I forgot to mention in my last post that Fiji inspired one of my favorite surfwear brands. Founded by South African surfers in 1993, Tavarua Clothing Company was a promising line named for the tiny Tavarua Island Resort situated near several legendary surf spots. Although based in Califonia, the clothing company owners and the island resort owners were co-owners in each others’ businesses, with the resort leasing land from the Fiji government. In addition, the clothing company donated a portion of its profits to the island’s development instead of regularly sponsoring surfers. It was a great concept, not to mention the designs were pretty cool. Unfortunately, they folded in 2001. I’ll have to cover more of this when I eventually write that post on my favorite defunct surf brands.

It’s a bit disappointing that a country with such a rich history of wood-working, traditional Fijian style or at least “inspired style” isn’t reflected more in everyday architecture. (At least in Hawai’i, the double-pitched “hale” which gave birth to the ubiquitous Dickey roof.) In fact, the only time you commonly see thatching and intricate carvings in Fiji are in tourist venues and luxury hotels.

I’m not complaining, however, about the resorts. Some are simply stunning, artfully blending the Fijian “bure” with sleek modern design.

I was blown away walking through the Westin Denarau. The clean lines, ebony, ochre, and cream color scheme manages to look both Fijian and Japanese at the same time. And the dimly lit lobby (it’s actually looks much darker than in the photo) is just downright sexy.

This would be one my picks for places to stay if you’ve got the cash to burn.

I also have to mention Arts Village, another tourist-trap complex, consisting of a mini-Polynesian Cultural Center, a handicraft marketplace, and adjoining Tsulu Luxury Backpackers and Apartments. Although I tend to abhor these types of places, I was amused with its candy-colored faux-colonial facade and carved tribal accents.

Eco-friendly Pacific Green furniture was founded in the late ’80s by Australian designer, Bruce Dowse, who was seeking an alternative to forest depleting hardwoods. It was in Fiji, he discovered a steady source of palmwood from abandoned coconut plantations and decided set up shop there.

The designs are unique, maybe a little too avant-garde for most. A typical feature is the use of slats to form surfaces. And some lines involve usual methods of joinery, creating a stitched-together look.

As a measure of it sustainable success, Pacific Green has since expanded globally to include a large market in China and Eastern Europe. Visit the website and a flashier international site to view more furniture lines. And for those interested in purchasing, you’re in luck, there is conveniently a dealer on Maui.

At least traditional craft techniques are being kept alive, albeit by the market for tourist souvenirs. There is no shortage of cannibal forks, weaponry, and “masi” (kapa or barkcloth), available for purchase even though most no longer serve practical purposes.

The one type of handicraft I did see still commonly in use was the pandanus mat. Unlike the plain-Jane lauhala in Hawai’i, the Fijian version utilizes dyed darker strips for contrast, allowing the weaver to create geometric patterns. Modern versions added a ruff of colorful yarn at the edge. I fell in love with a hot-pink fringed one I spotted.

In all, the design I found was harder to find than I expected. But what I did find was excellent. With so much natural beauty, rich culture, and resources abound, I hope to see a lot more from Fiji in the future.