50 Best Places to Visit in Kiribati: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Kiribati is an extraordinary Pacific island nation spanning across three main island groups—the Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix Islands. Offering pristine coral atolls, uncrowded marine lagoons, pivotal World War II battlegrounds, and unmatched sea angling, Kiribati is one of the world's most remote and rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Why Visit Kiribati

Kiribati provides travelers with a rare, unspoiled look at traditional Pacific atoll life and expansive marine sanctuaries. Key highlights include:

• Exploring South Tarawa’s vibrant atoll villages and WWII historical sites.
• Discovering Kiritimati (Christmas Island), the world's largest coral atoll by land area.
• Experiencing world-class bonefishing and deep-sea game fishing.
• Visiting the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, a massive UNESCO World Heritage marine sanctuary.

Quick Facts

50 Best Places to Visit in Kiribati

1. South Tarawa Atoll

• Location: Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Capital Atoll & Cultural Hub
• About the Place: The bustling capital string of islets connected by causeways, offering local markets, maneaba community halls, and traditional lagoon life.
• Travel Instructions: Fly directly into Bonriki International Airport on South Tarawa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to South Tarawa Atoll

2. Kiritimati (Christmas Island)

• Location: Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: June to December
• Category: Coral Atoll & Fly Fishing
• About the Place: The world's largest raised coral atoll, famous globally for premier bonefishing, bird sanctuaries, and expansive blue lagoons.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via weekly international flights landing at Cassidy International Airport.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kiritimati

3. Betio Island

• Location: South Tarawa, Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: World War II Heritage
• About the Place: Historic WWII battlefield where the brutal 1943 Battle of Tarawa occurred, leaving coastal artillery guns, bunkers, and wreckage.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the western tip of South Tarawa, accessible via the Japanese-built causeway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Betio Island

4. North Tarawa

• Location: Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Rural Atoll & Nature
• About the Place: Peaceful stretch of traditional villages separated by ocean channels, offering pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and eco-lodges.
• Travel Instructions: Take a boat across the lagoon from South Tarawa or cross the channel at low tide.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to North Tarawa

5. Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA)

• Location: Phoenix Islands Group
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: UNESCO Marine Sanctuary
• About the Place: One of the world's largest marine protected areas, preserving untouched coral reefs, sea turtles, deep ocean trenches, and bird colonies.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible only via special expedition vessels and authorized permits.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Phoenix Islands Protected Area

6. Abaiang Atoll

• Location: Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Outer Island & Culture
• About the Place: Quiet outer atoll north of Tarawa featuring historic churches, traditional thatched maneabas, and serene lagoon sailing.
• Travel Instructions: Reachable via a short domestic flight from Tarawa or a 2-hour ferry ride.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Abaiang Atoll

7. Banaba Island (Ocean Island)

• Location: Western Kiribati
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Raised Coral Island
• About the Place: Kiribati's only high phosphate rock island, featuring dramatic limestone pinnacle landscapes, caves, and colonial mining ruins.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via supply vessels or private boat charters from Tarawa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Banaba Island

8. Tabuaeran (Fanning Island)

• Location: Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: June to November
• Category: Ocean Atoll & Lagoon
• About the Place: Remote paradise featuring a magnificent deep central lagoon, coconut palm groves, surfing spots, and friendly island villages.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via cruise ships or private yachts sailing through the Line Islands.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tabuaeran

9. Butaritari Atoll

• Location: Northern Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to December
• Category: Lush Island & WWII History
• About the Place: One of the greenest atolls in Kiribati, known for rich rainfall, taro pits, breadfruit groves, and WWII Makin raid history.
• Travel Instructions: Fly via Air Kiribati domestic flights from Bonriki Airport.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Butaritari Atoll

10. Abemama Atoll

• Location: Central Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Historical & Cultural Atoll
• About the Place: Historic island where the British declaration of protection was made in 1892, famously loved by author Robert Louis Stevenson.
• Travel Instructions: Daily domestic air service operates from Tarawa to Abemama Airstrip.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Abemama Atoll

