Happy TravellerWelcome to Tarawa, the capital of the Republic of Kiribati and a stunning atoll located in the Micronesia region of the central Pacific Ocean. With a population of over 60,000 people, Tarawa is a bustling hub of activity and culture, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of this beautiful island nation.
Tarawa is divided into two main areas: North Tarawa and South Tarawa. North Tarawa is a string of islets with a population of around 6,600 people, while South Tarawa is home to the capital city and over 50,000 residents. The atoll was the site of the Battle of Tarawa during World War II, and visitors can still see remnants of the conflict scattered throughout the island.
The name Tarawa comes from an old Gilbertese word for ‘The Passage (of the Lagoon)’, named for the unusual large ship channel to the lagoon. In Kiribati mythology, Tarawa was the earth when the land, ocean, and sky had not been cleaved yet by Nareau the spider. Thus, after calling the sky karawa and the ocean marawa, he called the piece of rock that Riiki (another god that Nareau found) had stood upon when he lifted up the sky as Tarawa.
Tarawa has a large lagoon, 500 square kilometers in total area, and a wide reef. The lagoon is widely open to the ocean, with a large ship pass. Although naturally abundant in fish and shellfish of all kinds, marine resources are being strained by the large and growing population. Drought is frequent, but in normal years rainfall is sufficient to maintain breadfruit, papaya, and banana trees as well as coconut and pandanus.
Visitors to Tarawa can explore the many administrative subdivisions of the atoll, including Betio Town Council, Teinainano Urban Council, and Eutan Tarawa Council. South Tarawa hosts the capital of the Republic of Kiribati and was also the central headquarters of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands since 1895. The House of Assembly is in Ambo, and the State House is in Bairiki. The offices of the various ministries of the government range from Betio at the southwest extreme to Nawerewere (on an easterly island in its chain), close to Bonriki (International Airport) and Temwaiku. Settlements on North Tarawa include Buariki, Abaokoro, Marenanuka, and Taborio.
Tarawa features a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification. The climate is pleasant from April to October, with predominant northeastern winds and stable temperatures close to 30 °C. From November to March, western gales bring rain and occasional cyclones. Precipitation varies significantly between islands. For example, the annual average is 3,000 mm in the north and 500 mm in the south of the Gilbert Islands. Most of these islands are in the dry belt of the equatorial oceanic climatic zone and experience prolonged droughts.
Tarawa is a hidden gem in the Pacific, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the administrative subdivisions of the atoll, learning about Kiribati mythology, or simply relaxing on the beach, Tarawa has something for everyone. Come discover this enchanting destination for yourself and experience the magic of the Pacific like never before!