Phoenix Islands Protected Area

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) in Kiribati is one of the world's largest and most pristine marine wilderness areas. Spanning an incredible 408,250 square kilometers in the central Pacific, this massive sanctuary encompasses eight coral atolls and two submerged reefs. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, it is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and nearly untouched ecosystems. Due to its extreme isolation, the coral reefs within PIPA have remained largely unaffected by human exploitation, providing a rare glimpse into a healthy, primeval ocean environment. The area is home to over 500 fish species, significant populations of sharks, and serves as a vital nesting ground for countless migratory seabirds. PIPA acts as a critical spawning area for tuna and other commercially important species, supporting the broader health of the Pacific Ocean. As a natural laboratory, it provides invaluable insights into marine evolution and the impacts of climate change, standing as a global beacon for large-scale ocean conservation efforts.

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

Orona Island

Orona Island, also known as Hull Island, is a large atoll with a shallow lagoon and numerous passes that allow constant water exchange.

Kanton Island

Kanton is the only inhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, boasting a massive and nearly completely enclosed lagoon.

Manra Rim

Manra is a nearly closed atoll in the Phoenix Islands.

Manra Island

Manra Island is a circular atoll in the Phoenix group, featuring a hypersaline lagoon that is completely cut off from the sea.

Nikumaroro Atoll

This elongated coral atoll has a distinct reef rim and a central lagoon.

Arorae Navigational Stones

A series of historical stones (Te Kanawa) used by early inhabitants for celestial and maritime navigation between islands.

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Beru Traditional Maneaba

A historical meeting house on Beru Island, considered the spiritual and political center of Kiribati culture.

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Te Animane Maneaba

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

Nature

Orona Atoll Reserve

Orona, also known as Hull Island, features a shallow lagoon connected to the ocean by numerous channels.

Birnie Island Bird Sanctuary

Birnie is a very small, dry island almost entirely covered by low scrub.

Birnie Bird Reserve

This reserve on Birnie Island provides a critical habitat for endangered seabirds in the central Pacific Ocean.

Birnie Island

Birnie Island is a very small, uninhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, almost entirely dominated by seabird populations.

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Kanton Atoll Lagoon

Kanton's lagoon is the largest in the Phoenix archipelago and hosts exceptional marine biodiversity.

Manra Island Sanctuary

Manra is a nearly circular atoll with a saline lagoon that has no connection to the sea.

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Enderbury Island

Enderbury Island is a key nature reserve in the Phoenix Islands, famous as one of the most significant nesting sites for green sea turtles.

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Enderbury Island Nature Reserve

Enderbury is a small coral island without a lagoon, serving as a critical breeding area for green sea turtles.

More places

Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins

Ruins of a short-lived 1930s settlement, famous for being a focus of searches for the missing aviator Amelia Earhart.