The Complete Travel Guide to Lautoka, Rakiraki & the Suncoast

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What to Do on the Suncoast

The stunning stretch of coastline that makes up the Suncoast is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. With its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibe, the northern coast of Viti Levu offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Whether you’re looking to soak up the rays on pristine sands, dive into vibrant coral reefs, or immerse yourself in rich Fijian culture, this picturesque region has something for everyone. From water sports enthusiasts to history buffs, the Suncoast caters to all tastes and interests.

The Top Experiences in Lautoka, Rakiraki and the Suncoast

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Suncoast highlights:

• Church of the Black Christ. Visit this unique church along the King Road to admire its distinctive architecture.
• Tomb of Udre Udre. Explore the final resting place of Fiji’s most notorious cannibal chief.
• Narara Waterslide. Experience thrilling water adventures at this natural rock formation.
• Scuba diving Bligh Water and Vatu-i-Ra Passage. Discover vibrant underwater ecosystems in these world-class diving spots.
• Kitesurfing at Nananu-i-Ra Island. Catch the wind and waves at this popular kitesurfing destination.
• Wailotua Snake God Cave. Venture into this sacred cave with fascinating geological formations.
• Waterfall hikes Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. Embark on scenic hikes to stunning waterfalls in this protected area.

… And the list continues over in our 20 Best Things to Do in Rakiraki and the Suncoast and 10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka or check out the 101 Best Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List!

Rainy Day Activities

Although it’s the sunniest place in Fiji, it’s no secret that it rains on the Suncoast. If you find your trip coinciding with excessive showers, then try these wet-weather activities:

• Indulge in a spa treatment
• Experience the glorious singing of a Sunday church service
• Visit the Rakiraki Market…

… And much more that we mention in the 10 Things to Do in Fiji on a Rainy Day.

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Where to Stay on the Suncoast

Aside from our top recommendations listed beside this complete travel guide to the Suncoast (or below, if you’re reading this on mobile), we’ve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for couples or families, as well as more premium offerings.

What’s more, each article is written by real travel writers; not some dodgy algorithm!

• 10 Best Resorts
• 10 Best Hotels
• 10 Villas & Holiday Homes
• 10 Self-Catering Stays
• 5 Best Homestays
• 10 Best Budget Accommodations
• 10 Most Romantic Resorts
• 10 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations
• 5 Best Luxury Resorts 

For more about the different regions to stay in Fiji, check out Where to Stay in Fiji: A Guide to Destinations & Accommodations.

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Where to Eat on the Suncoast

With such a rich and diverse culture living along the Suncoast, there are lots of opportunities to try authentic cuisine. In the towns of Rakiraki, Lautoka and Ba, indulge in flavoursome Indo-Fijian meals at incredibly cheap prices, while a homestay in a Fijian village will involve ceremonies surrounding food and a chance to dine with a Fijian family.

On top of that, resorts offer a fun range of foodie activities, from cooking classes to handline fishing.

Check out The Food Guide to the Suncoast: Places to Eat & Food Tours – a must-read if you consider yourself a bit of a foodie.

The Best Cafes and Restaurants on the Suncoast

• Golden Point Resort (Kings Road, Rakiraki)
• Tukuni Restaurant (Kings Road, Ba)
• Blue Ginger Cafe (Elizabeth Square, Lautoka)
• The Boat Shed at Vuda Marina (Vuda)
• The Northern Club of Fiji (Tavewa Ave, Lautoka)
• Rakiraki Market (Vaileka, Rakiraki)

See complete listings for our top dining recommendations in the 10 Best Restaurants on the Suncoast.

Things to Do on the Suncoast for Foodies

• Learn how to make Fijian or Indo-Fijian cuisine in a cooking class
• Visit the local markets in Rakiraki, Ba and Lautoka
• Indulge in a private dining experience on a beach
• Experience a kava ceremony
• Try Fijian food at the Suncoast’s restaurants.

And if that hasn’t made your mouth water enough, then check out our 10 Things to Do on the Suncoast for Foodies.

Self-Catering on the Suncoast

Kings Road offers a variety of convenience stores and food stalls for quick bites and essentials. If you’re looking for more substantial shopping options, you’ll find plenty of supermarkets in the larger towns like Lautoka, Ba, Rakiraki, and Tavua. (We’ve got you covered with all the details!)

Need more information on where to stock up or access essential services? Check out our comprehensive guide, Information, Shops & Services on the Suncoast.

Find out more about prices in The Cost of Food in Fiji, as well as more advice for self-catering in A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Fiji.

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Budget Holidays on the Suncoast

For backpackers or budget travellers road tripping around Fiji, the Suncoast provides some excellent (albeit a little rugged) budget accommodation. From dorms in lodges to cheap bures (Fijian-style bungalows), it can all be found along the northern coast of Viti Levu.

A backpacker hotspot is Nananu-i-Ra Island, just a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland and packed with budget cottages, a lodge and free activities.

Find out more in The Guide to the Suncoast on a Budget.

