 60 meteors per hour at peak. To enhance visibility, find a dark area away from city lights and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20-30 minutes.

Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower can be observed in Fiji. This annual shower is active from around 19 April to 28 May, with its peak occurring on 5-6 May. During the shower’s peak, skywatchers in Fiji can expect to see an average of 20-30 meteors per hour from a dark location. The best time to view the shower is in the hours before dawn, as the shower’s radiant (the point in the sky where the meteors appear to originate) will be highest in the sky at this time.

To optimise your viewing experience, consider the following tips:

• Find a dark location away from city lights and artificial illumination
• Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes before observing
• Look towards the eastern horizon, as the radiant will be in the constellation Aquarius
• Avoid looking directly at the Moon, as its light can reduce the visibility of fainter meteors

While the Eta Aquariids are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, they can still be observed from Fiji.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Stargazing in Fiji

Now that you know about the best stargazing spots in Fiji, here are the answers to the internet’s frequently asked questions about Fiji’s night sky!

Can you see the Milky Way from Fiji?

Yes, you can see the Milky Way from Fiji! The islands’ remote location and minimal light pollution provide excellent conditions for viewing our galaxy. The best time to spot the Milky Way is during the dry season (May to October) when skies are clearer. Head to outer islands or secluded beaches for the most spectacular views.

What constellations can you see in Fiji?

Fiji’s southern hemisphere location offers a unique perspective on the night sky. You can spot constellations like the Southern Cross, Scorpius, and Orion. The Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies, are also visible. During different seasons, you might see Centaurus, Carina, and Vela. Remember, the visibility of constellations changes throughout the year.

Are there any planetariums or observatories in Fiji?

While Fiji doesn’t have formal planetariums or observatories, many resorts offer stargazing experiences with powerful telescopes and knowledgeable guides. Some eco-resorts have dedicated stargazing platforms or organize night sky tours. Yasawa Island Resort and Matangi Private Island Resort are known for their excellent stargazing opportunities.

What’s the best time of year for stargazing in Fiji?

The best time for stargazing in Fiji is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers clearer skies and lower humidity, providing optimal viewing conditions. However, any time of year can offer spectacular night skies, especially on moonless nights. The Perseid meteor shower in August is a particularly good time for sky-watching. For more information, check out The Best Time to Visit Fiji: A Month-by-Month Guide.

Are there any Fijian myths or legends about the stars?

Yes, Fijian culture has rich stories and legends about the night sky. For example, the Southern Cross is called Na Kalokalo Mai Lomalagi, meaning “the stars from heaven”. The story is often shared during traditional storytelling sessions or cultural nights at resorts. For more about the Fijian culture, check out The Guide to the Fiji Culture for Travellers.

Can I book a stargazing tour in Fiji?

While there are no formal stargazing tours in Fiji, you can still enjoy some spectacular night sky views during your visit. Many resorts offer telescopes for guests to use, allowing you to observe the stunning southern hemisphere constellations. Some resorts even organise informal stargazing sessions on the beach, where you can relax on loungers and gaze up at the clear night sky.

© FijiPocketGuide.com