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South Tarawa, Kiribati - Things to Do in South Tarawa

Things to Do in South Tarawa

South Tarawa, Kiribati - Complete Travel Guide

South Tarawa is the capital and most populated area of Kiribati, a remote Pacific island nation straddling the equator. This narrow coral atoll stretches approximately 25 kilometers from east to west, with the lagoon on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, creating a unique geography where you're never more than a few hundred meters from water. The urban center combines traditional I-Kiribati culture with modern Pacific island life, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into one of the world's most isolated and climate-vulnerable nations. Despite its small size and remote location, South Tarawa serves as the economic and cultural heart of Kiribati, home to about half the country's population of 120,000 people. The area faces significant challenges from climate change and rising sea levels, making it one of the most threatened capitals in the world. Visitors will find a resilient community that maintains strong cultural traditions, from traditional fishing and weaving to the ancient art of navigation, all while adapting to modern realities in this unique Pacific paradise.

Top Things to Do in South Tarawa

Traditional Fishing and Lagoon Activities

Experience authentic I-Kiribati fishing methods in the pristine lagoon waters surrounding South Tarawa. Local guides will teach you traditional techniques using handmade nets and demonstrate how to catch fish from traditional outrigger canoes. The crystal-clear lagoon offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and observing marine life in one of the Pacific's most unspoiled environments.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guesthouses or community groups for $20-30 per person. Best times are early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when fish are most active. Look for guides who can explain traditional navigation and fishing techniques in English.

World War II Historical Sites Tour

Explore the remnants of World War II when Tarawa was the site of one of the Pacific's bloodiest battles in 1943. Visit preserved bunkers, gun emplacements, and memorials while learning about the strategic importance of this atoll. The tour includes stops at the main battle sites and the opportunity to see artifacts and hear stories from local historians.

Booking Tip: Contact local tour operators or the Kiribati Visitors Bureau for guided tours costing $40-60 per person. Tours run year-round but are best in dry season (April-October). Choose guides with historical knowledge and access to restricted areas.

Traditional Handicraft Workshops

Learn the ancient arts of mat weaving, coconut palm frond crafting, and traditional jewelry making from skilled I-Kiribati artisans. These hands-on workshops provide insight into daily life and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. Participants can create their own souvenirs while supporting local craftspeople and preserving traditional skills.

Booking Tip: Book through women's cooperatives or cultural centers for $15-25 per workshop session. Available most days except Sundays. Look for workshops that include materials and allow you to take your creations home.

Sunset Ocean Side Walks

Take peaceful walks along the ocean-facing coastline of South Tarawa, where dramatic sunsets paint the sky in brilliant colors over the endless Pacific. The narrow width of the atoll means you can easily walk from the lagoon side to the ocean side, experiencing two completely different coastal environments. These walks offer excellent photography opportunities and chances to meet local families enjoying the evening breeze.

Booking Tip: No booking required - this is a self-guided activity. Best time is 5:30-6:30 PM year-round due to equatorial location. Bring water, sun protection, and camera. Respect private property and local customs when walking through communities.

Local Market and Community Visits

Immerse yourself in daily I-Kiribati life by visiting local markets, schools, and community centers throughout South Tarawa. Experience the warmth of local hospitality while learning about traditional foods, local governance systems, and community resilience in the face of climate change. These visits often include traditional welcome ceremonies and opportunities to participate in community activities.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local contacts or guesthouses for $10-20 per person as a courtesy payment to communities. Best visited Tuesday-Saturday when markets are most active. Choose respectful operators who have established relationships with communities and can facilitate meaningful cultural exchange.

Getting There

South Tarawa is accessible only by air through Bonriki International Airport, served primarily by Fiji Airways with flights from Nadi, Fiji (3.5 hours), and Nauru Airlines connecting through Nauru. Flights are limited to 2-3 times per week, so advance booking is essential and can cost $800-1500 depending on season and routing. The airport is located on the eastern end of South Tarawa, about 30 minutes by road from the main urban areas. Due to the remote location and limited flight schedule, most visitors need to plan stays of at least a week to make the journey worthwhile.

Getting Around

Transportation on South Tarawa consists mainly of buses, shared taxis, and motorcycles, as the entire atoll can be traversed by a single road running east to west. Local buses run irregularly but are very affordable at around $1-2 per trip, while shared taxis cost $3-5 for longer distances. Many visitors choose to rent bicycles from guesthouses for $5-10 per day, which is ideal given the flat terrain and short distances. Walking is also practical for exploring local areas, though the heat and humidity make early morning or evening the most comfortable times for longer walks.

Where to Stay

Betio (western end with historical sites)
Bairiki (government and business center)
Bikenibeu (central area with amenities)
Teaoraereke (traditional communities)
Bonriki (near airport)
Buota (quieter residential area)

Food & Dining

Dining options on South Tarawa range from local family-run restaurants serving traditional I-Kiribati cuisine to small hotels offering international dishes adapted to local ingredients. Traditional meals center around fresh fish, coconut, breadfruit, and taro, often prepared in earth ovens or grilled over coconut husks. The main market areas offer fresh tropical fruits, coconut water, and local snacks, while a few establishments cater to international visitors with simple Western-style meals. Most guesthouses can arrange traditional feast experiences with local families, providing authentic cultural dining experiences that often include traditional music and dancing.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kiribati

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Bistro Maumu

4.7 /5
(726 reviews)
bar

restaurant muni

4.8 /5
(579 reviews)

Barista Kiribathgoda

4.5 /5
(446 reviews) 2
cafe store

Barista Nugegoda - Diner

4.5 /5
(430 reviews) 2
cafe

When to Visit

South Tarawa has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures year-round (26-32°C/79-90°F), making it visitable anytime, though the dry season from April to October offers the most comfortable conditions with less humidity and rainfall. The wet season from November to March brings higher humidity, frequent rain showers, and occasional storms, but also lush vegetation and fewer visitors. Trade winds provide natural cooling throughout the year, and the equatorial location means daylight hours remain constant at about 12 hours daily. For the most comfortable weather and best flight availability, plan visits during the shoulder months of April-May or September-October.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and sun protection as the equatorial sun is intense and reflected off water and coral sand
Learn basic I-Kiribati greetings like 'Mauri' (hello) and always ask permission before photographing people or entering communities
Pack light, quick-dry clothing and bring any specialized items you need as shopping options are very limited on the island

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