The beautiful tropical islands of Fiji are filled with natural wonders that have inspired riddles for generations. Though remote, Fiji’s 333 islands have played an important role in regional politics and culture. Read on below for 53 brainteasers about this Melanesian archipelago nation.
Geography Riddles
Let’s start with some geographical stumpers about Fiji’s location and landscape:
Riddle #1
I’m surrounded by water yet hard to reach, I’m dotted with islands made up of reefs and beaches. Lush interiors and coral coasts, what tropical paradise am I?
Answer: Fiji
Riddle #2
My capital Suva sits on which island?
Answer: Viti Levu
Riddle #3
Fiji has how many islands in total?
Answer: 333 (110 are inhabited)
Riddle #4
Which body of water separates Fiji from its neighbor Tonga?
Answer: The Lau Group
Riddle #5
I’m Fiji’s 3rd largest island situated west of Viti Levu, anchor of the Yasawa island chain. What island am I?
Answer: Yasawa
Riddle #6
Fiji has two major islands. One is Viti Levu. What is the other called?
Answer: Vanua Levu
History & Politics Riddles
Next up are some riddles about Fiji’s complex political history and indigenous culture:
Riddle #7
I arrived in Fiji in the 19th century bringing sugar and Christianity. Who am I?
Answer: British colonialists
Riddle #8
Fiji became independent from the British Empire in what year?
Answer: 1970
Riddle #9
I ruled Fiji multiple times after independence, first taking control via coup d’etat in 1987. I used authoritarian methods but had some popular support. Who am I?
Answer: Sitiveni Rabuka
Riddle #10
Another coup overthrew Fiji’s first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister in 2000, ushering in this man’s long, corrupt leadership. What’s his name?
Answer: Frank Bainimarama
Riddle #11
Bainimarama eventually stepped down and democratic elections were held in 2014, with this World Rugby Hall of Famer winning. Who is he?
Answer: Josaia Voreqe “Frank” Bainimarama
Riddle #12
Fiji’s indigenous people are referred to collectively by what name?
Answer: iTaukei
Riddle #13
Legend says Fiji’s first king landed on which island?
Answer: Bau
Wildlife Riddles
How’s your knowledge of Fiji’s exotic animal species and marine life? Test yourself with these zoological brainteasers:
Riddle #14
With emerald skin and sky blue eyes, I use camouflage to inhabit Fiji’s tropical forests undetected. What colorful critter am I?
Answer: Pacific green tree frog
Riddle #15
Fiji has tiny colorful frogs but no native reptiles except me. Some call me the Pacific boa. What am I?
Answer: Fiji banded iguana
Riddle #16
Bird lovers come to Fiji to get a glimpse of my vibrant red and green hue. I have a loud, bellyaching call. What bird am I?
Answer: Parrotfinch
Riddle #17
Out of Fiji’s 9 native bat species, I’m the most endangered with less than 100 of us left. Who am I?
Answer: Fiji blossom bat
Riddle #18
Sailors in ancient times told tales of us, Fiji’s mythical half-human creatures. Though we don’t exist, what mythical beings were we rumored to be in Fijian folklore?
Answer: Mermaids
Riddle #19
Divers come from worldwide to swim with me, Fiji’s giant mild-mannered fish. I’m slow moving and can grow over 400 pounds. What sea creature am I?
Answer: Giant grouper
Riddle #20
We number over 1000 different species across Fiji’s expansive reef system. Divers search for us hiding on coral towers and inside crevices. What are we?
Answer: Sea slugs
Culture & Cuisine Brainteasers
Can you guess the answers to these riddles about Fijian cultural traditions and local flavors?
Riddle #21
We’re served in bowls made from the sago palm and eaten on special occasions with a leaf brush utensil. What traditional Fijian starch dish are we?
Answer: Kokoda
Riddle #22
During pre-match rituals and after scoring tries, I’m drunk from the hull of a whytnee tree as a gesture of community and peace. What traditional Fijian drink am I?
Answer: Kava (or yaqona)
Riddle #23
At traditional welcome ceremonies, I’m given as a gift and exchanged sometimes with cava. Skilled weavers fashion me from voi or pandanus leaves. What ornament am I?
Answer: Tabua (whale’s tooth)
Riddle #24
Legend says I was a gift given to Degei, the snake god, to win the right to pass through Vanua Levu safely. I’m still exchanged today in apologies, weddings, births and deaths. What cultural item am I?
Answer: Tabua (whale’s tooth)
Riddle #25
My tropical wood is considered too sacred to be used as firewood. I’m planted near homes to bless them and my nuts are crushed for lamp oil. What type of Fijian tree am I?
Answer: Vesi tree
Riddle #26
We perfectly compliment Fiji’s hot climate. Our loose patterns and sulu wraps keep both men and women cool. What traditional Fijian attire are we?
Answer: Bula shirts and sulu wraps
Riddle #27
Legend says I protect crops from drought and my leaves ward off the kalou-vu (evil spirits). Medicine men scatter my seeds to ensure bountiful harvest. What root plant am I?
