Tarawa, Kiribati
Region: Tarawa
Geographic Coordinates: 1.338200, 173.018000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 32.0°C (77°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Population: 28802
Language: Gilbertese
Tarawa is a small atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, Located in the Republic of Kiribati. It serves as the capital of this island nation and is situated approximately 2, 500 miles southwest of Hawaii. The atoll comprises two main islands, Betio and South Tarawa, Which are connected by a causeway. Tarawa has a population of around 50, 000 people. The island has a rich history dating back to World War II when it served as a strategic base for both Japanese and American forces.
The Battle of Tarawa fought between November 20th to November 23rd in 1943 was one of the most significant battles during this period. It resulted in over 6, 000 casualties on both sides with many soldiers being buried on the island. Today, Visitors can explore remnants from World War II such as bunkers and pillboxes that have been preserved as historical sites. Additionally, There are several memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives during this period such as the US Marine Corps Memorial Park.
Apart from its historical significance, Tarawa boasts stunning natural beauty with crystal-clear waters that offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy long walks along pristine beaches or go fishing with locals who use traditional techniques passed down through generations. One unique aspect of life on Tarawa is its reliance on coconut trees for food and livelihoods. Coconut palms grow abundantly across the island providing locals with everything from food to building materials for their homes. The culture on Tarawa is deeply rooted in tradition where communal living plays an essential role in daily life.
Visitors can experience this firsthand by attending local events such as dance performances or participating in traditional crafts like weaving mats from pandanus leaves. However, Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, Tarawa faces significant challenges due to climate change-induced sea-level rise which threatens its existence altogether. In recent years there have been reports about rising tides and coastal erosion that have led to flooding in some areas. The government has been working on several initiatives to address these issues, Including building seawalls and relocating people from vulnerable areas.
Tarawa is a unique destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history, Culture, And natural beauty. However, It is also a place where climate change poses significant challenges that must be addressed urgently to preserve its existence for future generations.
- Bairiki National Government Center
- Betio War Memorial
- Kiribati National Library and Archives
- Parliament House of Kiribati
- Sacred Heart Cathedral, Tarawa
- Te Umanibong Rock Island
- Ambo Village Cultural Tour
- World War II relics at Red Beach
- Bonriki International Airport Terminal
- Tarawa Atoll Shipwrecks
- The major industries and businesses in Tarawa, Kiribati are:
- Fishing
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Government services
- Fishing is the largest industry in Kiribati and provides employment for a significant portion of the population.
- Agriculture is also an important industry with crops such as coconuts, pandanus fruits, and taro being grown for both local consumption and export.
- Tourism is a growing industry in Kiribati with visitors attracted by its pristine beaches and unique culture.
- The government services sector provides employment opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, administration, and public safety.
- Battle of Tarawa: This was a major battle fought during World War II between the United States and Japan on the island of Betio in Tarawa. It took place from November 20-23, 1943, and resulted in a US victory.
- Maude’s Landing: This is where British Captain E.H.M Davis landed on Tarawa in 1892, claiming it for Britain. The landing site is now marked by a plaque.
- Teburoro Tito: He was a former president of Kiribati who was born on Tarawa in 1952. He served as president from 1994 to 2003.
- Abemama Island: This island is located near Tarawa and was the site of an important battle between British forces and local warriors in 1881.
- Robert Louis Stevenson: The famous Scottish author visited Tarawa during his travels through the South Pacific in the late 19th century and wrote about his experiences there.
- King George VI: The British monarch visited Tarawa during his tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1953.
- Sir Arthur Grimble: He was a colonial administrator who served as Resident Commissioner of the Gilbert Islands (now part of Kiribati) from 1914 to 1932, during which time he wrote several books about his experiences there.
- Tabiteuea Island: This island is located south of Tarawa and was an important center for copra production (dried coconut meat used for oil) during colonial times.
- Taratake Teannaki: She became Kiribati’s first female MP after winning her seat representing Abaiang constituency at general elections held on April 30, 1987.
- Anote Tong: He served as the fourth President of Kiribati from 2003 to 2016.
