The 9 Best Things to Do in Kiribati (1 Week’s Travel Guide)

Kiribati (pronounced ki-ri-baas) is one of the least-traveled countries in the world.  Comprising of 33 islands, ts is the only country sitting in all four hemispheres, and it is the first to greet the new day due to its location on the International Date Line.

The tourism is minimal, so don’t expect a glossy or slick brochure-worthy experience. Don’t even expect to find other tourists!

What I loved, though, was that the islands are deeply rooted in a sense of community with remarkable beauty you might not find elsewhere.

Here’s the 11 best things to do on your trip to Kiribati

Where To Go, and how to get There

Your first decision is what part of Kirbati you want to visit

Kiribati has two international airports: Bonriki International Airport (TRW) on the island of Tarawa (serving the capital and Gilbert Islands) and Cassidy International Airport (CXI) on Kiritimati Island in the cluster of Line Islands.

Unfortunatly the distance between the two island ‘hubs’ is over 3000km. And also unfortunately, they no longer run a domestic service between these two airports.

This makes travelling around Kiribati harder than travelling to another country!

In fact, to get from one to the other, you’ll need to fly via Hawaii or Fiji (what I did).

Reccommendation: I’d recommend starting your trip on the more populated Tarawa, then heading across to Kiritimati if you can manage it. Otherwise, save that for your next trip! Its a big commute and will likely involve overnighting in Fiji..

Activities 1 through 8 below are all based on Tarawa, and then 9 – 11 on Kiritimati

1. Walk the Japanese WWII Ruins 

This island at the western end of South Tarawa was ground zero for the Battle of Tarawa.

You’ll find bunkers and pillboxes, along with wrecked American tanks and landing craft along the beaches. 

You can also check out the Singapore Guns, Vickers 8 coastal guns, and memorials dedicated to the fallen American, Japanese, British, and New Zealand coastal watchers..

2. Eat Like a Local 

Kiribati offers fresh, simple, and comforting food.

I was actually seriously impressed with the food on the island!

If you’re enjoy seafood, you’re in for a treat. Tuna costs around $5/kg AUD and lobster (crayfish) are about $8 each for a mid-size cray.

Many other ingredients, however, need to be imported, so you’ll pay through the nose if you want to eat back home.

My recommendation? Eat like the locals and eat what’s promoted on special boards.. catch of the day.. etc.

A few standout eateries became my go-to spots:

• Ocean Family Seafood: The restaurant has a full menu of, seafood, meat and vegetarian options too. Expect generous portions served by the warmest staff. 
• Fair Price Golden Restaurant: This Chinese eatery does excellent stir-fries, noodles, and seafood. It also has stunning views of the lagoon when seated on the waterfront side.
• Chatterbox Cafe: Probably the most westernized eatery I visited. You’ll find freshly brewed coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods. 
• Koakoa’s Corner: I stumbled upon this one by accident, and it quickly became a favorite for casual, hearty meals. Great local vibe, with simple plates of rice and stir-fry.

Tip: Roughly half the places i went to were cash-only (Australian dollars), so keep money on hand. There are ATMs outside the airport in Bonriki, so make sure to get out enough to last you for your trip when you land

3. Stay at One of the Lodges or Guesthouses

Accommodation in Kiribati is mainly family-run and quite simple. Depending on your budget and interests, here are a few options: 

on Tarawa

• Dreamers Guest House: Breezy guesthouse with lagoon views, self-contained rooms, and warm, solar-powered hospitality.
• Mary’s Motel: Central and consistent with A/C rooms, steady Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.
• Utirerei Hotel: Modest, quiet hotel with A/C rooms, helpful staff, and a peaceful garden setting for relaxed stays.

On Kiritimati

• Ikari House: Privately run fishing lodge with polished service, A/C rooms, daily meals, and strong local connections.
• The Villages: Beachfront bungalows with A/C and communal dinners, perfect for sunset lovers and anglers alike.
• Lagoon View Resort: Homely and well-run, ideal for fly-fishers.
• Captain Cook Hotel: Historic hotel with a social atmosphere, decent rooms, and weekend events with live music.

4. Spend an Afternoon Kayaking in Tarawa’s Lagoons

Kayaking in Kiribati feels intimate with the local environment. You’re low to the water, but you can still hear the bird calls from the trees, see fish dart underneath your paddle, and occasionally pass fishermen wading with their nets.

