Lautoka, Fiji

More about Lautoka, Fiji Points of Interest

• Lautoka

  The second-largest city of Fiji, Lautoka is located in the west, on the island of Viti Levu. It is nicknamed The Sugar City due to its expansive sugarcane plantations producing the island's most important crop. Its soft-sand beaches are fringed with swaying palm and coconut trees reflected in the crystalline turquoise waters. A drive through the city center allows glimpses of tree-lined streets, colonial houses, colorful markets and a vibrant local culture.

• South Sea Orchid Garden

  This private property with beautifully landscaped gardens is owned by the Burness family, who immigrated to the island from Scotland. The estate boasts a fascinating collection of photographs, antique furnishings and curios that date back to colonial times. The expansive grounds showcase one of the island's largest orchid collections as well as lovely vistas.

• Sabeto Village

  The chiefs of Sabeto were once mighty warriors and owned much of the land in Viti Levu. Today, this spirited, cultural village has retained many of its old customs, which the villagers delight in sharing with visitors. Guests are escorted into the village hall for a welcome kava ceremony. Kava is a non-alcoholic beverage made from the root of a pepper tree. It is considered the national drink of Fiji. The kava will be offered to you in a "bilo," a small bowl made from a hollowed-out coconut shell. At the completion of this special ceremony, the locals will perform a number of traditional songs and dances for your enjoyment. A guided tour of the grounds includes a visit to the chief's bure (house), the small church and the cheerful primary school. Please note that clothing must cover knees, upper arms and shoulders and no hats may be worn in a Fijian village.

• Nadi Marketplace

  Nadi (pronounced Nandi) is Fiji's third-largest city. Its bustling marketplace is a haven for shoppers, featuring authentic yaqona stalls, homemade crafts and local art. "Bula" is the traditional "hello," and with a friendly smile, the artisans and shopkeepers will welcome you to peruse their wares as you look for that perfect souvenir. It's a wonderful opportunity to interact with the Fijians and support their community and to take home pottery, woodcarvings, and brightly colored tapa cloth.

• Viseisei Village

  Viseisei Village, situated just north of Nadi, is believed to be Fiji's oldest settlement, dating back 3,500 years. The village has approximately 400 inhabitants and three family tribes, the Navicavaki, Sawaieke and Nakelo, who make up the village population. Tours of this authentic environment immerse guests in daily life and include participation in a traditional kava ceremony, which welcomes guests. Kava is a non-alcoholic beverage made from the root of a pepper tree. It is considered the national drink of Fiji. The kava will be offered to you in a "bilo," a small bowl made from a hollowed-out coconut shell. At the completion of this special ceremony, the locals will perform a number of traditional songs and dances for your enjoyment. Exploration of the expansive area includes the village green where the children play games, local dwellings, the Methodist church, and gravestones of important village chiefs. Please note that clothing must cover knees, upper arms and shoulders and hats are not permitted in the Fijian village.

• Sleeping Giant Garden

  Nestled at the base of the Sleeping Giant Mountain, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant was created in 1977 by the late Raymond Burr, famous American actor and star of "Perry Mason" and "Ironside." A horticultural enthusiast, he created the garden to house his personal orchid collection, which has now grown to be the largest collection in Fiji, showcasing a vast collection of more than 2,000 varieties. The expansive grounds offer a canopy-covered boardwalk, manicured lawns and tranquil lily ponds fed by cascading fountains and populated by croaking frogs. The gardens themselves are truly breathtaking, but the fragrant orchid and other blooming flowers are the showstoppers, perfuming the air and enticing butterflies and hummingbirds to their petals.

• Nama Factory & Wellness Center

• Tukuni's Organic Farm