The capital strip
South Tarawa is where most international flights land and where around half the country lives. It is a crowded ribbon of islets joined by causeways, home to the parliament, the national museum, most hotels and a single busy road served by minibuses.
The war history
Betio, the port islet at the western tip, was the scene of the 1943 Battle of Tarawa. Coastal guns, bunkers and reef wrecks still stand among homes, a powerful half day for anyone interested in history.
The quiet side of the atoll
North Tarawa is rural Tarawa: villages, maneaba, empty beaches and reef walks at low tide. Buota is a bridge away from South Tarawa; further north you need tides, boats and a homestay.
The far east
Kiritimati, or Christmas Island, is a separate trip in the Line Islands, reached by a weekly flight between Nadi and Honolulu. It is a world-famous fly fishing destination and a great seabird sanctuary.
An outer island
Abaiang, just north of Tarawa, is the easiest outer atoll to visit, with a clear lagoon, a historic church and village stays.
How to combine them
Most Tarawa trips spend three to five nights on South Tarawa, including Betio, plus one or two nights in North Tarawa or on Abaiang. Kiritimati is usually its own week-long trip. Our places to visit list has specific spots for each base, and the free trip planner helps you fit everything around the flight days.