Lami was declared Fiji’s tenth town in 1977 and is now both a residential and industrial centre. While it is bustling and gritty, Lami still has some unexpected attractions.
Lami local Ema Ganivatu shares some of the town’s secrets.
Novotel Suva Lami Bay
Many Suva families will have memories of the Novotel in its earlier incarnations, as a popular venue for family birthdays, weddings, and other milestone celebrations. The hotel has undergone a post-Covid renovation, offering 108 spacious guestrooms and suites. The public areas still have that iconic Bay of Islands view, and in the evenings, guests can enjoy dinner or drinks while watching the sun paint the bay in pinks and reds. The hotel also boasts a glamorous swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, store, and spa. Novotel Suva Lami Bay (Suva, Fiji) +679 336 2450
Lami Kava
Lami Kava operates from a distinctive “hole in the wall” setup
along Nukuwatu Street in Wailada, Lami. Recently renovated,
this kiosk offers a wide range of kava products, including
traditional bags of yaqona (kava root). Coming soon to the spot:
Jack Eastgate’s tanoa murals will add a unique touch to a new
kava bar on site.
16 Nukuwatu Street, Lami
Lami Kava
+679 998 4835
Harbour Point Convention Centre
The Harbour Point Convention Centre, located in Suvavou
just before the bridge into Lami, is a modern and versatile
venue perfect for hosting conferences, workshops, social
gatherings, and other events. The venue is designed to
provide a professional and comfortable atmosphere for various
occasions.
Harbour Point Convention Centre
+679 998 6226
Capitano Bar
Tucked away in Lami’s industrial hub, Capitano Bar is a hidden
gem and the only bar in the area, offering a pleasant riverside
escape with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Housed in
a distinctive wooden building, the venue features spacious
interiors and a rustic charm, and can comfortably host 70 to 90+
people. It’s a popular choice for private events, celebrations,
and special occasions.
Capitano is also a great spot for watching live sports, with
screens that draw in fans for rugby and football. Whether you’re
sipping on a basin of kava, enjoying an ice-cold beer, or relaxing
with friends, the bar delivers a relaxed social setting.
Capitano Kava and Sports Bar Mon-Sat: 4pm-1am
3 Toti Place, Wailada, Lami
The Yacht Shop
Since 1981, this store has been supplying boaties with all the
equipment they need and gear they didn’t know they needed!
The Yacht Shop stocks everything from small boats and sails
to diving fins, GPS devices, and shelves packed with nuts,
bolts, and tools. Catering to seasoned sailors and water sport
enthusiasts alike, the store is a one-stop hub for everything
from basic hardware to high-performance boating equipment.
The Yacht Shop has grown to include five locations across
the country and serves both locals and international yachties.
Owned and operated by the ocean-loving Philp family, the team
brings hands-on experience to everything they offer.
4 Vetaia Street, Lami
yachtshop.com.fj
+679 336 1522 / +679 999 4704
Mount Korobaba
Mount Korobaba looms over Lami and is a popular climb for
locals and visitors.
The trail starts behind the cement factory and is quite well
marked, although a local guide is recommended for firsttimers.
Ask at your hotel, or ask a friend who has done the walk
before to guide you! The hike is a 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip
and takes two to three hours, with a moderate to challenging
difficulty. Expect some steep and slippery sections along the
way, especially if there has been a lot of rain. You will walk
through lush rainforests, see diverse wildlife, and reach the top
for amazing views of Suva-Lami Bay and the nearby islands.
To make the most of your hike, start early to avoid midday
heat, wear appropriate footwear, and remember to carry out all
trash to keep the trail pristine.
I remember my first hike up Korobaba in 2021. Having always
seen the mountain from Lami Village, where I grew up, I was
thrilled to finally take it on. But the excitement quickly turned into
exhaustion! It was tougher and more slippery than I expected,
and without proper gear, it can be risky. Still, reaching the top
was worth it. The way down was easier, but you still have to
be careful on the steep sections. Not to mention the refreshing
pools you come across on the way down – perfect for a dip after
the exhausting hike.
Tikaram Park
Tikaram Park, located along Queens Road in Suvavou, Lami,
is a cherished community space that opened in January 2017.
Named in honor of the Tikaram family, who generously donated
the land, the park serves as a vibrant gathering spot for locals
and visitors alike. The park features a variety of amenities,
including a stage for performances, a high crow’s nest popular
with local children, a volleyball court, and a BBQ area, making it
an ideal location for family outings and community events.