- Kiribati National Museum
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Betio War Memorial
- Bairiki National Government Center
- Ambo Island WWII Relics and Memorials
- Kiribati Cultural Centre
- Bikenibeu Graveyard
- Bonriki International Airport
- Te Umanibong Historical Site
Sports Teams in Tarawa, Kiribati
- Kiribati national football team
- Betio Town Council FC
- Teinainano Urban Council FC
- Kiribati basketball team
- Kiribati weightlifting team
Kiribati National Football Team
The Kiribati national football team represents the country in international football competitions but has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. The team has participated in regional tournaments such as the Pacific Games.
Betio Town Council FC and Teinainano Urban Council FC
Betio Town Council FC and Teinainano Urban Council FC are popular football clubs that compete in local leagues and tournaments.
Kiribati Basketball Team
The Kiribati basketball team represents the country at international events like the Pacific Games and FIBA Oceania Championships.
Kiribati Weightlifting Team
The Kiribati weightlifting team has won several medals at regional events such as the Pacific Games.
Sports are not a major focus or industry on Tarawa due to its small size and limited resources; however, athletes still have opportunities to represent their country on an international stage through these various teams.
- Te Maeva Nui Festival is the largest cultural event in Kiribati and is celebrated annually on July 12th to commemorate the country’s independence. The festival includes traditional dance performances, parades, sports competitions, and other cultural activities.
- Tobwaan Kiribati celebrates the traditional music and dance of Kiribati and is held every November. The festival features performances by local musicians and dancers, as well as workshops on traditional arts and crafts.
- Kiritimati Day is celebrated on December 25th every year to mark the arrival of Christianity in Kiribati. It includes church services, feasting, dancing, and other festivities.
- National Youth Day recognizes the contributions of young people to society through various events such as sports competitions, talent shows, debates, and community service projects. It is celebrated on September 5th every year.
- World Environment Day takes place on June 5th each year where Tarawa joins with other countries around the world to celebrate with tree planting activities beach clean-ups educational programs about environmental conservation.
- International Women’s day- March 8th marks International Women’s day which celebrates women all over the world for their achievements socially economically culturally or politically
- World AIDS day- December 1st marks World AIDS day where there are events held within Tarawa that aim at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention treatment care support research etc
Traditional Dishes in Kiribati
- Tebae Maneaba: A traditional dish made with taro leaves, coconut cream, and fish or meat.
- Ika Mata: A raw fish salad marinated in lime juice and mixed with coconut cream and vegetables.
- Palusami: Taro leaves stuffed with corned beef or fish and cooked in coconut cream.
- Rukau: Cooked taro leaves mixed with coconut cream.
- Coconut crab: A local delicacy that is grilled or boiled and served with rice or breadfruit.
Popular Restaurants in Tarawa, Kiribati
- The Reefers Restaurant & Bar: Offers a variety of seafood dishes and cocktails overlooking the lagoon.
- King’s Grill Restaurant & Bar: Serves both local and international cuisine including seafood, burgers, pizzas etc.
- The Islander Hotel Restaurant & Bar: Offers a range of dishes including grilled seafood, curries, sandwiches etc., along with live music performances on weekends.
- Te Kainaki II Restaurant at the Otintaai Hotel: Serves breakfast buffets as well as lunch/dinner options such as burgers, pasta, pizza etc.
- Temwaiku Bakery: Famous for its fresh baked goods like breads, pastries, cakes etc.
- Bairiki National Stadium: A multi-purpose stadium that hosts sporting events and concerts.
- Betio Sports Complex: A sports complex with facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and soccer.
- Bikenibeu Park: A popular park with walking paths, benches, and playground equipment.
- Ambo Island: An uninhabited island located just off the coast of Tarawa that is popular for snorkeling and diving.
- Bonriki International Airport Beach: A beach located near the airport that is popular for swimming and sunbathing.
- Teinainano Urban Park: A park located in the center of Tarawa that features a large playground area, picnic tables, and walking paths.
- Abatao Cultural Village: A tourist attraction where visitors can learn about Kiribati culture through traditional dance performances and handicraft demonstrations.
- Kiribati National Library & Archives: The national library of Kiribati which houses a collection of books on local history and culture as well as contemporary literature from around the world.
- Sacred Heart Cathedral: The largest Catholic church in Kiribati which features beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible.
- World War II Sites: Several sites on Tarawa are associated with the Battle of Tarawa during World War II including Red Beach One (Betio), where many American soldiers lost their lives in one day’s fighting; US Marine Corps Memorial Cemetery; Betio War Museum; Japanese Gun Emplacements at Betio Point; US Navy Monument at Bairiki Square.