11. Bikeman Island

• Location: Tarawa Lagoon
• Best Time to Visit: Low tide periods
• Category: Submerged Islet
• About the Place: A tiny submerged islet in Tarawa lagoon that serves as a vivid symbol of sea-level rise and climate change.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by motorized boat charter from South Tarawa during low tide.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bikeman Island

12. Ambo Lagoon & Village

• Location: South Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Cultural Site & Lagoon
• About the Place: Picturesque lagoon stretch home to the Parliament building (Maneaba ni Maungatabu) and scenic sunset spots.
• Travel Instructions: Drive along the main South Tarawa road midway between Bairiki and Bonriki.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ambo Lagoon

13. Teraina (Washington Island)

• Location: Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: June to December
• Category: Freshwater Lake Atoll
• About the Place: Unique coral atoll containing an enclosed freshwater lake (Lake Washington) surrounded by dense coconut peat bog vegetation.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by boat transfers from nearby Kiritimati Island or charter boat.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Teraina

14. Bairiki National Museum & Square

• Location: Bairiki, South Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Museum & Heritage
• About the Place: Cultural center in Bairiki exhibiting Kiribati handicraft traditions, historical artifacts, canoe building, and ocean navigation tools.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Bairiki town square, accessible via local bus or taxi.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bairiki National Museum

15. Kuria Atoll

• Location: Central Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Outer Atoll
• About the Place: Quiet twin-island atoll linked by sandbars, featuring pristine sandy shores, coconut plantations, and clear coastal reef waters.
• Travel Instructions: Air Kiribati operates scheduled flights from Tarawa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kuria Atoll

16. Maiana Atoll

• Location: Central Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Lagoon & Outer Atoll
• About the Place: Ring-shaped atoll boasting a sheltered internal lagoon, traditional fishing communities, and quiet uncrowded beaches.
• Travel Instructions: Located just south of Tarawa, reachable by local boat or air.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Maiana Atoll

17. London Village

• Location: Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
• Best Time to Visit: June to December
• Category: Coastal Settlement
• About the Place: The main settlement on Kiritimati Island, overlooking the main lagoon passage with local shops and fishing piers.
• Travel Instructions: Located a short drive west from Cassidy International Airport.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to London Village

18. Poland Village

• Location: Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
• Best Time to Visit: June to December
• Category: Remote Coastal Settlement
• About the Place: Charming isolated village named in honor of a Polish traveler who helped optimize palm plantation irrigation on the island.
• Travel Instructions: Located on the western tip of Kiritimati, reachable by 4WD vehicle.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Poland Village

19. Banana Village & Cassidy Airport Area

• Location: Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Entry Hub & Beach
• About the Place: Quiet entry area home to Cassidy Airport, featuring coastal sand flats and easy access to top fishing flats.
• Travel Instructions: Located directly adjacent to Kiritimati's primary airport.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Banana Village

20. Paris (Ruins)

• Location: Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
• Best Time to Visit: June to December
• Category: Historical Site
• About the Place: Abandoned French plantation settlement ruins located near the entrance of Kiritimati's primary lagoon.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by boat or 4WD vehicle across the southern peninsula.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Paris Ruins

21. Nonouti Atoll

• Location: Southern Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Large Atoll & Heritage
• About the Place: The third-largest atoll in Kiribati, home to one of the largest traditional maneabas (community meeting houses) in the country.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via domestic air flights from Tarawa to Nonouti Airstrip.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nonouti Atoll

22. Tabiteuea Atoll

• Location: Southern Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Cultural Outer Atoll
• About the Place: Sprawling southern atoll split into North and South regions, preserved for traditional Gilbertese lifestyle and lagoon fishing.
• Travel Instructions: Serviced by domestic flights from Tarawa to North Tabiteuea.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tabiteuea Atoll

23. Beru Atoll

• Location: Southern Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Historical & Cultural Site
• About the Place: Culturally significant atoll regarded as the historic center for Gilbertese maneaba governance traditions.
• Travel Instructions: Domestic air connections land regularly at Beru Airstrip.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Beru Atoll

