The Family Travel Guide to Denarau Island 👨‍👩‍👦 [2025]

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How to Get to Denarau

Denarau Island is located just north of Nadi International Airport, around a 25-minute drive. It’s one of the easiest Fiji holiday destinations to get to when arriving in Fiji via the Nadi Airport, with a wealth of options for getting between the airport and your resort in Denarau.

Denarau by Taxi (LT)

In Fiji, you’ll encounter two types of taxis: those with LT on the license plate and those with LH. LT taxis are a popular and affordable way to travel from Nadi Town and Nadi International Airport to Denarau. You’ll find them in abundance, so there’s no need to book in advance when heading to Denarau.

However, keep in mind that these types of taxis are not permitted to provide pick-ups in Denarau. The journey between Nadi Airport and Denarau typically takes about 20-30 minutes. For more insider tips on taking a taxi in Fiji, don’t miss our 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji.

Denarau by Transfer (LH)

When you spot those distinctive LH license plates in Fiji, you’re looking at transfer companies, often with “Tours & Transfers” or similar in their name. While they might cost a tad more than your standard LT taxis, they come with some pretty sweet perks.

First off, they’re much easier to pre-book, so you can check out the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji to get started. You can expect higher-quality vehicles too. And let’s not forget the more attentive tourist service.

Denarau by Bus

The public bus service in Nadi and Denarau is the cheapest way to get to Denarau. The public bus operator servicing Denarau costs just a couple of bucks per person between Nadi and Denarau.

To get around Denarau, the hop-on-hop-off service costs just over FJ$10 per adult for the full day. Children under 12 travel free with a paying adult.

Learn more about these buses in the Denarau Transport Guide and How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

For more advice on getting around Denarau, including the Denarau Marina water services, check out our 10 Ways to Get to Denarau.

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Adventure Activities for Families

For the family that loves to be active and adventure together, Denarau has the perfect selection of activities. There’s so much happening outside of the resorts, from family-friendly island trips all the way to extreme sports like skydiving – which, yes, even kids are safe to do!

However, because we know that most parents don’t like throwing their kids out of planes, here are some super family-friendly adventure activities in Denarau.

Family-Friendly Island Excursions

To see all those paradise islands you’ve browsed in the brochures, get on the water with a cruise from the Port Denarau Marina. Day cruises like South Sea Sailing offer family-friendly excursions on a large sailing catamaran complete with a waterslide!

Kids will love the sailing adventure with Captain Cook Cruises to Kadavu Lailai, their private beach on Serenity Island. Board the tall ship with a welcome drink and kava ceremony, then enjoy a short sail to your adventure island.

Explore the coral reef by snorkelling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Join a marine biologist for a glass-bottom boat tour, take a cultural nature walk, and contribute to conservation efforts through the ‘Buy a Coral, Build a Reef’ program.

There are many more options, so take a look at the 10 Best Day Cruises in Fiji for more inspiration.

Zipline Tours

The ultimate adventure for kids and adults alike is in the forests of Nadi, a short drive from Denarau. Hotel pick-up is included in ziplining tours with Zip Fiji and Sleeping Giant Zipline Fiji.

The experience includes more than just zooming on giant ziplines, with waterfalls, caves and magnificent tropical forests to discover. Find out more in our 5 Best Zipline Tours in Fiji.

Waterpark in Denarau

That’s right, Denarau has its own waterpark! Adults and kids can jump on the giant fibreglass waterslides, and kids will have a blast on the inflatable waterslides and obstacle courses at Big Bula Waterpark.

When you’re not getting involved in the waterslide action yourself, you can relax at the on-site cafe.

Check out 5 Fun Family Day Trips from Denarau and 10 Epic Adrenaline Activities in Fiji for more inspiration.

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Cultural Activities for Families

One of the aspects of a family holiday in Fiji that kids find the most fascinating is the island culture. Cultural dancing known as a “meke” captivates the little ones with enthusiastic chanting and singing. The Fijian warriors are always a hit and get the imaginations going.

Fijian Cultural Performances

Get ready to dance the night away with your family at one of Fiji’s vibrant cultural performances! The lively “meke” dance is sure to captivate both kids and adults alike. Join a cultural tour at Fiji Culture Village, where you’ll experience traditional Fijian bures, thrilling cultural shows, and a mouth-watering “lovo” feast.

For a family-friendly twist, check out the VOU Hub‘s Island Adventurers Kid’s Show. This interactive and educational performance features funky original soundtracks that will have your little ones dancing along in no time!

And for a delicious dinner and dance combo, head to Mamacita Mexican Restaurant on Tuesdays for a traditional Fijian Lovo Buffet with mesmerising meke performances, or visit on Fridays for an International Buffet accompanied by enchanting Polynesian entertainment.

