Gilbert Islands
Islands Central Pacific island group forming part of Kiribati
The Gilbert Islands form central Kiribati and include Tarawa; travellers encounter lagoon fishing, I‑Kiribati culture, WWII relics and low coral atolls reached by inter‑island flights and boats.
The Gilbert Islands are an archipelago of coral atolls and reef islands that make up the western portion of the Republic of Kiribati. They are the country’s primary population and administrative centre, with Tarawa serving as the national capital.
The island group offers lagoon-side villages, reef fishing, traditional culture and numerous historical sites from World War II, including battlefields and wrecks around Tarawa. Travel focuses on village visits, reef activities and cultural exchange rather than resort tourism.
The Gilbert Islands were administered as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony in the 20th century and became the core of independent Kiribati after 1979. Tarawa in particular grew as an administrative and transport hub during colonial and post-colonial periods.
Geographically the Gilberts lie in the central Pacific Ocean and form a chain stretching roughly east-west; Tarawa is the primary entry point with air services connecting to other parts of Kiribati and the wider Pacific.
- Political significance: The Gilbert Islands form the main western island chain of Kiribati and include Tarawa, the national capital and main transport hub.
- WWII sites: Numerous World War II sites and relics, especially on Tarawa Atoll, remain visible and form a significant part of the islands' modern history.
What to See #
- Tarawa: Tarawa Atoll - the administrative and population centre for Kiribati, containing government offices and the international entry points.
- Outer Gilbert atolls and communities: Other inhabited atolls such as Abaiang and Abemama that retain traditional villages, fishing communities and local customs.
How to Get to Gilbert Islands #
The Gilbert Islands’ main international gateway is South Tarawa (Bonriki Airport). International flights (usually via Fiji or other Pacific hubs) land at Tarawa; from there inter‑island travel is by local boat or occasional domestic flights to outer islands, while on Tarawa the main road and local taxis/minibuses connect population centres and the airport. Check local schedules for inter‑island transport as services are irregular.
Tips for Visiting Gilbert Islands #
- Enter the Gilbert Islands through South Tarawa's Bonriki Airport and treat Tarawa as the logistical hub for domestic connections and boat services to outer islands; inter-island transport is limited so book connections early.
- If you want quieter island life and traditional culture, plan to continue beyond populated South Tarawa to one of the outer atolls; many visitors never leave Tarawa and miss village life, local crafts and unspoilt lagoon beaches.
- Take time to see WWII sites around Betio on Tarawa-these are historically significant and accessible by short local transport, but approach them respectfully and follow any local guidance at memorials.
Best Time to Visit Gilbert Islands #
For the Gilbert Islands, the drier months (May-October) are typically the best time for travel and water activities.