24. Nikunau Atoll

• Location: Southern Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Ocean Reef Island
• About the Place: Low reef island containing landlocked hypersaline lakes and palm-fringed coastlines devoid of a lagoon.
• Travel Instructions: Reachable via Air Kiribati flights from Tarawa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nikunau Atoll

25. Onotoa Atoll

• Location: Southern Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Scenic Lagoon Atoll
• About the Place: Picturesque southern atoll featuring coral reefs, white sand causeways, and vibrant marine life.
• Travel Instructions: Fly via domestic scheduled air service from Tarawa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Onotoa Atoll

26. Tamana Island

• Location: Southernmost Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Reef Island
• About the Place: The smallest island in the Gilbert group, known for close-knit village life and hand-carved canoe craftsmanship.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via regional flight connections or supply ships.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tamana Island

27. Arorae Atoll

• Location: Southernmost Gilbert Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Cultural & Historic Site
• About the Place: Southernmost atoll in the Gilberts famous for the "Navigators' Stones" (Te Ba ni Uea), ancient ocean navigation aids.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via domestic air routes from Tarawa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Arorae Atoll

28. Kanton Island (Abariringa)

• Location: Phoenix Islands
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Inhabited Phoenix Atoll
• About the Place: The only inhabited island in the Phoenix group, boasting a large lagoon filled with sharks, turtles, and pristine coral reef.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via private yacht charter or government supply expedition vessels.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kanton Island

29. Enderbury Island

• Location: Phoenix Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Uninhabited Wildlife Sanctuary
• About the Place: Uninhabited coral island serving as a critical nesting ground for green sea turtles and thousands of seabirds.
• Travel Instructions: Requires PIPA research or expedition permits to visit via boat.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Enderbury Island

30. Orona Atoll (Hull Island)

• Location: Phoenix Islands
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Coral Atoll Lagoon
• About the Place: Uninhabited coral atoll featuring coconut palms, historical ruins, and crystal-clear marine lagoon ecosystems.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible exclusively by authorized marine charter vessels.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Orona Atoll

31. Nikumaroro (Gardner Pinnacle)

• Location: Phoenix Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Historic Coral Atoll
• About the Place: Famous atoll speculated to be the final landing site of aviator Amelia Earhart, featuring marine life and coconut crab colonies.
• Travel Instructions: Requires special permit access via private expedition cruises.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nikumaroro

32. Caroline Atoll (Millennium Island)

• Location: Southern Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Pristine Wildlife Reserve
• About the Place: Uninhabited pristine coral atoll renowned for being one of the first landmasses on Earth to see the sunrise each calendar day.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible only by special ocean-going expedition yachts.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Caroline Atoll

33. Flint Island

• Location: Southern Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: June to November
• Category: Uninhabited Reef Island
• About the Place: Uninhabited coral island surrounded by treacherous reefs, rich in coconut crabs and seabird nesting habitats.
• Travel Instructions: Expedition boat access only.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Flint Island

34. Vostok Island

• Location: Southern Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: June to November
• Category: Coral Islet Sanctuary
• About the Place: Isolated, uninhabited coral islet covered in dense Pisonia trees, surrounded by thriving coral reef ecosystems.
• Travel Instructions: Expedition charter vessel required.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Vostok Island

35. Malden Island

• Location: Central Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Historical Archaeological Site
• About the Place: Uninhabited island featuring ancient prehistoric Polynesian stone temple platforms (marae) and historical guano mining ruins.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via charter vessel with special government approval.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Malden Island

36. Starbuck Island

• Location: Central Line Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Seabird Sanctuary
• About the Place: Dry, low-lying coral island hosting one of the world's largest breeding colonies of sooty terns.
• Travel Instructions: Marine expedition charter access only.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Starbuck Island

