https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/oceania/kiribati/
Republic of Kiribati is an archipelago in Micronesia consisting of 32 atolls and one coral island, Banaba. The country's situation is unique because it spans all four hemispheres — Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern. The total land area is 811 km² (313 sq mi), and the water area is 3,441,810 km² (1,328,890 sq mi). The permanent population is over 119,000 (as of 2020). Popular activities in Kiribati include game and bone fishing, island hopping, and observation of historic sites (such as the country's capital, Tarawa). Travellers can get a remarkable opportunity to have a private island escape on one of Kiribati's 32 atolls. A clean and quiet beach under the sun just for you — what could be better?
The archipelago is divided into three parts: 16 Gilbert Islands, the most populous ones, Line Islands, only three of which are inhabited, and the Phoenix group between them, which has no permanent population. Kiribati has several capital cities (government seats), in Ambo, Bairiki, and Betio, which are all islets of South Tarawa.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/puffer-fish-armor
At first, Kiribati (and more specifically, Gilbert Islands and Banaba), was inhabited by people who came from Southeast Asia 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. In the 14th century, southern islands were populated by Samoans. The Line and Phoenix groups had no indigenous population. In the 16th century, some of Spanish explorers saw the archipelago, yet it wasn’t properly charted until the 19th century. In 1892, the Gilbert Islands were included into the British protectorate. Banaba was annexed in 1900, as its phosphate deposits were discovered. Together with the Ellice Islands (now known as Tuvalu), Kiribati formed the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, which was established in 1916. Later, it was extended to include most of the Line and Phoenix island groups. During World War II, Kiribati was occupied by Japan, and freed by Allied forces. In 1967, the first elected government, the House of Representatives, was established. In 1976/76, the Gilbert Islands separated themselves from the Ellice Islands. Finally, Kiribati got its name and became independent in 1979. Now, the society is concerned with the danger of rising sea levels. This makes the Kiribati’s government undertake such measures as emigration, creating artificial islets, and purchasing land elsewhere. For example, a 20 sq km (8 sq mi) piece of land was purchased on Vanua Levu, the island forming a part of Fiji. Depending on future conditions, this can become a new homeland for dwellers of Kiribati.
Population of Kiribati consists of Micronesians, almost 96% of which are Kiribati. Two most predominant confessions are Roman Catholisism, and Protestantism (Congregational). Almost the half of the country’s population lives in the urban centre of South Tarawa, including Betio — the port and commercial centre of Tarawa. Rural population mostly lives in single-story Western-style houses.
Until 1979, the most part of Kiribati’s economy depended on phosphate mining. Then, the mineral was exhausted, and seaweed farming was developed instead. Other important economy branches include copra, fishing, and selling handicrafts. Almost one-third of imports is food import from Australia, Japan, and Singapore.
https://pasifika.news/2022/08/climate-risk-assessment-of-kiribati-finds-significant-ecological-and-financial-risk/
It is hot and sunny almost all year round, with temperatures ranging from 25 and 33 ºC, and the wet season lasting from December to May. Breeze cools down the air, so you won’t experience scorching heat.
The currency used in Kiribati is the Australian dollar (AUD). ATMs are only accessible at Betio, Bairiki, and Bikinibeu (ANZ Bank branches), at Tungaru Central Hospital in Nawerewere (all these — on South Tarawa), and on Kiritimati (Christmas) Island at Ronton.
https://objectjourneys.britishmuseum.org/kiribati-tungaru-association-working-with-the-british-museum-by-krista-dixon/
The I-Kiribati’s culture is built around respect of the elderly, importance of family, and guest hospitality. The culture is uncommodified, and thus untouched, so the best way to experience it is to meet local people, for instance, by ferry rides between the islands or by joining celebrations, such as Easter, Christmas, or Day of Independence. Smaller cultural practices include community meetings in maneabas (traditional meeting houses), where people come to socialise, dance and feast. The motto of I-Kiribati is «Tomorrow is another day», which means that the living is planned only for a day, because it is not worth worrying about the future.
https://world-adventurer.com/kiribati/
History enthusiasts will be excited to visit World War II historical sites — Tarawa, Butaritari (formerly known as Makin), and Abemama (on the island of Banaba), which were invaded by Japan in 1941. The most significant battles occured here are the Battle of Tarawa and Operation Galvanic, which are believed to be ones of the bloodiest in the entire war. In 1942-1943, US Marines erected a number of fortifications to remove the Japanese. Their relics are still available today, along with memorials, bunkers and even Buddhist and Shinto shrines.
Nature lovers won’t be deprived of the things to do, either: Kiribati’s home to the world’s largest marine protected area, Phoenix Islands Protected Area. Moreover, the land area hosts 19 species of sea birds, and the sea is home to 509 fish species and other marine creatures. The rarest bird species found here are Christmas Island Warbler, Phoenix Petrel, and White Throated Storm Petrel. The best months for watching birds are considered June and December.
