The Family Travel Guide to Lautoka, Rakiraki & the Suncoast

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How to Get to the Suncoast

The Suncoast is the stretch of the northern coast and highlands on the island of Viti Levu between the towns of Lautoka in the west and Korovou in the east.

The Suncoast is well connected to the main airport of Viti Levu, Nadi International Airport, by road, making road transport like buses, transfer services and rental cars the best way to get to the Suncoast. Some resorts are also accessible by seaplane or helicopter.

Suncoast via Public Bus

One of the most affordable ways for families to get to their chosen Suncoast accommodation is via an express bus. Express buses run between Lautoka and Suva via the Kings Road.

Buses between Nadi and Lautoka are numerous, and more information can be found in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

Suncoast via Airport Transfer Service

If you just want to head straight to your chosen resort and start your “Fiji time” right away, then consider travelling via a transfer service.

Companies have cars and minibuses for families big and small to transfer you from Nadi Airport all the way to your chosen Suncoast accommodation.

More details are available in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji.

Suncoast via Car Rental

For families who want to experience ultimate freedom for exploring Fiji, renting a car and driving along the Kings Road to the Suncoast is a good option.

Car rentals are available at Nadi International Airport, where we list some of our top recommendations in The Best Car Rentals in Fiji.

Suncoast via Private Flight

To get to the Suncoast with ease and in quick time, consider a private flight via helicopter or seaplane. Flights depart from Nadi Airport, taking you directly to resorts such as Dolphin Island and Volivoli Beach Resort.

For more information, head to our complete Suncoast Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to the Suncoast.

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Family Water Activities

With warm water temperatures, crystal clear so you can see its rich marine life even from a boat, the waters of the shores of the Suncoast are where most of the action happens. Open your kids’ eyes to the wonders of the underwater world with various wildlife encounters and watersports.

Dolphin and Snorkelling Cruise

Dolphins are regular visitors to the Bligh Water just off the Suncoast, so join Golden Point Resort for a boat trip watching them in their natural habitat. The resort’s activities team will take you to a special location where it’s common to see pods of up to 40 dolphins!

After watching the dolphins, who often interact and jump around the boat, you’ll enjoy 30 minutes of snorkelling among the colourful fish and corals of the outer reefs.

Alternatively, Natalei Experience also offers exciting dolphin tours on the east coast of Viti Levu, closer to Suva.

Snorkel the Outer Reefs

Fiji is dubbed the “soft coral capital” for a reason, so discover that reason for yourselves with a snorkelling trip on the Suncoast.

Accommodations such as the Bularangi Villa, Dolphin Island and Betham’s Beach Cottages all have snorkelling masks available, but we fully recommend a boat trip to the outer reefs to maximise your snorkelling experience.

Snorkelling boat trips are available with Ring Gold Divers, Volivoli Beach Resort, Dreamview Villas and Dua Dua Beach Resort.

Teach the Youngsters to Kayak

Watersports equipment such as kayaks are free to use at the Suncoast’s beach resorts, so there’s no excuse not to get out there and explore the bays. It’s a great way to bond, teaching the youngsters how to kayak or get together in a double kayak and take them on an adventure.

For example, the waters around the Volivoli Beach Resort are crystal clear to see fish swimming beneath you or you might enjoy an adventurous paddle through the mangrove forests.

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Family Land Activities

The Suncoast’s rugged inland interior hides a mix of welcoming Fijian villagers who adore children and natural playgrounds with waterslides and interesting bush walks. With that in mind, be sure to take your kids on an inland adventure at least once during your stay on the Suncoast.

Visit a Fijian Village

The Fijian culture is extremely accessible on the Suncoast, whether you’re travelling independently on a family road trip or visiting villages as a resort activity.

One of the most intriguing villages is in the highlands: Navala Village. This village is one of the few remaining villages in Fiji with traditionally thatched bures. Visit the village yourself in a 4WD vehicle on the inland road from Ba.

There, you will be welcomed by the village elder on presentation of your sevusevu (gift) – as explained in Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village. It’s also a small fee to enter the village and hire a guide there, costing around FJ$30 each.

Alternatively, guided tours to the village are available with pick-up from Nadi and Lautoka with Omnus Travel & Tours or Pacific Valley View Tours (PVV Tours).

Play on a Waterfall Slide

Combine culture and adventure with this waterfall tour available at Dolphin Island, Ring Gold Divers, and Volivoli Beach Resort. Travel to Narara Village where you will be welcomed with a kava ceremony.

Then, you and your family will be guided by foot or horseback for 15 minutes to a cascading waterfall slide plunging into a freshwater pool. Once is never enough so you’ll get ample time here before having the opportunity to shop local crafts in the village.

You can also self-drive to the village – just remember to bring enough cash (FJ$15 per person) to pay for a guide.

Check out more excursions like this in The Best Day Trips from the Suncoast.

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Resort Activities for Kids

The Suncoast is a Fiji destination for the family that would rather adventure together. There are no kids’ clubs or abundance of nanny services: just beautiful locations to enjoy all together as a family.

Resort Facilities for Children

Apart from all the tours and family experiences already discussed in this list, the Suncoast resorts also have a few complimentary activities to keep the little ones entertained.

The Tanoa Hotel Rakiraki is particularly good at keeping things exciting for the kids, with a sports field and playground on-site.

Meanwhile, at Volivoli Beach Resort, try crab racing, see captivating meke dancing and more.

Those staying on the luxurious Dolphin Island can treat their kids to snorkelling instruction, tapa-making (Fijian crafting) or a children’s cooking class.

More Things to Do on the Suncoast with Kids

And that’s just a taste of the family-friendly experiences you can have on a Suncoast getaway.

Treat yourself and your loved ones further by checking out the mysterious Tomb of Udre Udre or the Snake God Cave, and more, as listed in the 10 Things to Do on the Suncoast with Kids and more still in the 20 Best Things to Do on the Suncoast.

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Dining on the Suncoast

The Suncoast of Fiji offers a delightful array of dining options for families. From casual beachside eateries to upscale resort restaurants, you’ll find something to satisfy every palate. Many restaurants cater specifically to children, offering kid-friendly menus and fun dining experiences.

Whether you’re craving local Fijian delicacies or international cuisine, the Suncoast has you covered. With its stunning coastal views and warm hospitality, dining here is sure to be a highlight of your family holiday.

Family-Friendly Restaurants on the Suncoast

For a cosy dinner with your loved one, head to Blue Ginger Cafe (Elizabeth Square, Lautoka) where you’ll find a delightful selection of Western favourites.

On your journey between Lautoka and Ba, we recommend a pit stop at Tukuni Restaurant (Kings Road, Ba) to sample some mouthwatering local delicacies.

For Korean cuisine, visit Grace Garden Vitogo (Kings Road, Lautoka) emphasising fresh, local ingredients sourced from their own farms.

Suncoast Resorts Kids’ Menus

Resorts along the Suncoast, such as Volivoli Beach Resort, Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel, Dua Dua Beach Resort and Golden Point Resort offer special menus tailored for young diners. These kid-friendly options typically include familiar favourites like fish and chips, chicken nuggets, and spaghetti.

Some resorts go the extra mile with fun twists on classic dishes, such as “Islander Pizza” or “Kid Tempura”. Parents will appreciate the variety, ensuring even the pickiest eaters are well-catered for during their stay.

From beachfront casual dining to more upscale restaurants, these resorts understand the importance of keeping the little ones happy and well-fed on holiday.

For more recommendations (or elaboration on the above), check out the 10 Best Restaurants in Lautoka, Rakiraki & Suncoast.