Making the most of Lautoka
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Lautoka is about a 20-minute walk away. The ship normally provides a bus into the city, while taxis are another option.
Bring the printable map with you.
Lautoka is a notably clean and environmentally conscious city with an attractive botanical garden and children's park. Along the main street, Vitogo Parade, royal palm trees planted on one side create a distinctive feature.
Spend time at one of the resorts on Denaru Island, about a 30-25-minute taxi journey south along the coast.
Getting around
Other possibilities include day cruises to nearby islands, the excellent marina at Vuda Point, and Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. At the park, explore waterfalls and forests, swim in streams or undertake a demanding mountain-bike ride. For a peaceful day, find a delightful local beach spot that tourists have forgotten and simply relax.
Known as the Sugar City, Lautoka offers a chance to visit the Lautoka Sugar Mill and learn how the industry creates Fiji's largest source of income.
Nearby places
If you have watched the film "Blue Lagoon" and want to visit its shooting location, take Blue Lagoon Cruises to see the Fiji Islands' pristine waters and the film's setting.
Food and shopping
Lautoka has an extensive selection of shops, including duty-free outlets. Do not miss the huge Municipal Market and its appealing 'out front' handicraft stores, which offer a broad range of goods including handmade pottery.
Money
The currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD).
Staying connected
English is an official language, the language used in education and spoken by most people in Nadi, Suva and other major tourist areas. On a few less touristy islands, English can be spoken with some difficulty. Most adults and children speak Fijian or Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu), and learning even a handful of key phrases will help earn local respect.
Opening Hours and
During the week, some shops open as early as 6.00am and others at 8.00am, then close between 6.00pm and 7.00pm. Saturday hours run from 7.00am to 1.00pm. Shops generally close on Sundays and Public Holidays, but restaurants, milk bars and other essential businesses stay open.
September is the best time to visit Lautoka because it hosts the annual Sugar Festival. The whole community celebrates, joined by people travelling from other cities across Fiji. Sugar is Lautoka's crop and the driving force behind its successful economy. In return, this ancient festival honours the abundant harvest in the hope that it will keep bringing prosperity for generations.