The best outdoor activities found in Kiribati include fishing and surfing. Even if you haven’t any experience in either, Kiribati with its weather and nature is a perfect place to start. Fishing opportunities include bonefish, golden or giant trevally, blue fin, sailfish, wahoo, barracuda, sharks, tuna, bill fish, marlin, and other species. Besides excellent fishing, the islands have many active outdoor options: lagoon sightseeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming.
Kiribati is a prime surfing spot due to lack of crowds and decent waves. The most popular spots include Fanning (Tabuaeran) Island, with consistent breaks in English Harbour in the South, from March to June, and Walers in the North, from October to March; Kiritimati (Christmas) Island with 5-km of rugged coastline between London village and Paris Point, with surf season from October to March, and 2/3 of swells suitable for beginners; Tarawa — Temaiku Village and Naa; and the more isolated sites on the Abaiang islets and on Marakei.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Kiribati
Three international gateways that Kiribati has are located on Tarawa, Kiritimati, and Kanton Islands. Flights from Kiritimati depart and land once a week for Fiji (Nadi); and for Hawaii (Honolulu). Mind that when flying to Kiribati through Hawaii, you may be asked to present a valid USA visa. Tarawa has the major airport and thus offers more flights: two per week for Fiji (Nadi), which is, for its part, connected with Australia, New Zealand, United States, and Europe through Hong Kong; and once a week — to Nauru, which offers a flight to Australia (Brisbane). The airport on Kanton Island is accessible only by private flights and boat charters.
https://www.visit-kiribati.com/enjoying-kiribati/travel-guide-kiribati-islands/
Surprisingly for a secluded archipelago, Kiribati has quite a lot of accommodations, ranging from hotels to traditional bungalows «Buia».
South Tarawa is the most populous island and therefore has most of stays. Choose from Betio Lodge I and II, the George Hotel Kiribati (town of Betio), Fema Lodge (next to a lagoon), Utirerei Hotel, Mary’s Motel, Tad’s Guesthouse (Temaiku Village), and Dreamers Guesthouse (Ambo Village).
North Tarawa is represented by Nemat Resort (Buariki, Kiribati buia), Tabon Te Keekee Eco-Lodge (Abatao), Santa Faustina Homestay, Tabuki Retreat (near the Broken Bridge), Uaai Island Getaway (close to the capital South Tarawa), Ocean View Motel (Abaokoro, next to the ferry port), Moturerei Bungalows (Abaokoro, next to the ferry port), Tarabuka Hideaway Lodge (Buariki), and Eutan Buariki Paradise (Buariki Eco Lodge).
Gilbert Outer Islands are Tabiteuea (Takuku Taarai Island Bungalows and Tabiteuea North Island Council Guesthouse, Elta village, and Tabiteuea South Island Council Guesthouse, Buariki village); Onotoa (Onotoa Island Council Guesthouse, Byraitan village), Bera (Catholic Parish St. Joseph Guesthouse and Rongorongo Guesthouse, both in Nuuka village), Nikunau (Tabitoa Guesthouse, Tabutoa village), Tamana (Tamana Island Council Guesthouse, Bakaaka village), Arorae (Arorae Island Council Guesthouse, between the villages of Tamaroa and Roreti), Makin (Makin Ialsnd Council Guesthouse), Butaritari (Isles Sunset Lodge), Marakei (Marakei Island Council Guesthouse, Rawannawi village, Catholic Parish Motel, local buias), Abaiang (Terau Beach Bungalows, Ocean Breeze Bungalows, Kiri-Swiss Homestay), Maiana (Tateraka Island Bungalows and Maiana Island Council, both in Tebangetua), Kuria (Kuria Island Council Guesthouse), Aranuka (Aranuka Island Council Guesthouse), Abemama (Apamama) (Abemama Green Eco Hotel, Monivae Hotel, Abemama Island Council Guesthouse), and Nonouti (Nonouti Island Council Guesthouse, Matang village).
Kiritimati (Christmas) Island also has several hotels: Ikari Hotel, Ronton; Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, Ronton; The Villages Hotel, Tabakea village; Adventure Dive & Fishing Lodge, Ronton; Lagoon View Resort, Ronton.
Kanton (Canton) Atoll offers its guests an accommodation, Kanton Local Buias, which are wooden bungalows equipped with mosquito nets and padded matting, but lacking modern amenities.
In order to book a hotel or get in touch with its owners, visit https://visitkiribati.travel/accommodation/, where you find all the relevant information on accommodation in Kiribati.
https://pacificislandliving.com/kiribati-is-the-pacific-of-yesteryear/
Kiribati is the country with the biggest water to land ration in the world, as well as the only country situated in both hemispheres. The I-Kiribati people’s culture was preserved due to the nation’s isolation from the rest of the world, which means, you can still experience the way they lived centuries ago. Tourists do have something to learn from I-Kiribati, who live their lives very simple, without worrying about what might happen in the future, maintaining only subsistent economy, which includes fishing, toddy cutting, cultivation and harvesting of food crops. They also put great value to community and extended family, all sharing resources and contributing to the common good. Nature of Kiribati is another great reason to visit these remote islands in the Pacific. See you in Kiribati!