Lami

Lami is an urban area in Rewa Province, Fiji, located on the island of Viti Levu just northwest of the capital Suva. It was formally incorporated as a town in 1977 and had a population of 20,217 at the 2017 census. The municipal boundaries cover 683 square kilometres. Lami's original itaukei inhabitants were relocated to Suvavou ("New Suva") by British colonial authorities in 1882 to make room for the new capital. The town is governed by a town council and has historically been a residential and industrial satellite of Suva. Lami has a tropical rainforest climate with warm temperatures year-round; the wet season runs November–April and the drier season May–October.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Nausori International Airport (SUV), about 20 km northeast of Lami. A taxi from the airport costs around FJ$30–40. Most international visitors arrive via Nadi International Airport (NAN) on the western side of Viti Levu, about 190 km away (3.5–4 hours by road).

By Car / Road

Lami is easily reached by road from Suva — it is about 8 km west along Queens Road, a 15-minute drive. Minibuses from Suva's bus terminal run frequently along the Queens Road corridor, passing through Lami. Fares are around FJ$1–2.

Minibuses and shared taxis are the main forms of local transport. Lami is compact enough to walk around the town centre, but a vehicle is useful for reaching the outer residential areas and the Bilo Battery site.

• Bilo Battery — A World War II coastal defence fortification built to guard the main reef passage leading into Suva. Located on the outskirts of Lami, it offers historical exhibits and views over the harbour.

• Lami Police Station — A historic colonial-era building.

• Suvavou village — The resettlement village founded after the original inhabitants of Suva were relocated; culturally significant as a living link to Fiji's colonial history.

• Coastal drive — The Queens Road between Suva and Lami hugs the coast, offering scenic views of the sea and offshore islands.

• Photography at Bilo Battery — The hilltop site provides panoramic views of Suva Harbour and the reef.

• Birdwatching — The vegetated hillsides around Lami host native Fijian bird species.

• Local curry houses — Small Indo-Fijian restaurants serve roti, curry, and fried rice at budget prices.
• Seafood vendors — Fresh fish and crab are sold from roadside stalls when available.
• Lami market — A small market with cooked food stalls serving Fijian staples like cassava, dalo, and kokoda (marinated raw fish in coconut cream).

Kava (yaqona) is the traditional social drink. Bottled water is widely available; tap water should be boiled before drinking. Soft drinks and fruit juices are sold at every shop.

• Budget: A handful of small guesthouses in and near Lami offer basic rooms from FJ$40–60 per night.
• Mid-range: Some lodges along the Queens Road corridor offer rooms with sea views for FJ$80–120.
• Upscale: For full-service hotels, travellers continue to Suva (15 minutes east).

Lami has a small town centre with general stores, a market, and basic retail outlets. For major shopping, most residents travel to Suva's city centre or the Suva–Nausori corridor. Local roadside stalls sell fresh produce and root crops.

• Suva (8 km, 15 min) — Fiji's capital, with museums, the municipal market, colonial architecture, and nightlife.
• Nasinu (5 km, 10 min) — Large residential town with Fiji National University's main campus.
• Pacific Harbour (60 km, 1 hr) — Adventure sports hub with zip-lining, jet-boating, and whitewater rafting.
• Navua (70 km, 1.5 hr) — River tours and waterfall excursions.
• Nausori (20 km, 25 min) — Airport town and gateway to the Rewa Delta.