Abaiang Lagoon

Abaiang Lagoon is the expansive central feature of the Abaiang Atoll, located in the northern Gilbert Islands of Kiribati. Enclosed by a protective ring of coral reefs and small, palm-fringed sandy islets known as motus, the lagoon creates a tranquil aquatic environment shielded from the open Pacific. Its clear, shallow waters are a vital resource for the local I-Kiribati people, supporting a rich variety of marine life including reef fish and giant clams. Traditional fishing techniques, involving hand-carved outrigger canoes, are still practiced daily across the lagoon. The area is celebrated for its pristine beauty, featuring secluded white sand beaches and bustling coral gardens. As one of the more traditional atolls in the country, a visit to the lagoon gives a rare glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to the sea, characterized by a slow pace and a profound respect for the surrounding marine ecosystem.

Nearby cities

Betio

Betio is the economic center of Kiribati, located in the southwest of Tarawa Atoll.

Bikenibeu

Bikenibeu is a significant settlement in the southeast of South Tarawa.

Teaoraereke

Teaoraereke is a populous village in South Tarawa.

Temwaiku

Temwaiku is a rapidly growing settlement at the eastern end of South Tarawa.

Eita

Eita is a village located in the center of South Tarawa.

South Tarawa

South Tarawa is the capital and most populous area of the Republic of Kiribati.

Bairiki

Bairiki is the administrative center of South Tarawa.

Bairiki Business District

Bairiki serves as the economic and administrative center of South Tarawa, housing the country's main banks and government offices.

Bonriki

Bonriki is the easternmost village of South Tarawa and site of the international airport.

Tabwakea

Tabwakea is the largest settlement on Kiritimati, the world's largest coral island.

Banana

Banana is a village on Kiritimati island located right next to the Cassidy International Airport.

Marakei Atoll

Marakei is a unique, circular atoll famous for its closed lagoon and the 'Te Kabaia' welcoming rituals at four sacred shrines.

Rawannawi

Rawannawi is the largest settlement on the Marakei atoll.

Abemama Atoll

Abemama is a historically significant atoll where the British protectorate was declared in 1892 and author Robert Louis Stevenson once li…

Poland

Poland is a small village on the Kiritimati atoll.

History & landmarks

Betio Islet

Betio is a flat islet at the western end of Tarawa Atoll.

Bonriki Plateau

The Bonriki area on Tarawa comprises one of the widest landmasses of the atoll.

Bairiki Independence Site

The central square in Bairiki where the independence of Kiribati from the United Kingdom was officially proclaimed in 1979.

Bairiki National Stadium

The stadium in Bairiki is the largest sporting venue in Kiribati.

Bonriki Airport Terminal

The terminal of Bonriki International Airport is the main gateway to Kiribati.

Maneaba ni Maungatabu

The Parliament Building of Kiribati is located in Ambo on South Tarawa.

Nature

More places

Red Beach Tarawa

The primary landing site for US Marines during Operation Galvanic in 1943, one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific theater.

Betio Coast Defense Guns

These heavy Japanese coastal defense guns date back to World War II.

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Japanese Command Bunker

This massive concrete bunker served as the Japanese command center in 1943.

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Betio Shipyard

The shipyard in South Tarawa is the central facility for the maintenance and repair of the national commercial and fishing fleet.

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U.S. Marine Memorial

This memorial honors the soldiers of the U.S.

Tarawa War Cemetery

A memorial site for the soldiers who fell during the Battle of Tarawa, remembering victims from both sides of the conflict.

Australian War Memorial

This memorial on Betio honors the Australian coastwatchers who were executed during World War II.

Betio Japanese Command Post

A massive concrete bunker from World War II that served as the headquarters for Japanese defenders during the Battle of Tarawa.