10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji
10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka

© Chris McLennan – Tourism Fiji

Lautoka 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.

1. Mingle with the Locals at the Lautoka Market

Browse a fantastic array of tropical fruit 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 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 5.30am to 4pm on Saturday.

Location: Loma Lane, Lautoka.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© FijiPocketGuide.com

2. 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 with Fiji Eco Tours from Lautoka (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Location: Approximately 16km (10 miles) southeast of Lautoka. Abaca Village, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© Fiji Eco Tours

3. 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.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© Pxhere

4. 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.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

5. Go Shopping at the Independent Stores 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 containing all sorts of retail outlets concerning fashion, beauty, Fijian crafts and specialities. Dine at the food court and catch a movie at the cinema.

Location: Narara Parade, Lautoka.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© FijiPocketGuide.com

6. 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 Pacific Travel Experts (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or Valentine Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor) will give you more context.

Location: Corner of Nadovu Road and Veitari Street, Lautoka.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© Pacific Travel Experts

7. 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 Pacific Travel Experts (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or Valentine Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor). Otherwise, stop by on an independent road trip and visit the small souvenir market where you’ll be able to chat with the locals.

Location: Approximately 12km (7.5 miles) southwest of Lautoka, just off the Queens Road going toward the Anchorage Beach Resort.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© FijiPocketGuide.com

8. 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 at the picnic areas.

Location: Approximately 10km (6 miles) southwest of Lautoka, just off the Queens Road from the village of Lauwaki. Find the beach access road just past The Fiji Orchid accommodation.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© Pxhere

9. 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. You might also like Patisserie Pacifica offering a range of cakes, macaroons and slices to go along with your coffee.

Location: See street names for each recommendation and more in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on the Suncoast.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© Pexels

10. 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 4,996m (5,464 yards) giving you plenty to work with. When you’re done, enjoy some food and drink at the clubhouse at an affordable price. See more of the 10 Best Golf Courses in Fiji.

Location: Tavakubu Road, Lautoka.

10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka© FijiPocketGuide.com

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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