37. Eita Village Beach

• Location: South Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Lagoon Beach
• About the Place: Calm lagoon beach location featuring traditional thatched shelters, ideal for swimming during high tide.
• Travel Instructions: Located along the main South Tarawa highway, reachable by local minibus.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Eita Village Beach

38. Bonriki Eco-Reserve & Point

• Location: South Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Coastal Nature Reserve
• About the Place: Green eastern tip of South Tarawa featuring vital freshwater lens reserves, coastal trees, and quiet beach vistas.
• Travel Instructions: Located right near Bonriki International Airport terminal.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bonriki Point

39. Teaoraereke Village

• Location: South Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Educational & Cultural Hub
• About the Place: Home to the University of the South Pacific Kiribati campus, Catholic cathedral, and lively local village stalls.
• Travel Instructions: Located on the central strip of South Tarawa along the main road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Teaoraereke Village

40. Buota Islet

• Location: North / South Tarawa Border
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Island Bridge Gateway
• About the Place: Bridge-connected islet forming the scenic gateway between urban South Tarawa and the rural villages of North Tarawa.
• Travel Instructions: Drive across the Buota bridge from the eastern end of South Tarawa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Buota Islet

41. Nabeina Village

• Location: North Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Eco-Tourism Village
• About the Place: Tranquil North Tarawa settlement featuring traditional eco-lodges, clean lagoon waters, and traditional coconut weaving.
• Travel Instructions: Take a lagoon boat taxi from Bairiki or walk across from Buota at low tide.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nabeina Village

42. Tabiteuea Village (North Tarawa)

• Location: North Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Rural Village
• About the Place: Peaceful village offering palm-lined footpaths, traditional fishing practices, and quiet ocean beaches.
• Travel Instructions: Reachable via boat transfer across Tarawa lagoon.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tabiteuea Village

43. Abaokoro Village

• Location: North Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Administrative Village
• About the Place: The administrative center for North Tarawa council, featuring scenic coconut palm vistas and mangrove ecosystems.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by local boat ferry operating across the lagoon.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Abaokoro Village

44. Buariki Village

• Location: Northernmost North Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Historical WWII Site
• About the Place: The northernmost village on Tarawa, site of the final battle during WWII combat on Tarawa atoll.
• Travel Instructions: Reachable by boat charter or overland trek along North Tarawa at low tide.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Buariki Village

45. Naaa Islet

• Location: North Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Remote Islet
• About the Place: Tiny, isolated islet at the northern tip of Tarawa, offering secluded beaches and calm lagoon waters.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by small outrigger or motorboat from Buariki.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Naaa Islet

46. Sacred Heart Cathedral

• Location: Teaoraereke, South Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Religious Monument
• About the Place: Prominent Catholic cathedral in South Tarawa, featuring unique open-air architectural designs tailored to Pacific climates.
• Travel Instructions: Situated directly on the main South Tarawa road in Teaoraereke.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Sacred Heart Cathedral

47. Bairiki Harbor

• Location: Bairiki, South Tarawa
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Waterfront & Port
• About the Place: Bustling lagoon port hub where local ferries, fishing boats, and inter-island supply vessels dock daily.
• Travel Instructions: Located adjacent to Bairiki town square.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bairiki Harbor

48. Keuea Village

• Location: Abaiang Atoll
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Traditional Village
• About the Place: Peaceful village on Abaiang known for traditional fishing techniques and vast coconut groves.
• Travel Instructions: Reachable by motorbike or boat on Abaiang atoll.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Keuea Village

49. Koinawa Village

• Location: Abaiang Atoll
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Historical Church Site
• About the Place: Home to the historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church, a massive brick structure built in 1907.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by road or boat transfer from Abaiang's main airstrip.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Koinawa Village

50. Taburao Village

• Location: Abaiang Atoll
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Outer Atoll Hub
• About the Place: The central administrative village of Abaiang, featuring traditional maneabas, local council offices, and medical clinics.
• Travel Instructions: Located directly near Abaiang Airstrip.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Taburao Village

Featured Image

Pristine Coral Lagoon in Kiribati