Reaching Niulakita is genuinely difficult and requires planning around the island's irregular supply schedule. There are no flights and no regular ferries — the only practical option is to travel first to Funafuti, Tuvalu's capital, and then wait for one of the government supply boats that makes the rounds of the outer islands.
These boats run on no fixed timetable and depend on weather, cargo, and government logistics. A round trip from Funafuti to Niulakita and back can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Independent travellers are strongly advised to check with the Tuvalu Government in Funafuti before attempting the journey, as passenger space on supply boats is limited and permission to land on the island should be arranged in advance.
There is no accommodation on Niulakita. Anyone arriving must either return on the same boat or arrange to stay with island residents — something that requires prior arrangement and goodwill. This is not a destination you can turn up to casually.