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Lautoka

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At a glance

Country
Fiji
Region
Western Division
Population
71,000
Best time to go
May to October
Main airport
None — nearest is Nadi International (NAN)
Coordinates
17.62°S, 177.45°E

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Overview

Lautoka is Fiji's second city, known as the Sugar City for the mill and the cane fields that surround it. It is a laid-back port town with wide streets, a big market and few tourists.

There is not a great deal to see in town, but it makes a calm alternative to Nadi, and the mountains of Koroyanitu are close by for hiking and village visits. In the crushing season, small cane trains rattle through the fields.

Things to see

  • Lautoka Market
    Photo: William Hall Raine, Public domain

    Lautoka Market

    A large produce market with tropical fruit, spices and kava, and plenty of friendly conversation.

  • Sri Krishna Kaliya Temple

    A Hare Krishna temple with bright murals and a peaceful atmosphere, welcoming to respectful visitors.

  • Lautoka Sugar Mill
    Photo: Special Collections from Callaghan NSW, Australia, Public domain

    Lautoka Sugar Mill

    The big mill by the harbour that the city grew up around, busiest during the crushing season.

Things to do

  • Hike in Koroyanitu
    Photo: Rickard Törnblad, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Hike in Koroyanitu

    Village-run trails in the Koroyanitu heritage park climb through forest to waterfalls and mountain views.

  • Saweni Beach

    A quiet local beach south of the city, good for a swim and a picnic.

  • Watch the cane trains
    Photo: prilfish from Vienna, Austria, CC BY 2.0

    Watch the cane trains

    During the crushing season, narrow-gauge trains haul sugar cane through the fields to the mill.

Where to stay

Getting around

Lautoka is compact and flat, and taxis are cheap. Frequent buses link the city with Nadi.

Nadi International Airport is around 30 minutes' drive south by taxi or bus.

When to go

May to October brings dry, sunny weather and the sugar crushing season. November to April is hot, humid and wetter, with a risk of cyclones.

Plan your trip to Lautoka

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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