9 hour layer and 12 hour layover - hotel or visa?

HI there, just wondering if it's worth getting a visa (if we are allowed) for a layover on the way to LA and back again. We have a small child and land at 5.50am both times 9.5 hours and 12 hours.
Would really appreciate tips, ie is it possible to stay in a hotel or visa or anything else :) thanks so much

for Fiji, Australians don't need a visa just an onward journey ticket, there are hotels such as the Novotel or Tanoa near the airport which have a pool but you could also go to Denarau to any of the hotels along that strip and have a meal and also a relax by the pool, not sure you really need a room.

There is a "left luggage" facility at the airport - you could leave your bags there while you have a look around. You would have time to catch a bus outside the airport to visit either Nadi(not too exciting) or Lautoka(more interesting) to get a feel for Fiji. I can also recommend a visit to Raffles Gateway Hotel across the road from the airport - you could walk there in a few minutes but they also have a shuttle service. They have a lovely pool(with a slide if your child is old enough) and an adequate restaurant - many travelers avail of their services just to hang out for awhile or you could inquire about a day room rental.

if you are flying with the one carrier you luggage should be booked through, so you will only have your carry on to worry about.

You could visit the garden of the sleeping giant. The sabeto hot springs and mud pool, while nothing fancy, is very relaxing (though not sure how small your small child is--I could see a toddler having fun in the mud).