Sabeto Hot Pools

The mud pools and hot springs complex, just a short drive from Denarau, is an enjoyable and affordable experience for all ages. Kids will love the novelty of spreading wet mud all over themselves, while Mum and Dad will get some time to relax in the hot springs.

Tours from Denarau, like the Mud Pool & Garden Tour with Excite Tours & Travel, take families straight to the mud pool action, as well as give the opportunity to explore the Garden of the Sleeping Giant – another fantastic activity for all the family with plenty of space for kids to run around.

Alternatively, try Fiji’s Full-Day Sabeto Safari 4WD Adventure with Fiji 4WD Safaris (Rosie Holidays). For more excursions like this, check out The Best Day Trips from Denarau.

More Things to Do in Denarau

The rest of your time in Denarau can be enjoyed by exploring the vibrant Port Denarau Marina, indulging in world-class spa treatments, or teeing off at the championship golf course, which you can find out more about in the 10 Best Things to Do in Denarau with Kids.

For experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the family-friendly category but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do in Denarau.

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Resort Activities for Kids

One of the things we love about a family holiday in Denarau is that there’s always something for kids to do, even when mum and dad want to relax. The Denarau resorts are packed with activities for kids, with complimentary kids’ clubs and good splashy fun in the swimming pools.

Resort Kids’ Clubs

Denarau’s family-friendly resorts offer kids’ clubs for all their guests, giving your little ones the opportunity to mingle with kids their own age and engage in the local culture. Resorts like the Radisson Blu‘s Blu Banana Kids Club has fun-filled itineraries of Fijian games and crafts for ages 1-3 and 4-12.

Sheraton Fiji Resort‘s kids’ club activities include face painting, fish feeding and language lessons. The Fiji Hilton Beach Resort‘s IKA Kids’ Club features an outdoor play area, as well as two indoor activity rooms where the young guests can engage in local arts and crafts all day.

Learn more about these kids’ clubs in the 5 Best Kids’ Clubs on Denarau Island.

There are also babysitting services available in most resorts where hourly charges apply.

Children’s Playgrounds

No matter where in the world they are, kids love playgrounds. All the child-friendly resorts in Denarau have their own outdoor playgrounds with slides and swings – the full works.

So when your kids need to burn off some energy, you know where to take them.

Resort Swimming Pools

What kid doesn’t love to spend some time in the pool with mum and dad?! Every resort in Denarau has at least one pool, but most have multiple options to keep things fresh. Resorts like the Radisson Blu Resort has a dedicated kids’ pool complete with a waterslide, while the Hilton Fiji Resort has seven different outdoor pools to choose from!

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Family-Friendly Dining in Denarau

Denarau Island presents an enticing array of family-friendly dining options, ensuring that every member of your clan can savour a memorable meal in paradise.

The Best Restaurants in Denarau for Families

Cantina Grill & Bar

Cantina Grill & Bar is a vibrant Mexican and international eatery that caters to the whole family. This lively establishment boasts a relaxed atmosphere and accommodating staff, making it the ideal spot for a casual meal.

The diverse menu is a culinary adventure featuring zesty tacos and burritos alongside succulent ribs and steaks. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to tickle their taste buds.

Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, Cantina offers flexibility for families with no reservations required. It’s the only restaurant on the Denarau Marina with air-conditioning, and a popular venue for functions.

Mama’s Pizza

Mama’s Pizza serves up a slice of home in the heart of Denarau, making it a firm family favourite. This charming pizzeria specialises in both gourmet and classic pizzas, winning over kids and adults alike. From the simple elegance of a Margherita to the indulgent seafood and BBQ chicken options, Mama’s generous portions and authentic flavours are sure to satisfy.

For those craving a taste of la dolce vita, the menu also features Italian classics like lasagna and spaghetti. With its welcoming ambience and daily opening hours from 9 am to 11 pm, Mama’s Pizza is the ideal spot for a family lunch or dinner that will have everyone saying “Bellissimo!”

Grills

Grills offers a relaxed dining experience that’s tailor-made for families. The kids’ menu is a hit with the little ones, featuring crowd-pleasers like juicy chicken thighs, mini burgers, and crispy tempura fish with fries. The laid-back atmosphere and varied options make it a go-to choice for families looking to please everyone’s palate.

Parents can enjoy their meals knowing that the younger diners are well catered for, creating a stress-free dining experience that’s as enjoyable for the grown-ups as it is for the kids.

For more mouthwatering options and culinary adventures in Denarau, be sure to check out The Food Guide to Denarau: Places to Eat & Food Tours.