population: 5.89 million

extension: 1,513 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Houaïlou and interested in visiting museums, one option is to check out the Tjibaou Cultural Center in Nouméa. It features exhibits on Kanak culture and contemporary Pacific Island art. If you're looking for similar types of museums nearby, you might also want to consider the New Caledonia Museum or the Maritime Museum in Nouméa.

Food

One popular dish in Houaïlou and throughout New Caledonia is bougna, which is a traditional Kanak dish made with taro root, yam, sweet potato, banana, and either fish or chicken, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an earth oven. Another local favorite is coconut crab, a large land crab that's considered a delicacy in the region. Other dishes you might want to try include grilled prawns, octopus curry, and fresh tropical fruits such as mangoes and papayas.

Activities

As a language model, I don't have direct access to current local information or news. However, some popular activities in Houaïlou and New Caledonia include hiking, swimming and snorkeling in the pristine beaches, exploring the natural parks, and experiencing the unique Kanak culture through traditional ceremonies and festivals such as the New Year's Day celebration of Néku in Houaïlou. You may want to connect with locals or visit a tourist information center for specific recommendations based on your interests and the current local conditions.