Kiribati is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, located near the equator and halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The country is made up of 33 coral atolls, with Tarawa being its capital. It is known for its stunningly beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and unique culture. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled exploration of the islands, Tarawa has something for everyone. Here are the top 20 places to see in Tarawa, Kiribati.
1. Betio
Betio is the main commercial center of Tarawa, and is the most populous area of the atoll. It is home to the majority of the island’s population, and is the hub of activity in the area. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and markets to explore, as well as a variety of cultural attractions, including the Betio Cultural Center.
2. Bairiki
Bairiki is the capital of Tarawa and the main administrative center of the atoll. It is home to the President’s office, as well as a number of government buildings. The town is also home to the Bairiki National Stadium, where you can watch traditional sports such as rugby, football, and cricket.
3. Abaiang
Abaiang is the second most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, from snorkeling and fishing to swimming and sunbathing.
4. Kuma
Kuma is a small island located off the coast of Abaiang. It is home to a number of beautiful beaches, as well as a number of historic sites, such as the Kuma Lighthouse.
5. Butaritari
Butaritari is the third most populous island of the atoll, and is home to a number of interesting attractions. The most popular are the Butaritari Lagoon, which is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and the Butaritari Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Tarawa.
6. Marakei
Marakei is the fourth most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Marakei Cultural Center and the Marakei Historical Museum.
7. Tabiteuea
Tabiteuea is the fifth most populous island of the atoll, and is home to a number of interesting attractions, such as the Tabiteuea Cultural Center, which offers a variety of cultural activities, and the Tabiteuea Historical Museum, which showcases the history of the island.
8. Nonouti
Nonouti is the sixth most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Nonouti Cultural Center and the Nonouti Historical Museum.
9. Aranuka
Aranuka is the seventh most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Aranuka Cultural Center and the Aranuka Historical Museum.
10. Abemama
Abemama is the eighth most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Abemama Cultural Center and the Abemama Historical Museum.
11. Kuria
Kuria is the ninth most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Kuria Cultural Center and the Kuria Historical Museum.
12. Maiana
Maiana is the tenth most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Maiana Cultural Center and the Maiana Historical Museum.
13. Arorae
Arorae is the eleventh most populous island of the atoll, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Kiribati. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Arorae Cultural Center and the Arorae Historical Museum.
14. Abaiang Lagoon
The Abaiang Lagoon is a stunningly beautiful body of water, located between the islands of Abaiang and Butaritari. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as stingrays, turtles, and dolphins.
15. Bikenibeu Lagoon
The Bikenibeu Lagoon is a stunningly beautiful body of water, located between the islands of Bikenibeu and Butaritari. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as stingrays, turtles, and dolphins.
16. Abemama Lagoon
The Abemama Lagoon is a stunningly beautiful body of water, located between the islands of Abemama and Butaritari. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as stingrays, turtles, and dolphins.
17. Tarawa Lagoon
The Tarawa Lagoon is a stunningly beautiful body of water, located between the islands of Tarawa and Butaritari. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as stingrays, turtles, and dolphins.
18. Banaba
Banaba is an island located off the coast of Kiribati, and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the country. It is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, such as the Banaba Cultural Center and the Banaba Historical Museum.
19. Abaiang Reef
The Abaiang Reef is a stunningly beautiful coral reef, located off the coast of Abaiang. It is a great spot for snorkeling and diving, and is home to a variety of colorful fish, corals, and other marine life.
20. Bonriki International Airport
The Bonriki International Airport is the main airport in Kiribati, located on the island of Tarawa. It is a great spot to watch planes come and go, and is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants.