Kitava Island, Trobriand Islands

Went there a few years ago. Fantastic beaches and friendly people. Would like to return one day.

Visiting Kitava island can be quite intimidating for a first worlder. Assuming that one is coming off a cruise ship it can be disconcerting that over half the population of the island is waiting to see the visitors coming to their island. Also, it is easy to mistake the continuous line of vendors with what you find in a popular tropical sight in the Caribbean or other tourist locations. Instead of imported gewgaws, everything here is the output of a local craftsperson who has very little access to a cash income any other way. More importantly, if you relax into the flow of the place, meet everyone's eyes with a smile, and engage a few people in conversation, you will find that almost everyone there is merely just as curious as you are. As one gentlemen told me, talking with strangers is the greatest benefit of ship visits, so sitting down with a group is rewarded with a warm conversation, with a delightful flow of questions in both directions. On a practical matter, if you can afford it (and if you are out on a cruise ship you probably can) please come with a couple hundred Kina in small bills. There will be a number of local schools out raising funds with delightful dances and singing. Or if you prefer, leave a few Kina for some local crafts. FYI: ebony and rosewood are both freely importable into Australia or New Zealand.. And finally, the snorkeling is out of this world for a relatively experienced snorkeler. I recommend studying Google satellite map and going south along the side of the channel between Uratu and the main island. It is also worth crossing the channel and going round Uratu. Be very aware of the tide because at times there is a significant current in the channel.