Fiji Recommendations?

Flying in to Nadi in a week or so, hoping for some advice on where to go. My hubbie and i have have about a week there, and one night will have to be near Nadi to account for an early a.m. flight out. Everything I've read about Nadi so far screams "don't stay there!", and I haven't seen many reviews on the hostels and other stays in the city. As for the bulk of our stay, we don't generally like resorts, and have a tight budget because of long travel plans through 2008, but we love good food, the beach, and a laid-back atmosphere, and we're not adverse to staying in our tent. Can anyone give a reply to one or more of my questions below?

Where have you stayed in Fiji that was absolutely wonderful and that you would return?
Is there an affordable means of transport to any of the islands? We've read that the transport fee to the islands can be prohibitive, but also that there are some local options.
Can anyone recommend a decent place to stay in Nadi, could be a hostel, but preferably a place with private rooms, maybe airport service?
Also, will be in Nadi on Halloween. Do Fijians celebrate Halloween, or will I get myself arrested by going around in a mock-bloody dress all day? Any fun stuff going on that night, or anywhere to recommend to visit in Nadi for a beer or meal?

Sorry for the similarity of this topic to some others posted, but I didn't really see the answers I was hoping for in the other threads.

The basic choice is right across from the airport. I forget the name, other TT'ers will know it. The Sandalwood Inn nearby used to be a good place, not sure how it is now. Check the FAQ at the beginning of this branch.

But basically you'll have to get off the main island for the better beaches. You might choose an island in the Mamanucas off the NW coast.

Across the road is Raffles Gateway or Tokatoka but it sounds like they want cheaper options than those.
The airport is some distance from Nadi town and there are cheaper options between the airport and Nadi.
Most places we have stayed at in Fiji have been wonderful.
If you are talking about the Mamanuca islands or the Yasawas there are no local options apart from the usual ferrys.
A few resorts have their own boats but charge for the transfers anyway unless it is a long stay.

Hi, you sound like us so our trip we did in 8 days may suit you. We stayed at Mama's Tropic of Capricorn near the airport, $40 Fijian/ double. Free pick up from airport and had a nice, clean big room, in a 2 story unit all to ourselves. A very friendly lady runs it. Breakfast included, but better value to eat dinner in town. A cheap 65c bus ride into Nadi. Nadi is fine for a look around for a morning, but with only 1 week best to move on. To avoid the inflated tourist prices of the Yasawas we took a taxi to Suva (bargained for a taxi at the bus depot, shared one and paid $18. Bus costs $12, its slower but probably safer. Can also take mini-vans when they fill up Some crazy drivers tho!). We stayed at Suva a night at the Travellers In for $43/double, clean and basic, close to town. Enjoyed the cheap food and flavour of Suva, huge markets with cheap tropical friut and fish on the waterfront. Then took a bus and ferry to Ovalau to historic Levuka, quite delightful kind of wild west town. First town settled in Fiji. Good restaurant at Whale Tale, $10 main. Well off the the tourist trail.
After 2 nights there (watch out for bed bugs at the Royal Hotel- Mary's Lodge was better) we got a small boat to Calaqali (pronounced Thangalee) which was perfect. Boat costs $30 each OWay. It's about half the price of the cheapest Yasawa resorts. Safe. Friendly. Fantastic snorkelling. A little atoll you can walk around in 20 minutes, quaint bure right on the beach. It still is a bit pricy at $96 for a double bure but much cheaper if you have a tent- $28pp. That price includes 3 meals a day that are fine but not gourmet. Good to take out some fruit/snacks. We loved it so much we are taking our son back next April. One drawback is the Suva side does get worse weather, so check out a weather map. If you want just hot sun the Yasawas are probably better. But if you are more adventurous and dislike paying overinflated prices such as $50/day meal plans pp on top of $100+ for basic bures then this is a great place to go. If you do find anyplace in the Yasawas that can be done on a budget, let us know. We'd like to go there, but it all seems a bit of a rip-off. Have a great trip!

Website for Caqalai: www.owlfiji.com/caqalai.htm

Hi, Yellowbeth,
The Pacific Islands in general are very Christian, Fiji mostly Methodist. They are far more likely to recognise All Saints Day in church that the night before (Halloween) as a party. They would not be impressed with Halloween costumes, but might be offended.
In general, Halloween is not really celebrated anywhere except North America.

thanks so much, everyone. Great advice all around!