We strongly recommend using the services of our professional travel agent in Honolulu: Renee Mahler. She is the best resource for reservations between Honolulu and Christmas Island (Cassidy International Airport, code CXI). She is very familiar with this flight and will take good care of you. Moreover, if there are ever any travel delays related to either the charter flight to Fanning or the commercial flight on Fiji Airways to/from Hawaii (or Fiji), she will be able to assist you in any rebookings needed to get you home. While these sorts of delays are rare, they do happen. This is also another very good reason to purchase Travel Insurance for this trip.
Renee can be reached
1-808-949-8100 (ext 103#) or
renee@ultimatevacations.us. Tell her that you are with The Fly Shop, and she’ll take extra special care of you.
The round trip via Fiji Airways flight between Christmas Island (or Fiji) and Honolulu costs approximately US$1140. Fiji Airways is a well-operated airline and provides good service; Renee can almost always get our guests great seats; wine and beer are complimentary; and a small meal is provided.
Renee can also make flight reservations from the mainland for you as well as make hotel arrangements in Hawaii, or Fiji. Most of our guests choose to stay at the Airport Honolulu Hotel (formerly known as the Ohana), particularly if spending only one night. The hotel restaurant has a decent breakfast. Dinners there are decent, and there are several good restaurants within walking distance. It is often worth the $30 cab ride (one way) to Waikiki for better dining options (Duke’s is one of our favorite restaurants, right on Waikiki Beach). The Pearl Ridge Shopping Center is nearby and reachable by taxi if you need any last-minute items.
You need to purchase Medical evacuation insurance. If anything happens to you while on Christmas Island and an evacuation to a medical facility is necessary, it is very, VERY, expensive should you have to do it without insurance. Check the Sportsman's Travel Protection Plan by Travel Guard brochure enclosed (or attached if you receive this by email) for information.
Passports must be valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
Christmas Island Itinerary:
Monday:
Preceding your scheduled week in Christmas Island that runs from Tuesday to Tuesday, we recommend flying to Honolulu on Sunday or Monday, giving yourself an extra day and night of rest and to allow for delays or lost baggage. The Honolulu Airport Inn (also named Ohana Honolulu Airport Hotel) is convenient and located near the terminal (and has a van for transfers; their phone is 808-836-0661). Remember, Christmas Island is one day ahead of US time. So, you'll be arriving on their Wednesday. And, you will be departing on their Wednesday. This is the first day of your week at Christmas Island. Upon arrival at Christmas Island, check through customs.
Tuesday Morning:
Please check in at the Honolulu airport according to instructions on your ticket or from your travel agent. This is the first day of your week at Christmas Island. Upon arrival at Christmas Island, check through customs. You will need to fill out a customs form and on it, is a place for where you'll be staying. It is known as "The Shark Place". The lodge host will meet you after clearing customs and take you to the lodge. You will meet Peter (head guide) and he will walk you through the fishing program and your lodge stay.
Wednesday - Monday:
Typically, your fishing days will look like this: After a 6:30 AM breakfast, you will depart for the flats around 7:00 AM. You will have two(2) days with the truck and four (4) on the boat. You will fish from approximately 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, then be back at the lodge around 5:30 PM. Dinner is around 7:00 PM. Remember, that this schedule will change according to your fishing desires and the tides. On your last night pay your extra lodge expenses to the lodge owner. Take care of tips and pack up for an early morning departure tomorrow. Make sure your flight reservations are confirmed. 6 full days of fishing.
Tuesday (departure day):
Depart Christmas Island. On this sad day, you will say your goodbyes, make promises to return next year if not before, get phone numbers and email addresses of new found fishing companions and be transferred to the airport. The lodge host will give you all of the details for your departure. Flights are scheduled to depart Christmas Island at 7:00 AM and arrive Honolulu at 10:00 AM.
hotel arrangements in Hawaii.
Angling & Guide Options:
Your fishing package includes three lagoon skiff days and transportation by vehicle to the flats for three days. You will be assigned two guides for each party of four. If you wish an extra guide and, if one is available, the cost is $100 per day in U.S. currency. We recommend that you consider doing so if this is your first visit or if you are a beginner.
