[7] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on May 8, 1999, with Earl M. Monson, a church general authority, presiding.

[9] After visiting the island in 1955, church president David O. McKay, opened its first branch in Fiji, calling missionaries to increase outreach to Fijians and Indians.

[9] On April 5, 1998, church president Gordon B. Hinckley announced that a temple would be built in Fiji.

[10] The site chosen for the temple was 4.7 acres (19,000 m2), with the Pacific Ocean visible from three sides of the property on one of the tallest hills in the area, and just minutes from downtown Suva.

The exterior of the temple is finished with Snow-white granite from Campolonghi, Italy and the grounds are beautifully landscaped.

[6] On February 20, 2016, a cultural celebration was held to commemorate the rededication, but the event was cut short due to adverse weather conditions caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The temple sits on a 10-acre plot which is located on one of the highest points of the city, with views of the Pacific Ocean from three sides, and the landscaping around it featuring native subtropical vegetation.

The interior features art glass and a hand-painted mural, centered around a theme of the natural landscapes of Fiji, designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment.

[7] The design has elements representing Latter-day Saint symbolism, to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function.

[19] The temple closed October 13, 2014 for renovations that included improving air conditioning and adding new finishes inside the building.

[22] Following the completion of the temple, the church announced that a public open house would be held from June 7-12, 2002.