Things To Do
in Kiribati
Kiribati is a remote island nation in the central Pacific, composed of 32 atolls and reef islands that stretch along the equator. Its vast lagoons, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters create a quintessential tropical panorama. Daily life centers on fishing, taro farming, and strong community ties that welcome visitors with warmth.
While its isolation and climate-change vulnerability shape travel plans, Kiribati offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path Pacific experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Bonriki International Airport in Tarawa and check into your beachfront accommodation. Take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey, soaking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a traditional Kiribati breakfast at a local café to kick-start your adventure.
Explore the capital city of Tarawa, visiting the historic Japan War Memorial and the captivating Kiribati National Museum. Wander the colorful markets, where you can see local handicrafts and taste fresh tropical fruits. Engage with the friendly locals to learn more about their unique culture and way of life.
Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring fresh seafood, followed by a leisurely stroll along the beach. End your day enjoying the breathtaking sunset over the water, a spectacle that Kiribati is known for. Optionally, join a cultural performance showcasing traditional dances and music.
Head to Betio, the largest settlement on Tarawa, to explore its bustling streets and beachside activities. Visit the World War II sites such as the Battle of Tarawa memorials and learn about the island's historical significance. Enjoy a local breakfast at a café, mingling with the residents.
Spend time at the Betio waterfront, where you can try out activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding in the warm, clear waters. Participate in a fishing trip with local fishermen to learn traditional fishing methods and enjoy a picnic lunch on a small islet. Take in the vibrant marine life and the beauty of the surrounding atolls.
Return to Tarawa for a relaxing evening at your accommodation. Delight in a home-cooked dinner, perhaps trying local dishes like palu salad or grilled fish prepared by your hosts. Spend the night sharing stories with fellow travelers or locals under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Lunch in cafe/local eatery | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🛫Domestic flight (per person) | $250-500 |
| 🧭Local SIM card | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming locals and a peaceful, uncrowded environment
- Stunning lagoons, pristine reefs, and authentic Pacific Island life
- Limited infrastructure and services outside main towns
- High travel costs and challenging logistics for outer-atoll visits
- "Kia Orana" - Hello / Welcome
- "Maruru" - Thank you
- "E na mauri?" - How are you? (approx)
- "Iakwe" - Good day / Hello (variant across islands)
- "Boa ni kaite" - Please / Excuse me (polite request)
Places to Visit in Kiribati
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide, tranquil lagoons with glowing water at dusk; ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and silhouettes of palm trees.
A poignant waterfront site with historical significance and dramatic angles against the open sea.
Rugged shoreline, traditional houses, and passing fishing canoes along a quiet coastal route.
Photograph traditional atoll living with stilt houses and networked lagoons for a documentary vibe.
Bright stars over calm waters offer striking night-sky photography in remote beach settings.
Food in Kiribati
Kiribati Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A taro leaves and coconut cream dish, sometimes with fish or meat, baked in an earth oven for a smoky, comforting flavor.
Must-Try!
Taro leaves wrapped around coconut cream, onion, and sometimes fish or meat, steamed or baked until tender.
A hearty dish made from pulaka (taro root) cooked in coconut milk, often served with rice and fish.
Simply prepared local fish seared or steamed, finished with a splash of coconut milk and lime.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub to sample reef fish, taro, breadfruit, and coconut-based snacks; great for a casual, authentic meal.
Small roadside setups offering fresh fish skewers, coconut water, and simple fried snacks—perfect for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Kia Orana' and treat elders with respect; ask before taking photos of people, and avoid loud public displays of affection in traditional settings.
Dress modestly around villages; cover shoulders when visiting community spaces; remove shoes where appropriate in homes and certain indoor venues.
Ask for permission before photographing people or sacred sites; be mindful of local sensibilities and privacy.
Safety
Tipping in Kiribati
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a strict expectation in Kiribati; if you choose to tip, small gratuities for guides or private services are appreciated but not required.
Cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. Australian dollars are commonly used; credit cards are accepted mainly at larger hotels or lodges, with ATMs being limited in some areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid, and prone to tropical rain showers; plan for possible flight delays and higher humidity, but vibrant scenery and active sea life are common.
Drier, cooler relative to the wet season with calmer seas and clearer skies—great for snorkeling, photography, and outdoor activities.
Kiribati at Night
Hiking in Kiribati
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle shore trails along lagoon edges offering water views and opportunities to observe local life.
Low-lying trails and shorelines on nearby islets where permitted, suitable for easy hikes and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Kiribati by plane.
Main international gateway to Kiribati on South Tarawa; connects to Fiji and occasionally to other Pacific hubs; local flights to outer atolls operate from here.
Major airport serving the Line Islands group; essential for visiting Kiritimati and surrounding atolls; domestic flights connect to Tarawa or regional hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, primarily living on the atolls of the Gilbert Islands, with strong kinship networks and traditional leadership.
Small communities of Australians, New Zealanders, and other international visitors; tourism facilities are concentrated on South Tarawa and select outer atolls.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched, with community leagues and street games on many atolls.
Popular among youth and adults; local touch rugby and occasional matches occur in towns.
Traditional and modern fishing practices are integral to daily life and recreational trips.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on vegetarian-friendly staples like pulaka leaves with coconut cream, rice, and fruit; clearly communicate no fish or meat in dishes and ask for coconut-based preparations without fish stock.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kiribati.