Things to Do on the Suncoast on a Budget

• Visit a cave known as the Home of the Snake God
• Kayak and wander around Nananu-I-Ra Island
• Check out the Tomb of Udre Udre
• Visit the Church of the Black Christ
• Go on a snorkelling trip to the outer reefs.

For more inspiration, check out our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Suncoast.

Where to Stay on the Suncoast on a Budget

The Suncoast has a wide range of budget accommodations from cheap hotels to lodges. Understandably, budget rooms on the Suncoast are very simple but certainly make do for the backpacker lifestyle.

Check out our 10 Best Budget Accommodations on the Suncoast.

Homestays and holiday homes are also quite abundant along the Suncoast in comparison to elsewhere in Fiji, so check out our 5 Best Homestays on the Suncoast and 10 Best Holiday Homes on the Suncoast too.

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Luxury Holidays on the Suncoast

In this slightly less developed part of Fiji, five-star resorts aren’t quite a thing here. You will find luxury, however, in the tranquillity, the authenticity of the culture and mountains-to-sea adventures available where the activities are sure to at least make you feel richer in the things that matter. That isn’t to say that there aren’t some pretty special places to stay in between a private island retreat and a few luxury villas.

Get more advice in The Luxury Guide to the Suncoast.

5 Luxury Activities on the Suncoast

• Arrive on the Suncoast in style by helicopter or seaplane
• Scuba dive among the complex coral structures of the Bligh Water
• Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at one of the Suncoast’s day spas
• Go on half-day or multi-day guided excursions to villages, waterfalls and the highest peak in Fiji
• Spend the day on the open water on a sports fishing charter.

Like the sound of those? See more “spoil yourself” activities with our 10 Luxury Activities on the Suncoast.

Where to Stay in Luxury on the Suncoast

While the Suncoast isn’t exactly brimming with five-star resorts, there are some well-appointed four-star resorts with luxury room options, 4.5-star hotels and one luxury private island resort.

Check them out in the 5 Best Luxury Resorts on the Suncoast.

© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

Family Holidays on the Suncoast

The Suncoast is definitely for the family who wants to experience Fiji together. There are no kids’ clubs, very limited nanny services… Just lots of family-friendly adventures. Educate the kids and yourselves with Fijian village visits, discover Fiji’s natural playgrounds and encounter exciting wildlife.

Check out The Guide to the Suncoast for Families for more information.

5 Family Activities on the Suncoast

• Play on a waterfall slide at the Narara Village
• Experience the excitement of a dolphin cruise
• Have a cultural experience at the Navala Village – Fiji’s most picturesque village
• Walk to waterfalls in the Koroyanitu National Park
• Play tennis, volleyball, board games or crab racing.

And the list goes on! Check it out in our 10 Things to Do on the Suncoast with Kids.

Where to Stay on the Suncoast

While many families choose to stay at some of the Suncoast’s more premium resorts, there are also bunk options in some of the budget accommodations for the budgeting family perhaps driving around the island of Viti Levu.

Check out our top recommendations in 10 Best Family Resorts on the Suncoast.

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Adult-Only Holidays on the Suncoast

While adult-only resorts are becoming ever more popular in Fiji, unfortunately, this trend is yet to reach the Suncoast. However, the dread of being surrounded by overenthusiastic children can be easily remedied by following these simple tips:

• Choose exactly who you share your getaway with by staying in one of the Suncoast’s private villas
• Plan your visit to the Suncoast during Fiji’s low seasons – preferably between January and March when resorts are much quieter
• Some accommodations on the Suncoast are much more targeted at couples, rather than families, such as The Fiji Orchid
• Ask about the quietest rooms in the resorts. The honeymoon hideout at Dolphin Island and the Luxury Ocean Front Villa at the Volivoli Beach Resort, for instance, is tucked away in quieter areas of the resort complex to set the right tone for guests.

If you have your heart set on adult-only resorts, then think about changing your destination. The Coral Coast is also on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu but on the south coast.

See this region’s selection of adult-only resorts in 5 Adult-Only Resorts on the Coral Coast.

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Romantic Getaways and Honeymoons on the Suncoast

Let’s be honest, busy resorts can be kind of a mood-killer, so consider the more peaceful side of Fiji for your romantic getaway or something more.

There are a few accommodations on the Suncoast offering wedding venues and packages to make planning your destination wedding simple, while you’ll find plenty of honeymoon rooms and experiences to make your time together in Fiji extra special.

See more information in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Suncoast.

5 Things to Do on the Suncoast for Couples

• Experience the tranquillity of kayaking from island to island together
• Indulge in a couples’ massage
• Set the scene with a romantic sunset cruise
• Discover the real Fiji together on a self-drive tour of the Suncoast
• Enjoy a candlelit private dinner on a floating pontoon.

So make your special time away together truly special with these 10 Romantic Activities on the Suncoast. Plus, check out the 5 Best Wedding Venues on the Suncoast.

Where to Stay on the Suncoast for Couples

Whether you’re seeking a base for a romantic getaway, renewing your vows or starting the rest of your lives together, we list your best options in our 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts on the Suncoast.