Lautoka’s Top Activities and Attractions
Fiji’s second-largest town is, surprisingly, much less visited, obscured by the nearby arrival city of Nadi.
Regardless, it’s well worth exploring on a day trip, whether it’s on your way to the wild and wonderful Koroyanitu National Heritage Park or from one of the nearby tourist hotspots, like Nadi or Denarau. Lautoka is alive with culture, from its magnificent market to the vibrancy of its iconic Hindu temple.
Find out what else are the things to do in Lautoka in this list!
Lautoka is also the start of the Kings Road and a fantastic road trip along the Suncoast, so find out more about this area of Viti Levu in The Complete Travel Guide to the Suncoast.
If you’re visiting Lautoka on a cruise ship, be sure to also check out our 5 Best Shore Excursions from Lautoka.
Table of Contents
1. Mingle with the Locals at the Lautoka Market
Browse a fantastic array of tropical fruits and vegetables at the Lautoka Market. Hundreds of vendors gather at the large undercover market building in Lautoka, often friendly and eager to chat with visitors.
This is a true Fijian experience well worth experiencing anywhere in Fiji but especially in Lautoka! The market is open from 7 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and 5:30 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
Location: Loma Lane, Lautoka, Viti Levu, Western Division.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Visit a Fijian Village and See an Awesome Waterfall in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
Just a short drive inland from Lautoka is one of Viti Levu’s best culture and nature experiences. Take a tour or drive independently to the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, home to Abaca Village where the friendly villagers can organise a map or a guide to take you to a stunning waterfall or one of the more demanding mountain hikes.
Tours are available from Nadi and Lautoka, which we list in the 9 Best Walks on the Suncoast.
Location: Approximately 16 km (10 mi) southeast of Lautoka. Abaca Village, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Wander Around the Lautoka Botanical Garden
A small garden in Lautoka, the Botanical Garden offers a picturesque selection of orchids and colourful tropical flowers. There are short walkways around the garden with a highlight being the footbridge over the lilypad pond.
It won’t take you long to visit but offers an alternative landscape to admire in the otherwise urbanised Lautoka city.
Location: Thomson Cresent, just before the turnoff to the Lautoka Hospital.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Get a Photo of the Vibrant Krishna Kaliya Temple
While the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi often takes all the limelight for magnificent Hindu temples in Fiji, Lautoka’s Krishna Kaliya Temple definitely rivals with its colourful murals and sculptures.
The temple is an important place of worship for the Hare Krishna and an icon of Fiji’s Indo-Fijian culture. The best time to visit is during midday on a Sunday during puja (prayer) or at twilight for the best photos.
Location: 5 Tavewa Avenue, Lautoka.
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji5. Go Shopping at the Independent Stores, Jack’s of Fiji and TappooCity
Simply taking the time to wander the streets of Lautoka and browse its locally run Indo-Fijian stores is an experience in itself. One of the most iconic shopping malls in Fiji, however, is TappooCity, which contains all sorts of retail outlets in fashion, beauty, Fijian crafts, and specialties.
Dine at the food court and catch a movie at the cinema. We also love the range of bula shirts, Fiji Mabe Pearls, contemporary wear and Fijian crafts at Jack’s of Fiji.
Location: TappooCity – Narara Parade, Lautoka, Viti Levu, Western Division. Jack’s of Fiji – Vitogo Parade, Lautoka, Viti Levu, Western Division.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. See Fiji’s Largest Sugar Mill
The sugar cane industry is a hugely significant part of Fiji’s history and a reason for Indian integration into Fijian society – find out more in A Brief History of Fiji. With that, the Lautoka Sugar Mill is one of the oldest and largest sugar mills in the South Pacific, crushing and extracting syrup from sugar cane before purifying and drying it into crystals.
See the sugar cane trains coming and going and take an obligatory photo of the factory. Although there are no guided tours, visiting with a sightseeing tour such as Valentine Tours will give you more context.
Location: Corner of Nadovu Road and Veitari Street, Lautoka.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Visit Viseisei Village, the Landing Point of the First Fijians
On your way into or out of Lautoka, don’t miss the village of Viseisei. This quiet village near Vuda Point is said to be the ancestor landing site of the first Fijians.
Take a guided tour of the village with Valentine Tours or stop by on an independent road trip. Either way, you’ll see the chief’s house with a traditionally thatched roof, memorials and grand churches – all on Viseisei village green.
On the roadside on your way out, visit the small souvenir market where you’ll be able to chat with the locals.
Location: Viseisei village, Vuda, approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest of Lautoka. Turn off the Queens Road going toward the Anchorage Beach Resort, then down one of the dirt roads toward the coast opposite the Viseisei Women’s Cooperative or Kantibhai’s General Store.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Swim or Stretch Your Legs on Saweni Beach
Beaches are never too far away from anywhere in Fiji and the same goes for Lautoka. The local go-to is Saweni Beach, a crescent stretch of sand backed by coconut palms. The water here is shallow and sheltered, ideal for a paddle or a swim.
Be warned, however, that the main complaint is the rubbish left in the picnic areas.
Location: Approximately 10 km (6 mi) southwest of Lautoka, just off the Queens Road from the village of Lauwaki. Find the beach access road just past The Fiji Orchid.
© FijiPocketGuide.com9. Dine at Cool Cafes or Indo-Fijian Curry Houses
When it comes to dining, a must are the flavours (and very good prices) of the local curry houses.
You are spoiled for choice at Chilli Bites with 21 non-vegetarian curries, 7 paneer curries, 10 biryanis, 8 paratha, 5 dosa and 9 wraps to choose from. Or for something meat-free, try Kruepa Vegetarian Restaurant.
Lautoka also has a surprising cafe scene, including the Blue Ginger Cafe serving international breakfast and lunch meals from quesadillas to pasta.
Location: See street names for each recommendation and more in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on the Suncoast.
© FijiPocketGuide.com10. Tee Off at the Lautoka Golf Club
A welcoming local golf club, Lautoka Golf Club is a great choice for a casual golfing experience in Fiji. The 9-hole golf course spread over 4,996 m (5,464 yards) giving you plenty to work with.
What’s more, it’s situated at the highest point in Lautoka, boasting epic views of the town and Pacific Ocean. When you’re done, enjoy some food and drink at the clubhouse at an affordable price (when it’s open, that is).
See more of the 10 Best Golf Courses in Fiji.
Location: Tavakubu Road, Lautoka.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Lautoka
That’s it for our guide to Lautoka, for more information about Fiji’s second-largest city, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to Lautoka & the Suncoast.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism Suncoast (Regional tourism website)
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Suncoast (Regional tourism website)
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
