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Butaritari
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Butaritari stands out as the most fertile and lush atoll in Kiribati, earning it the reputation of the archipelago's greenest island. Unlike many of the drier atolls in the Gilbert group, Butaritari benefits from high annual rainfall, which supports a dense and diverse range of tropical vegetation. The island is particularly noted for its expansive mangrove forests along the lagoon side and its towering breadfruit trees, which produce fruit in such abundance that they are traded with neighboring islands. Historically, the atoll gained prominence during World War II as a strategic base and the site of intense military operations, including the famous Raid on Makin. Today, however, the pace of life is serene and traditional. The local population relies on the productive soil for growing taro and harvesting copra, maintaining a lifestyle deeply connected to the natural environment. For travelers, the atoll has a unique blend of historical intrigue, verdant landscapes, and pristine marine environments.
- Location: Kiribati
- Nearby: Butaritari Atoll (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 225 | 186 | 296 | 273 | 205 | 239 | 208 | 163 | 145 | 137 | 146 | 236 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Butaritari is the greenest atoll in Kiribati, known for its lush vegetation. The entire island is publicly accessible; visitors can explore villages and nature.
Typical hours
The island is accessible at any time as there are no gates or closing times. Daytime hours are best for village visits.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere; the dense breadfruit trees and mangroves provide wonderful natural subjects. Ask villagers for permission if photographing people.
Time needed
Plan at least half a day to explore the atoll. For a full circumnavigation with village visits, allow a full day.
Combine with
Combine Butaritari with the nearby Butaritari Seaplane Base, ruins of the Japanese seaplane base. Boat trips to surrounding islands are also possible.
Getting there
Butaritari is reachable by domestic flight from Tarawa or by boat. There is a small airstrip on the island.
Insider tip
Rent a bicycle on the island to flexibly explore villages and the coast. Try local breadfruit dishes, which are a specialty.
Geography
Facts
- Land area: 13.5 km²
- Lagoon area: 191 km²
- Population: 4,000 (2020)
- Mangrove area: 10 km²
- Highest elevation: 3 m
- Average temperature: 28 °C
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Butaritari called the 'Green Island'?
Due to high rainfall, fruits like bananas and breadfruit grow exceptionally well here.
Are there historical sights?
Yes, there are wrecks and relics from WWII, as Butaritari was a theater of war.
How do you get to Butaritari?
There are domestic flights from Tarawa with Air Kiribati, usually several times a week.
Is the water safe to drink there?
No, tap water should be boiled; bottled water is preferable.
What is the local specialty?
Fresh fish and various dishes made from breadfruit and taro.
Butaritari: where is it located?
Butaritari is located in Kiribati.
Butaritari: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Butaritari: why is it worth visiting?
Butaritari stands out as the most fertile and lush atoll in Kiribati, earning it the reputation of the archipelago's greenest island.
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History & landmarks
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
Makin Atoll Battlefield
The site of the 1942 Makin Raid and the subsequent US invasion in November 1943 on the Butaritari Atoll.
Butaritari Seaplane Base
Remains of the Japanese naval air base from World War II, which played a strategic role during the Pacific War.
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.
Tarawa War Cemetery
A memorial site for the soldiers who fell during the Battle of Tarawa, remembering victims from both sides of the conflict.
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U.S. Marine Memorial
This memorial honors the soldiers of the U.S.