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These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kiribati.
Island
Abemama, which still has a 'royal family', nearly became the Gilbert Islands' post-war capital, but Tarawa finally won out because of the easier access through its surrounding reef. An unusual species of tiny yellow 'barking' frog is found here, most likely introduced from Tuvalu to keep the mosquito population in check.
Island
Abaiang (the name means 'north land') is the most easily accessed of the outer islands, but it still offers a typically remote experience. Small children shout a timid mauri to an I-Matang (white person) and women can be seen weaving thatch or salting clams to send to Tarawa. You can cycle up to the Catholic church, which has rainbow-coloured window frames.
Island
One of the Outer Gilbert Islands, Butaritari is Kiribati's greenest island, with breadfruit, coconut, pandanus and other fruit-bearing trees flourishing on its rich soils. Butaritari also has a sobering WWII history, as the lopsided wreckage of a Japanese seaplane near Butaritari village attests.