Things to do in  Lautoka

Lautoka is the most fun in festival season—the city typically hosts the Lautoka Sugar Festival at the end of August or the beginning of September. However, the festival has had a tough time returning after COVID-19. You can still check out other festivals, such as the Hibiscus Festival in Suva, usually starting in late August, or the July Bula Festival in Nadi, with Fijian dancing, music, and local cuisine. July to September also offers mild, sunny weather, which is perfect for visitors.

Central Lautoka is very walkable, with most shops near the waterfront. Taxis are easy to find and tend to be affordable in the city (always agree on a price first), and the city is well-connected to the rest of the island via public buses. If you want to visit the waterfalls and lush jungle of the nearby Koroyanitu National Park, ask your accommodation for a driver recommendation, as taxis outside the city can get expensive.

Lautoka Market on Vakabale Street feels like the heart of the city, and it’s well worth the visit. Here, you’ll find gorgeous tapa cloths (handmade patterned cloth made from the bark of mulberry or breadfruit trees). Although you’ll find tapa throughout the South Pacific, each region has its own pattern and style. Traditionally used for clothing, today tapa is often used for decor, either as framed pieces or as wall hangings. It's a labor-intensive art form, and each piece is unique, making it a perfect reminder of Fiji.