Butaritari Atoll

Butaritari, known for its exceptional lushness, is often referred to as the 'Green Island' of Kiribati. Unlike its drier counterparts to the south, it enjoys high rainfall, resulting in a dense canopy of breadfruit, banana, and papaya trees. The landscape is an animated green oasis, offering a stark and beautiful contrast to the surrounding deep blue Pacific Ocean. The atoll holds significant historical value as it was a major base during World War II, then known as Makin. Remains of seaplanes can still be found in the lagoon, and various war relics are scattered across the land, providing a poignant look into the past. Beyond history, Butaritari is celebrated for its rich cultural traditions, particularly its unique songs and dances performed in the community meeting houses. The fertile soil allows for a more varied local diet, featuring an abundance of fresh fruits alongside traditional seafood dishes. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies prepared with coconut and taro in a truly tropical setting. The best time to visit is from June to September to avoid the heaviest rains. Access to Butaritari is primarily through domestic flights departing from Tarawa. This atoll is an excellent destination for those seeking a mix of natural beauty, historical exploration, and cultural authenticity. The lush environment provides a cooling shade for exploring the villages and beaches. Butaritari remains a testament to the resilience and richness of atoll life when blessed with abundant fresh water.

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

Butaritari

Butaritari is known as the greenest atoll in Kiribati.

Bonriki Plateau

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

Betio Islet

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

Bonriki Airport Terminal

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

Bairiki Independence Site

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

Nature

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Butaritari Wetlands

Butaritari is the wettest atoll in Kiribati and possesses extensive mangrove forests and wetlands.

Abaiang Lagoon

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

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Abaokoro Wetlands

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

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Tarawa Lagoon

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

More places

Butaritari Seaplane Base

Remains of the Japanese naval air base from World War II, which played a strategic role during the Pacific War.

Makin Atoll Battlefield

The site of the 1942 Makin Raid and the subsequent US invasion in November 1943 on the Butaritari Atoll.

Betio Coast Defense Guns

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

Red Beach Tarawa

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

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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.