Abemama Atoll

Abemama Atoll is a place of deep historical significance and literary romance in the heart of Kiribati. It was here that the British protectorate was formally declared, and it famously served as a home for author Robert Louis Stevenson, who was enchanted by its beauty and the reign of King Binoka. The atoll's past is woven into the very fabric of its quiet, palm-fringed villages. The atoll features a vast and shallow lagoon, well-suited for wading and discovering small coral formations teeming with fish. Abemama is known for its extensive coconut groves and is a major producer of copra. Exploring the island reveals remnants of its royal past and traditional i-Kiribati architecture, where meeting houses remain the center of community life. The local culture is rich with stories and skills passed down through centuries. Local cuisine highlights the abundance of the sea, with fresh lobster and grilled fish being staples for visitors and locals alike. Dishes are often accompanied by coconut in various forms, reflecting the island's main resource. The driest and most pleasant months to visit are between April and October. Abemama is conveniently linked to Tarawa by regular domestic flights, making it a popular choice for history buffs. Whether you are following in the footsteps of Stevenson or seeking a tranquil escape, Abemama gives a unique blend of heritage and tropical scenery. Its wide sandbanks that appear at low tide provide a memorable playground for photography and nature walks. It remains a dignified and culturally rich destination in the Gilbert Islands.

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.

Poland

Poland is a small village on the Kiritimati atoll.

Abaiang Atoll

Abaiang is a serene atoll known for its vibrant traditional culture and the historic Catholic church in Koinawa.

History & landmarks

Bonriki Airport Terminal

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

Bonriki Plateau

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

Maneaba ni Maungatabu

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

Bairiki National Stadium

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

Bairiki Independence Site

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

Betio Islet

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

🗺️

Te Animane Maneaba

One of the largest and most historically significant traditional meeting houses located on Tabiteuea North.

Nature

🗺️

Tarawa Lagoon

Tarawa Lagoon is the centerpiece of Kiribati's main atoll.

🗺️

Abaokoro Wetlands

The Abaokoro area in North Tarawa encompasses valuable wetlands crucial for the biodiversity of the Gilbert Islands.

Abaiang Lagoon

Abaiang Lagoon is an expansive, tranquil body of water in the northern Gilbert Islands, fringed by beautiful motus and coral reefs.

More places

Abemama Occupation Site

Historical site of the liberation of Abemama by US forces in 1943 following a brief Japanese occupation during the Pacific War.

Bonriki Solar Farm

This photovoltaic facility near the airport is a cornerstone of Kiribati's efforts to reduce dependence on expensive diesel imports.

National Library and Archives

The National Library of Kiribati is located in Bairiki on South Tarawa.

Kiribati Fish Limited Facility

This modern industrial facility in Betio processes tuna for export and is a major joint venture to increase local value addition.

🗺️

Betio Shipyard

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

Betio Port

The primary international seaport of Kiribati in South Tarawa handles the vast majority of the island nation's import goods and containers.

🗺️

U.S. Marine Memorial

This memorial honors the soldiers of the U.S.

Australian War Memorial

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