When Elena and I arrived in Pacific Harbour, we were happy to discover that Pacific Harbour is considered the “Adventure Capital” of Fiji. YES! Seriously, that’s what I’m all about. We are already planning to do the number one adventure on the top of their list: scuba diving with sharks. Who knows what kind of sharks we’ll actually see, but there are reports of some large sized ones that like to hang out in the area. Such as:

*Normally, to get this close I’m in an aquarium with bullet-proof glass*

Elena says she’s in, and that she’s a bit nervous about it. Will and Violet have never had any “scares” with sharks, nor have they watched any of the Jaws movies with Steven Spielberg’s haunting music. They googled the stats that say, statically, you’re more likely to get struck by lightening twice than attacked by a shark. While accurate, I reminded them that this number is probably much lower based on scuba divers who seek out specific scuba dives in order to be close to sharks!

But I’ll save the rest for a future post once we’ve actually completed the dive (unharmed). Today, Elena and I simply checked out what is in the Fijian cultural center that’s walking distance from our AirBnb.

*Elena and I walking around Pacific Harbour’s Fijian cultural center*

This is actually the location where Will and I first stopped to admire all the lotus flowers currently in full bloom. Of course, we were checking it out from the road and not walking across the bridges and checking out the shops and temples.

*Fiji’s largest temple is right here in Pacific Harbour*

According to their website, this is the “…bure kalou, Fiji’s tallest traditional temple, built to honour the spirit and craftsmanship of ancient Fijian architecture.” I’ve never seen anything like this and am so pleased its so close by. Unfortunately, it’s currently closed for renovations so we can only admire it from a distance. And there’s much more to admire all around this area (despite the renovations).

*Traditional canoe turned into the sign for this area*

*Every post has been carefully carved with different artwork*

The details here are stunning. Each bridge isn’t just a footpath to get you from point A to point B, there are intricate wooden carvings … on every post you walk by. They add much to the experience just walking around and admiring the beauty that is Fiji.

*The sun is ever present here in Fiji — even when it’s pouring rain*

Having spent time in Sydney seeking out indigenous art carvings (see related post), I have a much deeper sense of appreciation for what I most likely would have previously missed altogether. If not protected and supported, this kind of art risks disappearing in favor for the more commercial art alternatives.

*One last look at the lotus flowers before heading back*

What we did not see is the traditional dance. We’ll inquire to see if there is a fire show coming up this week while we’re here. This is what I saw the last time I was in Fiji for Tony Robbin’s Life and Wealth Mastery event and it was awesome.

Fijian Cultural Center (March 3, 2024)

Enjoying Coconuts in Fiji (March 2, 2026)