Things to Do in Tarawa

About Tarawa

Where the international dateline bends and the Pacific stretches endlessly in every direction, Tarawa rises barely above the waves—a slender necklace of coral islets that serves as both the heart of Kiribati and one of Earth's most remote inhabited places. This is where ocean and sky merge into a single canvas of blue, where traditional I-Kiribati culture thrives in harmony with the rhythm of tides, and where the very concept of isolation takes on new meaning. Few places on the planet remain so untouched by mass tourism, offering travelers a rare glimpse into a vanishing way of life shaped entirely by the sea.

Travel Tips

• Cash is Essential: Bring Australian dollars in cash as ATMs are unreliable and often empty, and credit cards are rarely accepted outside the few hotels. Exchange money at the Bank of Kiribati or ANZ Bank in Bairiki during limited banking hours.

• Navigate by Minibus: Use the local minibus system that runs along the main road through South Tarawa for just $0.50-$1.00 AUD per ride. Flag them down anywhere along the route and tap the roof or call out when you want to stop.

• Respect Modest Dress Codes: Always cover your shoulders and knees when away from beach areas, as Kiribati is a conservative Christian society where revealing clothing is considered deeply disrespectful. Remove shoes and hats before entering homes and maneabas (meeting houses).

• Plan Around Limited Water Resources: Expect water rationing and bring reef-safe sunscreen, as freshwater is scarce on this low-lying atoll. Many guesthouses have water only during certain hours, so fill containers when available and conserve accordingly.

When to Visit

Tarawa experiences hot, humid conditions year-round with temperatures consistently hovering between 26-32°C (79-90°F), though the best time to visit is during the drier season from March through October when trade winds provide some relief and rainfall averages 100-150mm per month, making beach activities and lagoon exploration more reliable. November through February brings the wettest period with monthly rainfall exceeding 250-300mm and increased humidity above 80%, which can make the heat oppressive and cause flooding in South Tarawa's low-lying urban areas, though this period coincides with Kiribati's Independence Day celebrations (July 12th) featuring traditional dancing, canoe races, and cultural performances that draw visitors willing to brave the occasional downpour. Budget travelers should note that accommodation prices remain relatively stable year-round due to limited tourism infrastructure, but flights from Fiji and Hawaii are less frequent during December-January when regional airlines reduce services. April through June offers the sweet spot with moderate rainfall (150-200mm monthly), consistent 27-29°C temperatures, calmer seas for snorkeling the WWII wrecks at Betio, and fewer visitors, though be aware that the intense equatorial sun requires serious sun protection regardless of season, and the remoteness means weather-related flight delays can occur any time of year, so build flexibility into your itinerary.