Things to Do in Tarawa

About Tarawa

Tarawa sits on the equator as a thin coral atoll barely above sea level, its narrow strips of land encircling lagoons so clear you can see the bottom at 30 feet. Time here follows the tide, not the clock. The atoll belongs to Kiribati, one of the most remote island nations in the Pacific, where traditional Micronesian culture remains intact and World War II wrecks still rust in the shallows. The I-Kiribati people are genuinely welcoming. Community gatherings happen on white sand beaches where locals still use fishing techniques their grandfathers taught them—nothing here exists for tourists. Tarawa won't meet conventional travel expectations. There are no resorts. Instead, you get authentic Pacific island life. Simplicity is the point. The ocean provides a constant backdrop of waves, and sunsets turn the sky colors that don't seem possible anywhere else. This isn't a place you visit casually—it is a place you experience by spending time with people who've lived the same way for generations.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book domestic flights between South and North Tarawa well in advance through Air Kiribati, as schedules are limited and weather-dependent. Rent bicycles or walk for local transport—distances are short but bring sun protection. Shared minibuses operate irregularly between villages.

Money: Bring Australian dollars in cash—ATMs are extremely limited and credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels. Exchange money at ANZ Bank in Bikenibeu. Budget $50-80 USD daily for basic expenses including meals and local transport.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting villages or maneaba (meeting houses). Always ask permission before photographing people. Remove shoes when entering homes and participate respectfully in traditional welcome ceremonies involving coconut water sharing.

Food Safety: Stick to freshly prepared local fish, coconut-based dishes, and tropical fruits from reputable sources. Avoid raw shellfish and drink bottled or properly boiled water. Try traditional dishes like te bua (coconut crab) at established local restaurants rather than street vendors.

When to Visit

Tarawa enjoys a tropical marine climate year-round with temperatures consistently between 26-32°C (79-90°F). The dry season (April-October) offers the most comfortable conditions with lower humidity, minimal rainfall (50-100mm monthly), and steady trade winds. This period sees peak tourism with accommodation prices 20-30% higher than off-season rates. The wet season (November-March) brings higher humidity, frequent but brief tropical showers (200-400mm monthly), and occasional storms, though temperatures remain pleasant. Budget travelers benefit from 25-40% lower accommodation costs during these months. May through September represents the sweet spot for most visitors, offering optimal weather with moderate pricing. Cultural ensoiasts should time visits around Te Maeva (Independence Day, July 12th) featuring traditional dancing, canoe races, and island-wide celebrations, or Gospel Day (second Monday in May) showing powerful community singing traditions. Diving and fishing ensoiasts will find excellent conditions year-round, though visibility peaks during drier months. Travelers seeking solitude should visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) when weather remains favorable but crowds thin considerably. Climate change considerations make booking flexible arrangements advisable, as weather patterns can shift unexpectedly.