Information, Shops & Services in the Yasawa Islands

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Food and Groceries in the Yasawa Islands

There are no general stores or supermarkets in the Yasawa Islands. The only way to get food as a visitor is through your accommodation, whether it’s a resort restaurant or a meal with a village homestay.

It’s recommended that you bring any snacks or essential food items you may need from the mainland; check out our Information, Shops & Services in Nadi and Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji for advice.

Convenience Stores at Resorts

Some of the Yasawa Island resorts have a few basic essential items for sale in their reception area, but these are typically only cold drinks, ice creams, and a few snacks.

For resorts that are based near villages, there is also sometimes some kava powder for sale should you want to visit a village and present a sevusevu – see Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village.

Food Stalls in Villages

Some of the Yasawa Islands’ villages have small huts selling essential food items, but a bit of local knowledge is needed on who owns the hut, as they don’t usually have scheduled opening times. You’re more likely to encounter this if doing a village homestay, but it’s not recommended as something to rely on for food.

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Dining at Resorts in the Yasawa Islands

Every resort in the Yasawa Islands offers dining options for guests and day-trip visitors (if applicable). Some resorts feature à la carte menus, sometimes to pay-as-you-go but mostly included in a mandatory meal plan, allowing you to choose from a variety of dishes.

Some smaller, more intimate resorts offer daily set menus, where you’ll need to order your meals a few hours in advance – again, this is likely to be part of a meal plan.

Other resorts in the Yasawa Islands are all-inclusive with meals included in the going rate – see the 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Fiji for examples. Plus, learn about resort meal plans in our guide, Is it Worth Buying a Resort Meal Plan in Fiji?

Many resorts pride themselves on showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often incorporating traditional Fijian flavours into their dishes. You can expect to find plenty of seafood options, tropical fruits, and international cuisines with a Fijian twist. Some resorts even offer romantic private dining experiences on the beach – perfect for those special occasions!

Restaurants in the Yasawa Islands

Aside from resort restaurants, independent cafes and restaurants in the Yasawa Islands are extremely scarce.

One notable dining option, however, is Lo’s Tea House in Matacawalevu Village on Nanuya Lailai Island. Lo’s unique tea-making process is a treat for the senses. She plucks a fresh kaffir lime leaf, adds a slice of ginger root, muddles them together, and pours in boiling water. The result? A fragrant, invigorating brew that pairs perfectly with her freshly baked banana cake. Make sure to try Lo’s special crab dish if it’s available!

Organic Ice Cream Nanuya is a delightful organic ice cream at Nanuya Sewa (Nanuya Lailai) Island’s eastern village. Savour seasonal fruit and coconut cream creations on the beach or in their charming seating area. Don’t forget cash – around FJ$5 each. The owner also offers the Voyager Retreat Homestay.

The closest resorts are Gold Coast Inn, Sunrise Lagoon Homestay, and Nanuya Island Resort and can be visited with Blue Lagoon Cruises.

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Medication, Toiletries and Pharmaceuticals

Just like grocery stores, there are limited places to buy medication, toiletries and pharmaceuticals in the Yasawa Islands. It is advised that you bring any medication, toiletries and pharmaceuticals that you might need to the Yasawa Islands.

We have listed our recommendations in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Fiji.

Healthcare at Resorts in the Yasawa Islands

Some resorts in the Yasawa Islands may have a few light medications (pain killers) and sunscreen for sale in their reception areas, but this is not something to rely on – it’s best to bring your own.

Resorts in the Yasawa Islands do not have medical clinics. Most have first aid kits.

For emergencies, there is a medical evacuation centre based in Port Denarau that will be able to evacuate patients from islands in the Yasawa Islands and provide medical services – see the Information, Shops & Services in Denarau for more information.

For more advice on staying healthy while visiting the Yasawas, check out How to Stay Safe in Fiji.

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Payment Methods and Communication

Forget fuel stations, banks and ATMs. The Yasawa Islands keep things simple.

Cash or Card in the Yasawa Islands?

Most resorts accept credit cards (with a surcharge) and cash (Fijian dollars), but cash is the most widely accepted payment method among budget resorts and homestays. On the other hand, resorts like Yasawa Island Resort & Spa are cashless, so you will have no choice but to settle the bill with a credit card at the end of your stay.

For more advice, check out What is the Best Way to Pay in Fiji?

Phone Coverage

Phone signal with Vodafone and Digicel is generally good in the Yasawa Islands, but the signal tends to get worse in the northern region of Nacula and Yasawa Islands. Find out more in Is There Mobile Phone Reception in the Yasawas Islands?

Internet

One thing you won’t miss out on in the Yasawas is WiFi. Resorts in the Yasawas with WiFi include:

• Yasawa Island Resort & Spa: free WiFi in common areas
• Octopus Resort: free WiFi in common areas and premium rooms
• Navutu Stars Resort: 8 Gb of free WiFi
• Barefoot Manta Resort: free WiFi
• Barefoot Kuata Resort: free WiFi
• Oarsman’s Bay Lodge: free WiFi.

For more advice for staying connected, check out Where to Get WiFi in Fiji. Your best option for accessing the internet is through a data plan with a local network provider – see The Best SIM Card in Fiji for Travellers to learn more.