Where to go kayaking in the Pacific?

It has recently become clear to my boyfriend and I that we really really want to have a kayaking adventure somewhere in the South Pacific. Thing is, though, we're not really sure where to go.

What we're after is somewhere where we can kayak round remote and gorgeous islands, exploring at our leisure, and (preferably) camping wherever takes our fancy or staying in some kind of informal accommodation (hammocks? fales?). Vava'u and Hapa'ai in Tonga sound like they might be good (but limited acommodation and camping not allowed?), and I also read about someone doing this kind of thing round some remote Fijian islands. Any of you have any other suggestions?

We really like doing fun stuff in obscure and off-the-beaten-track countries, if that helps, and don't really fancy joining a guided tour. And although we don't have all that much kayaking experience yet, we live in Hawai'i and will be practicing hard for this trip...

Thanks a lot for any suggestions!

I have talked to my friends in the unique Lau Lagoon in Solomon Islands about canoe-trekking down the lagoon, using local dugout canoes (they don't use kayaks) rented from the local people and staying in village guest-houses.
This is a lagoon where people live on artificial islands built on shallow parts of the lagoon, and many houses are built on stilts over the water.
However, there is no plumbing or electricity.
If you are interested, please send me a PM. (Incidentally, any profit would go direct to the villagers who participate with canoe-hire, accommodation or food provision)

If you haven't already read Paul Theroux's "The Happy Isles of Oceana" get hold of a copy. It's an account of his travels around the Pacific in a collapsible canoe.

A main consideration will be that you will need permission from the local people if you want to camp on little islands/islets. This is true in Tonga and Fiji, and in the Cooks camping is prohibited.

Tonga (Vavau) is a great place, as lots of little islets near each other. None to speak of in the Cooks, OK in a few areas of Fiji.

i came across this website a little while ago and i think it's pretty useful. they post all sorts of things to do in different places all over the world. on their list of best kayaking experiences, i found a few in New Zealand, but there are others as well.

Edited by: elliesoho

Thanks for the advice - I must have had my setup all screwed up because I thought nobody had answered... Will definitely think about the Solomons, and Tonga (Paul Theroux has a lot to answer for).

I wouldn 't believe Theroux's views on the culture of Tonga, Fiji or the Cooks, he is way off base in those countries. And his history is not correct either as to Polynesian migration. So, I'd take it all with a grain or large lump of salt.

I thought that camping was not allowed in Tonga unless you were on a formal kayaking tour. The kayaking trip that they do in the Ha'api goes (among other places) between Uelova and Uiha islands. I wouldn't want to be kayaking there by myself. Took the motor boat and rocked up and down among 12 foot swells. It's pretty impressive when the sea is above you blocking out the horizon. When I read about the kayaking trip I really wanted to do it (except for the price and that I hate tours). However, when I got to the Ha'api (as a non-kayaking visitor) I thought that kayaking about there wouldn't be that interesting. (It's a walking kind of place.)

I would consider Tikehau in French Polynesia. It is a necklace of little motu (islets). Incredibly beautiful. (I kayaked a bit using my pensions sit on top. I think it's an incredible place to go kayaking.) I think there is a much more relaxed attitude about camping. I've heard of surfers camping out on the motu by the pass.

Another place, that I haven't visited (or dated anyone who works at the consulate), is Palau. It's in the north Pacific. I've read that you can rent expedition kayaks complete with tents and camping gear. You can even get a route map with suggested stop offs for each night. The challenge is flying there for under $2000.

For kayaking on your own in Vavau you'd have to get permission from the villagers on the main island (Vavau and those connected to it by causeways) who controlled the little uninhabited islet(s) you planned to visit that are out in the lagoon. Of course if a msall islet was inhabited, you'd have to get permission from them, but it would be difficult to do in advance. Ask at the place you are staying, everyone pretty much knows who owns which islet, etc.