A critical review of existing mangrove restoration practices was conducted to establish mangrove restoration best practices. The primary focus of this study was on four villages along Fiji’s Coral Coast on Viti Levu, namely Yadua, Korotogo, Votua, and Tagaqe. These sites have the highest concentration of mangrove restoration projects in Fiji. This study utilised a ~3 yr mangrove seedling survival index to indicate mangrove restoration success. The study conducted 128 household surveys and seven interviews. The interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in implementing mangrove conservation and restoration projects: village households, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), organisations in the private sector, and the Department of Environment. Onsite observations of the substrate type, exposure to waves, slope of the restoration site, and input of fresh water to the restoration sites were also assessed to identify biophysical factors that either helped or hindered the establishment of mangrove seedlings at the four sites. Yadua and Korotogo villages achieved an ~80% seedling survival rate, while Tagaqe and Votua had more modest success at ~20% survival. The study identifies four factors: consistent influx of freshwater, reduced exposure to high wave energy, presence of artificial breakwaters, and input of nutrient enhancers, all corresponded with increased mangrove seedling survival.