This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Mana Island.
Mana Beach is located on the south coast of Mana Island, one of the most frequented islands in the Mamanuca Group -- mostly by backpackers. This is not the most beautiful beach the island, but it is the best for price/quality relation in hostels. Only five minutes away you have one of the best beaches on the island, North Beach, where snorkeling is mandatory and easily you'll find sea stars of many colours (blue is the most common here), rays, and exotic fish. And if you want, you might be able to spot some small sharks -- just ask the local people where they are and then decide if you want to avoid those places or just try to get there.
Mana Beach has white sand and is a great spot to enjoy the sunset -- one of the best on the island -- with pink colours painting the sky. If you have the luck of having low tide by sunset time, it will be recorded for a long time in your mind. During your stay, relax in one hammock on the beach, rent a kayak or snorkeling gear, and most of all, get in touch with the locals -- you'll find interesting people around and they like to share a little bit of their culture and beliefs with you, if you show curiosity about it.
Most Mana Beach hostels have free walking tours during the day and activities during the night -- Bula songs, Fijian games, dance with fire, welcoming and saying goodbye to guests, Cava nights (the traditional drink that will make you feel a little bit dizzy but that you should definitely try), and most of all, lots of fun and laughs. The hostels in Mana Beach are very simple and sometimes only have cold water -- but it's always so hot and humid that you'll find it perfect. The most valuable asset in any of this hostels are the staff -- they'll try to make sure you have the best time here even if sometimes they have a lot of logistical constraints.
Written by local enthusiast for Mana Island hostels
CoffeeMarks