Fiji advice

I have read and researched a fair amount but keep coming up a little overwhelmed. I am looking to head to Fiji for 3-4 weeks this July (there will be 2 of us). I have always just assumed that Fiji would have plenty of places to get a cheapish bungalow on or near a great beach but it seems that most of the islands have resorts or dorm rooms. We are looking to relax and hang out and dive. Not looking for a party scene but just great beaches, a few restaurants, a few places for a beer. As we will be there for a few weeks we would like to check out a few different places. We want great diving and great beaches but don't want to spend a ton of money. The Yasawas seem pretty good but as we will be there in July it looks like they will be busy. We would rather not have to book places ahead of time if possible. It seems like the best diving is East of the main island? Lomaiviti? Taveuni? Any places for beginner surfers would be nice as well. Maybe Fiji isn't the best choice after all for what we are looking for? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

consider a few nights at Danny's Village Homestay. Cabin right on the beach. You can relax with a beer. great food great people great place to unwind from the fast past world.

Hey, so I'm in exactly the same position as yourself I want good surf good diving and awesome beaches.. I'm heading to Fiji in 2 weeks and there for 6. My only problem is I'm overwhelmed by the different islands etc to visit. Thinking we should share all the knowledge with each other, collective knowledge is definetly the way forward.... ill pm you any new info I find, I've also looked into the homestay option as recommended above this looks good but when I emailed the company they were very pushy on trying to get it booked and wouldn't really give me any more info until I had. Google Fiji homestay and dannys will come up looks cool and rather cheap considering...

Hope we can help each other

James

Not sure what you mean by cheapish bungalow. Most of the islands are owned by villages, and the resorts that run there offer accommodation and food. You can get your own bure ('traditional' bungalow) if you want.

July is busy as the weather is great and it coincides with the school holidays for Australia and New Zealand as well as the european summer break.