· KI

Tarawa

Tarawa, Kiribati

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Tarawa is the capital and largest city of Kiribati, a beautiful island nation in the central Pacific. This tropical paradise is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers…

#Island#Pacific Ocean#Atoll#Capital City#Remote Location

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Tarawa.

Top Hotels in Tarawa

Top Flights to Tarawa

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Tarawa.

Tours

Explore the White Sandy Beaches of Biketawa Island

A pristine island with beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Culture Tour: Kiribati National Museum

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Kiribati at the National Museum.

Sunset Viewing at Ambo Island

Experience breathtaking sunsets at Ambo Island, offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Traditional Dance Performance at Maneaba

Enjoy a traditional dance performance showcasing the cultural heritage of Kiribati.

Explore WWII Historic Sites in Betio

Tour the historic sites from World War II, including bunkers and memorials in Betio.

Visit to Maiana Island

A day trip to Maiana Island, known for its beautiful lagoon and friendly locals.

Shopping

Shopping at Local Market in Betio

Experience shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at Betio's local market.

Outdoor

Bird Watching at Bonriki International Airport Area

Observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat near the airport area.

Fishing Trip around Abaiang Atoll

Join a local fishing trip and experience fishing like the locals around Abaiang Atoll.

Mangrove Kayaking Adventure

Navigate through tranquil mangrove forests and discover diverse wildlife on a kayaking adventure.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Tarawa.

Currency

A$ | AUD | Australian Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Tarawa, Kiribati, is '63,000'.

Languages

Gilbertese, English, Gilbertese

Average weather

Tarawa

Jan

31°25°

Feb

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Mar

31°25°

Apr

31°25°

May

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Jun

31°25°

Jul

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Aug

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

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Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Tarawa.

What people love

Tarawa, located in Kiribati, offers a unique travel experience with several pros for visitors:

Beautiful Beaches: Tarawa is home to stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Rich Culture: Visitors can immerse themselves in the local Kiribati culture, including traditional dances, music, and crafts. The people of Tarawa are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature.
Historic Sites: Tarawa has a rich history, particularly related to World War II. Visitors can explore historic sites such as battlefields, bunkers, and memorials, providing insight into the island's role in the war.
Outdoor Activities: Tarawa offers a range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking. The island's diverse marine life and coral reefs make it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Authentic Cuisine: Visitors can indulge in traditional Kiribati cuisine, which typically includes fresh seafood, coconut, and tropical fruits. Trying local dishes is a great way to experience the island's culture and flavors.
Remote Island Paradise: Tarawa is a remote and relatively untouched destination, offering a peaceful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Visitors can relax and unwind in the island's serene surroundings.

Overall, traveling to Tarawa in Kiribati offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical significance, making it a compelling destination for adventurous travelers.

What to know

Traveling to Tarawa in Kiribati does have some potential drawbacks that travelers should be aware of:

Limited infrastructure: Tarawa is a remote and less developed destination, so visitors may find limited facilities and services compared to more touristy locations. This can include unreliable transportation options, basic amenities, and limited accommodation choices.
Health risks: Tarawa has limited healthcare facilities, and visitors may be at risk of contracting diseases such as dengue fever or chikungunya due to the presence of mosquitoes. It is important to take precautions against mosquito bites and ensure you have adequate travel insurance coverage.
Climate challenges: Tarawa is a low-lying atoll, making it vulnerable to climate change effects such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. This can impact travel plans and infrastructure on the island.
Cultural differences: Travelers to Tarawa may experience cultural differences and language barriers, as the local culture is distinct from Western norms. It is important to respect local customs and traditions while visiting the island.
Limited activities: Tarawa is not known for its tourist attractions or activities, so visitors looking for a bustling tourist scene or a wide range of things to do may find their options limited on the island.

Overall, while Tarawa offers unique cultural experiences and beautiful natural scenery, travelers should be prepared for the challenges that come with visiting a remote and less developed destination.

Tarawa is an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean and serves as the capital of the Republic of Kiribati. It has a rich history marked by both indigenous culture and significant events during World War II.

Pre-European Contact

Before European contact, Tarawa was inhabited by the Micronesian people. The I-Kiribati (the people of Kiribati) have a Polynesian and Micronesian ancestry, and they developed a unique culture adapted to the atoll environment. Their society was organized into extended families and clans, with a strong emphasis on community and cooperation.

European Discovery and Colonial Era

The first European to sight Tarawa was the British captain Thomas Gilbert, who passed by the atoll in 1788. In the 19th century, whalers, traders, and missionaries began to arrive. In 1892, the British established the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate, which included Tarawa. This later became a colony in 1916.

World War II and the Battle of Tarawa

One of the most significant events in Tarawa's history was the Battle of Tarawa during World War II. In late 1943, the atoll was the site of a fierce battle between Japanese forces and the United States Marines. The battle was part of the U.S. strategy of "island hopping" to gain control of the Pacific islands. The battle lasted from November 20 to November 23, 1943, and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. It was one of the first major amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater and highlighted the challenges of such operations.

Post-War Period and Independence

After World War II, Tarawa returned to British control. The Gilbert and Ellice Islands gained self-rule in 1971, and Kiribati became fully independent on July 12, 1979. Tarawa was chosen as the capital of the newly independent nation due to its central location and significance.

Modern Tarawa

Today, Tarawa is the political and economic center of Kiribati. The atoll is divided into North Tarawa and South Tarawa. South Tarawa is the more urbanized area, containing the capital district and hosting most government offices and infrastructure.

Significant Landmarks

Betio War Memorials: Located on Betio Island in South Tarawa, these memorials commemorate the Battle of Tarawa. They include the Japanese and American memorials honoring those who died in the battle.
Kiribati Parliament House: The seat of the government of Kiribati is located in Ambo, South Tarawa.
Bairiki National Stadium: A key venue for sports and national events.
Sacred Heart Cathedral: Located in Teaoraereke, South Tarawa, this is an important religious site for the predominantly Roman Catholic population.

Environmental Challenges

Tarawa faces significant environmental challenges, including rising sea levels due to climate change, which threaten its low-lying islands. The population density on South Tarawa also creates pressure on resources and infrastructure.

Tarawa’s history is a testament to its resilience and strategic importance in the Pacific, from ancient times through colonial periods and modern challenges.