Fiji Airways flies a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on this route. The weekly schedule operates in a continuous loop:
Flight Number: FJ823
Departure: Departs Honolulu (HNL) every Tuesday around 12:05 PM (HST).
Arrival: Arrives at Cassidy Airport (CXI) on Wednesday around 3:25 PM (UTC+14).
Flight Time: ~3 hours, 20 minutes.
Flight Number: FJ822
Departure: Departs Kiritimati (CXI) every Wednesday morning around 7:35 AM–8:25 AM.
Arrival: Arrives in Honolulu (HNL) on Tuesday morning around 10:45 AM–11:30 AM.
Flight Time: ~3 hours, 10 minutes.
FJ822: Departs Nadi (NAN) late Tuesday night (~11:50 PM), arrives in CXI early Wednesday morning (~6:40 AM) before continuing to Hawaii.
FJ823: Leaves CXI on Wednesday afternoon (~4:25 PM) and arrives in Nadi on Wednesday evening (~7:15 PM).
Weight Limits: Standard checked baggage allowance is up to 30 kg (66 lbs) per bag for both Economy and Business class, though your specific ticket class determines your total allowed piece count.
Rod Tubes & Oversized Luggage:
Fly fishing rod tubes up to 200 cm (78.7 in) in length are permitted as standard checked baggage. Tubes up to 292 cm (115 in) in maximum length are accepted, but will incur an oversized handling fee.
Pro Tip: Always register oversized fishing or diving gear with Fiji Airways prior to departure to avoid check-in surprises at Honolulu or Nadi, and note that domestic Fiji Link transfer flights cap gear length at 180 cm (70.8 in).
Only 1 ATM / Unreliable Credit Cards: Kiritimati has only one operational public ATM but not always reliable. Credit card machines are almost non-existent or frequently lose satellite connection.
Cash is Essential: You must bring enough physical AUD cash to cover:
Lodge tips for guides and staff (typically expected in AUD or USD).
Departure taxes (if not included in your airline ticket).
Local souvenirs, snacks, and drinks at local stores (canteen shops).
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months past your scheduled departure date, with at least 2 blank pages.
Proof of Onward Travel: Fiji Airways will require proof of a round-trip or onward ticket at check-in.
Visas: Passport holders from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, EU, Japan, and South Korea receive a free visa on arrival (valid for up to 30–90 days).
US Transit Requirements (Crucial for Non-US Travelers): If you are transiting through Honolulu (HNL) on your way to/from Kiritimati, non-US citizens must possess a valid US ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a US Transit Visa (C-1), even if you are not staying in Hawaii.
The Airport: Cassidy International Airport is an open-air facility with basic amenities.
Customs & Biosecurity: Kiribati has strict biosecurity regulations to protect its fragile island ecosystem. Fresh fruits, vegetables, live plants, soil, and unsterilized organic matter are prohibited.
Ground Transfers: There are no ride-sharing apps (Uber/Lyft), car rental agencies, or traditional taxi ranks at CXI. Te Nii Island Lodge personel will meet you directly outside the baggage pickup area.
Due to the extreme remoteness of Kiritimati, local medical facilities can only handle minor ailments and basic first aid.
Medical Evacuation Coverage: Most dedicated fishing and dive lodges require or strongly recommend proof of a specialized medical evacuation policy (e.g., Global Rescue, Medjet, or Ripcord) that covers emergency airlift services back to Hawaii or Fiji.