Answer: Yaqona (kava)
Economy Trivia
Try to determine the answers to these business and trade riddles about Fiji:
Riddle #28
British migrant settlers established me in Fiji in the 1860s and I became a key export. I led to infrastructure improvements like railroads but caused native land seizures. What sugary crop am I?
Answer: Sugarcane
Riddle #29
Tourists flock to me for my white sand beaches, clear water, and vibrant coral gardens. What type of Fijian island landscape am I?
Answer: Lagoon
Riddle #30
Call me aqua blue. I’m a precious Fijian export found deep below the islands in reef crevices. Jewelers cut me into gemstones. What mineral am I?
Answer: Fijian blue aquamarine
Riddle #31
Tourism makes up what percentage of Fiji’s GDP currently?
Answer: 38%
Riddle #32
Since 1987 military coups hurting tourism, I stepped in to provide aid, loan funds, and policy advice. What intergovernmental group focusing on poorer countries am I?
Answer: International Monetary Fund
Pop Culture Puzzlers
Can you solve these pop culture themed brainteasers about Fiji’s cameo movie appearances?
Riddle #33
Tom Hanks’ character was stranded on me after his plane crashed in the 2000 film Cast Away. What Fijian island was used as a filming location?
Answer: Monuriki
Riddle #34
Gilligan’s Island filmed its last season here and Survivor has used our lush tropical backdrop over 12 times for competing tribes to outwit, outlast, outplay. What island nation are we?
Answer: Fiji
Riddle #35
Disney animators drew inspiration from Fiji’s coral reefs to create the world of this 2016 computer animated fish film. What movie is it?
Answer: Finding Dory
Riddle #36
Fijian actor Joseph Mydell landed a recurring part in this BBC science fiction TV series as the character Zachary Cross Flane. What show is it?
Answer: Doctor Who
Riddle #37
Which famous celebrity couple owned Tokoriki island resort in Fiji for 10 years before selling in 2022?
Answer: Mel Gibson and ex-wife Robyn Moore
Mythology & Legend Stumpers
Decipher the answers to these riddles about myths and legends in Fijian oral history:
Riddle #38
Degei the serpent god features prominently in legends from which Fijian island?
Answer: Vanua Levu
Riddle #39
Giant warrior Udre Udre holds a Guinness World Record for consuming how many people?
Answer: 872
Riddle #40
What naughty trickster demigod is part man part dog and creates chaos across Fijian folktales?
Answer: Daucina
Riddle #41
Brothers Lutunasobasoba and Degei were said to voyage from which archipelago before landing their canoes in Fiji?
Answer: Samoa and Tonga
Riddle #42
Some Fijian legends tell that the islands were created when this god threw rocks into the sea. Other tales say he pulled the islands up from the depths with fishing hooks.
Answer: Denumanu
Riddle #43
Storytellers say I’m a spirit stone that bestows a blessing of lifelong prosperity on worthy Fijian people. What type of green mineral am I?
Answer: Jade
Literature Lore & Language
See if you know the answers to these book and language focused brainteasers:
Riddle #44
Robert Louis Stevenson’s memoir of his South Pacific travels called me an escape, a tropic alternative to the European winter. What 1890 travel memoir classic is this quote from?
Answer: The South Seas
Riddle #45
What was Fiji called before it was given its present-day name?
Answer: Viti
Riddle #46
The Fijian language contains many loan words from what colonial-era language?
Answer: English
Riddle #47
The indigenous Fijian language developed mostly from which other language group?
Answer: Austronesian (specifically the Oceanic subgroup)
Riddle #48
In the Fijian language my first name Bula is a greeting and my last name Vanua means land. Put it together and I represent welcoming all new faces and all lands. Who am I?
Answer: Fiji
Fun Finale
Lastly, finish up with these playful and prize posers:
Riddle #49
I’m a popular Fijian dessert of fruit salad topped with sweet milk, ice cream and lime. What sweet treat am I?
Answer: Cassava pudding
Riddle #50
A common Fijian farewell gesture is to say “Isa!” meaning what?
Answer: Goodbye or I feel sorrow that you are leaving
Riddle #51
“Dua na thelo thelo gale” translates from Fijian to what English term of endearment?
Answer: Lovey dovey
Riddle #52
Fiji’s currency is called the Fijian what?
Answer: Dollar
Riddle #53
Since 1987 Fiji has won how many Olympic medals in Rugby Sevens?
Answer: 2 golds and 1 silver
Conclusion
How’d you do with these 53 Fijian riddles? This island culture offers much natural beauty and tradition to explore. From coral gardens to fire walking festivals, sugar cane trains to sands of golden warmth. Fiji’s people offer a spirit of community no matter if you hail from across the ocean or just across the beach fale. Vinaka for testing your trivia skills and learning about this South Pacific paradise. Isa until we meet again!
