3nights in Fiji accommodation + activities?

I have 3nights stopover in Fiji while flying to NZ. arriving at 7am on 20th and departing at 1pm on 23rd. I am travelling alone, female 25age..
Can somone recommend safe and budget accommodations also some places to go for the 3 nights that I can enjoy the sunshine and beach in Fiji but isnt so far from Nadi?
thanks!!

which island should i stay and visit? Denarau Island?i heard that is the most popular for short vacation since its not far away fr nadi.. but i have no much budget.. better under 80USD/night

Denarau is certainly close to Nadi (20 min) but is not really an island, more reclaimed land attached to the mainland. It is also not budget, with the Radison, Hilton etc. The cheapest bet there would be the Terraces with some cheap deals on Wotif (A$91 at present I believe). These resorts have great facilities and pools because they have grey muddy beaches, not the ones in the brochures.

If you can swing a couple of days on the islands close to the mainland, this is where the good beaches/ snorkelling are (although they too are not really "Budget"). If you are a 25 yr old who likes partying look at Bounty or Beachcomber, they have dorms as well as varying types of private rooms. Check the sites of these places for transfers times. Plantation island is a 45 min transfer with many departures a day but it is large and family oriented.

Alternatively you could look at some backpackers on the "beach" at Nadi (again not those in the brochures) but close (eg First Landing).

You could jump a taxi from the airport down to the Coral coast (F$90, 90 min) to budget accomodations like Bedarra (small hotel), Crusoes Retreat, further around to the Beachouse (with budget and dorm accom) see sites. The Coral Coast's beach is better, with snorkelling but not as good as the islands.

Yep, go for one of the Mamanucas (South Sea, Bounty, Beachcomber or Mana) or the southern Yasawas (Kuata or Waya).
The former are smaller, pricier and closer to Nadi, the latter offer a bit more to do.
All of these are close enough to Nadi for your brief stay.

The Coral Coast beaches are ugly, though there are more things to do on the mainland.

" ............arriving at 7am on 20th and departing at 1pm on 23rd............."
1. The beach at First Landing is OK, and it is not far from the airport.

1. Arriving at 7am and departing at 1pm gives you some options as to how far you stay from the airport.
   Consider taking a bus to Rakiraki and then a cab to Volivoli resort. Total cost around US$20 and take maybe 4 hours. You get a good look along the coast and ranges. Volivoli has a great beach, plenty of activities and spotless dorms (under US$20/night).

Cheers,
Peter

Denarau is awful - nothing much there except expensive hotels, and crappy beaches made from sand that was shipped in for the purpose.

thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!