+679 872 9047
Clothes for Good Fiji
Founded by Melbourne-based entrepreneur Hayden Ostrom
Brown, Clothes for Good Fiji is a unique second-hand store
in Lami where 100% of profits go directly to Fijian charities.
Inspired by the warmth of the Fijian people and a desire to
support those doing it tough, Hayden collects quality clothing
donations in Australia and ships them to Fiji, offering affordable
fashion with purpose. With every purchase, customers help fund
vital services like women’s shelters, animal rescue, and disability
support making this more than just a shop, but a movement for
change.
Clothes For Good Fiji
BeautyLab Spa
The BeautyLab Spa at Novotel Suva Lami Bay is a serene and
elegant retreat, featuring soft lighting, natural tones, and cozy
treatment rooms. Thoughtfully designed as a peaceful escape,
its warm, welcoming staff and tranquil atmosphere help you relax and unwind the moment you arrive.
BeautyLab offers a diverse selection of services, with staff
saying their slimming treatments are the most popular. Also on
offer: anti-aging therapies, acne treatments, foot reflexology,
hot stone therapy, and relaxing couple’s massages. The spa’s
curated packages combine multiple services for a complete
wellness experience.
BeautyLab also operates in Novotel Nadi, Mercure Nadi, and
Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka. Appointments are available
daily from 9am to 6pm.
spa.com.fj
Mosquito Island
Mosquito Island (also known as Nukumaroriko) is a serene islet
nestled in the Bay of Islands. It’s a popular choice for picnics,
small gatherings, and day trips. Be sure to bring comfortable
footwear for walking, sun protection like sunscreen, hats,
sunglasses, snacks and drinks for a picnic, and trash bags to
keep the island clean.
The island is well-equipped with facilities, including showers,
toilets, and changing rooms. There’s also a designated area for
recreational activities like volleyball.
Mosquito Island is lovingly maintained by a local couple and
their son, who have been the dedicated caretakers for many
years, ensuring the island stays beautiful and welcoming for all
who visit.
Getting there: Getting to Mosquito Island is straightforward.
It’s located right next to Novotel Suva Lami Bay, about a kilometre
outside of Lami Town. While locals will tell you they used to
walk across from the mainland at low tide, visitors can arrange
boat transport to the island through the caretakers for a return
fee of FJ$5 for adults and FJ$2.50 for children, available yearround.
It’s recommended to book in advance with the Suva City
Council, especially during peak times, to ensure availability. You
can visit or call the Suva City Council for bookings, or contact the
caretakers directly at +679 201 4189.
Shore Buses
Lami is headquarters for Shore Buses, the only bus service
connecting the vibrant Lami and Navua corridors. This scenic
ride takes you through interesting landscapes, past villages and
with coastal glimpses along the way.
Established in 1944, Shore Buses first operated with a
12-passenger bus from Veisari. Today, it operates out of Wailada
and runs three main routes around Suva, transporting an annual
average of 1,825,000 passengers per year.
Shore Buses
+679 932 3555
Paradise Pool – Qauia
Just a 20 to 30-minute walk from Qauia in Lami, Paradise Pool is
a hidden gem. Surrounded by forest, the walk offers a peaceful
escape into nature, with fresh air, greenery, and the soothing
sound of flowing water. The trail, which used to take one to two
hours, has recently been improved with new tracks, cutting the
journey down to just 30 minutes. The path leads you to a cool,
crystal-clear natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. For an
added treat, enjoy a drink of pure, fresh water straight from the
source. Along the way, you’ll pass three smaller pools before
reaching the main one, each offering its own tranquil setting.
To get to the pools, get off at the roundabout inside Qauia
village. You will cross a shallow creek and then spot markings
and a footpath leading towards the pool.
Nuttha Thai Restaurant
Nuttha Thai is one of Fiji’s few Thai restaurants. Run by Nuttha,
this spot serves authentic Thai dishes she personally prepares.
Standout dishes include Nam Tok beef or pork salad, sticky
rice, fried rice, and papaya salad. The restaurant sources its
vegetables from her husband’s farm in Taveuni and herbs from
the pots Nuttha is cultivating by her doorstep. Nuttha opened
the restaurant to share healthy and delicious Thai food with both
locals and visitors, and it is a must-visit for anyone craving a true
taste of Thailand in the Suva area. She also is an occasional
vendor at Suva’s Sunday street markets.
Nuttha Thai Kitchen
+679 942 0378
