Shopping

Marine biologist Justin Hunter spent more than 10 years working in the U.S. before coming home to Savusavu and founding Fiji's first black-pearl farm out in the bay. You can shop for the results -- including golden pearls grown only here -- at J. Hunter Pearls, on the western end of town (tel. 885 0821; www.pearlsfiji.com; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-1pm). Prices range from F$20 up to F$2,000 (US$13-US$1,299/£6.70-£667) for loose pearls. Justin has them set in jewelry, too, as well as some interesting items made from the mother-of-pearl shells (I prize my salad forks made from gleaming shells with tree-branch handles). For F$25 (US$16/£8.30), you can take a 30-minute boat tour of the farm at 9:30am and 1:30pm weekdays.

The mother-son team of Karen and Shane Bower display their paintings and sculpture, respectively, at the Art Gallery, in the Copra Shed (tel. 885 3054). They also carry black pearls and shell jewelry. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 1pm and 2 to 4:30pm, and Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Next door, Taki Handicrafts (tel. 885 3956) sells quality woodcarvings, tapa cloth, shell jewelry, and other items made in Fiji (Mon-Fri 8am-1pm and 2-4:30pm, Sat 9:30am-noon).

Another place to browse is the Savusavu Municipal Market, on main street (no phone), especially the handicraft stalls on the eastern side of the building. It's open Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm, and Saturday from 6:30am to 3pm.