Rentals aren’t everywhere, but several guesthouses can often help arrange one for you. Just make sure you check the tides before you head out. Some areas become very shallow at low tide, and you don’t want to find yourself dragging your kayak over exposed coral heads.

5. Try Te Kaimatoa or Watch It Performed 

One of the most moving cultural moments I experienced in Kiribati was watching a performance of Te Kaimatoa. It’s a traditional dance that translates loosely to the dance of strength or endurance. 

It’s usually performed during celebrations, community events, or commemorative gatherings.

The dancers moved with intense precision, their upper bodies still, arms gesturing in slow, deliberate rhythms. The storytelling element is expressive, grounded, and emotionally charged.

If you do partake, here are some tips: 

• Practice cultural sensitivity: Te Kaimatoa is a traditional dance, so approach it for its cultural significance. Observe the dance first to understand its movements and rhythms.
• Learn the steps: Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance on the basic steps. Many locals are happy to share their traditions with those who show genuine interest and respect.
• Join in: Once you’ve observed and learned a little, join in. Move with the rhythm and try to follow the lead of those who are more experienced.

6. Take a Boat to Abatao Islet for a Day Trip 

A boat trip to Abatao Islet from Buota, North Tarawa, offers a short but adventurous experience. Expect a short boat ride (around 3 minutes) or a leisurely 20-minute wade across during low tide. 

You’ll find opportunities for exploring and perhaps even enjoy lunch with a local family. 

7. Immerse Yourself in Kiribati’s Village Life

One of the best decisions I made was saying yes when invited to visit a local village outside of South Tarawa. You get to experience the local crafts, communal cooking, and kids playing barefoot in the sand.

The maneaba, a traditional meeting house, is the social hub. Hopefully, you’ll be fortunate enough to attend a ceremony or celebration. 

The hospitality was humbling, with food shared without hesitation. Despite the language barrier, smiles and gestures did most of the talking.

Note: Always ask for permission before taking photos.

8. Sip Te Karewe

Te karewe is a coconut toddy, a drink made from the sap of the coconut palm. Expect a refreshing, slightly sweet drink or a more potent alcoholic beverage, depending on how it’s prepared.

I tried the fermented version. A local passed me a shell, and the first sip made me squint. It’s got a tangy kick, but after a few sips, it mellowed out, and I could see why people enjoy it during social events. It’s earthy, raw, and unfiltered.

It’s usually homemade, so if you’re offered some, know it’s a sign you’re being included in something local and genuine. Just maybe don’t go back for thirds.

9. Party It Up At A Kava Bar

10. Birdwatching on Kiritimati Island 

Birdwatching here is world-class. Kiritimati (Christmas Island) sits within the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory path, and hosts one of the largest seabird breeding populations on Earth. 

Some birding opportunities include:

• Protected nesting zones: Kiritimati Island has designated areas specifically for bird breeding and nesting. These spots have excellent viewing opportunities. 
• Diverse species: The island’s home to various of bird species, including shearwaters, petrels, tropicbirds, boobies, and frigate birds. 
• Rare and endangered species: You may have the chance to spot rare birds like the Phoenix Petrel and the White-throated Storm Petrel. 
• Guided tours: Book a tour with a guide to access the protected areas and learning about the local bird life.

11. Snorkel the Coral Reefs of Kiritimati 

Kiritimati offers some of the best underwater experiences I’ve ever had. The reefs are still incredibly vibrant, with plenty of coral gardens and colorful fish darting everywhere.

I went out with one of the local operators from Lagoon View Resort. They’re small-scale, friendly, and know the waters like the back of their hands. 

12. Relax at Tabuaeran’s (Fanning Island) Secluded Beaches 

You know how most people describe beaches as secluded, but you still end up sharing the sand with 40 other tourists? That’s not the case on Fanning Island.

The beaches have long stretches of soft sand, with calm, pristine water. You can spend hours listening to the gentle lap of waves and watching tiny reef fish dart near shore.

You’ll need to arrange your visit ahead of time, typically through your accommodation in Kiritimati. But if you can swing it, the payoff is an unplugged beach experience that might be impossible to find anywhere else.