The island of Tarawa in Kiribati is the main island that many visitors go to, but there is not a huge number of accommodation properties to choose from, and many of them are small eco-friendly homestays, especially in Northern Tarawa, which is a string of small islets on the edge of the lagoon, away from the main towns of Betio and Bairiki in the South.  They are all family owned and run, and you could be the only visitors there.  Engage with the family and local residents and children, and live just the way they do.

Below we have listed a few properties and guesthouses that offer paying guests food and accommodation, though you would be extremely benevolent to call them 'hotels'.

Tabon te Keekee Homestay - This property is right on the beachfront on the southern corner of the islet of Abatao, which can only be reached by a short boat trip, or if low tide, you can walk across the channel between Abatao and the next island, Buota.  Family run, they offer 3 raised and open sided beachside sleeping huts and 2 overwater (at high tide) buias (bungalows), 1 small 1 large, with palm frond wall panels and thatched roofs, all built using local materials.  Each hut offers a queen size mattress on a raised platform or the bungalow floor, insect nets, side table and 2 chairs, mains electricity, Wi-Fi internet access (limited) and towels.  They have separate shared bathroom facilities and a separate eating house and coffee corner.  Breakfast and dinner is included in their rates.  The lagoon is warm and shallow, and great for swimming, snorkelling etc, but the tide will go out quite a long way, so the sand flats are exposed for parts of the day.

Santa Faustina Homestay - The Santa Faustina is on Bikenibeu islet, in the village of  Tabiteuea overlooking the nearby beach and the lagoon. Guests arrive via a 30 minute 11-ft canoe journey through the lagoon, with scenic views on the journey. The family run property offers just 2 open air island huts and include 3 meals each day.  The huts provide a queen/double mattress on a raised sleeping area with insect nets, towels, some toiletries and a small table and chair.  Although there are 2 huts, they only rent out to 1 party at a time, so you and your travelling companions, up to a max of 4, will be the only guests there.   The family are happy to arrange tours of local sights and teach you to sail a canoe or weave floor mats or thatch.

Tabuki Retreat - The Tabuki Retreat is located on the southern tip of Nabeina Islet and offers 2 self contained 'cottages' and 7 open-sided Kiakia's (island huts), 3 of which are overwater off the beach in front of the property.  The cottages offer a queen bed with insect nets, fan, tea and coffee facilities, fridge, sitting area with sofa, dining area, Wi-Fi internet access and, unusually for most homestays, ensuite bathroom with shower.  The huts are open sided and offer a queen sleeping platform with insect nets, tea and coffee facilities, small fridge Wi-Fi internet access and shared bathroom facilities.  3 huts are over the water with the rest on the beachfront.  The channel directly infront is sheltered and shallow, with the main lagoon on one side and open ocean a little way on the other.  A great spot for swimming, snorkelling or fishing.

Ocean View Motel - The Ocean View Motel is more of a conventional hotel/motel than most of the other properties is North Tarawa, with a recently built (2015) 2 storey hotel block with 6 guest rooms; 2 ensuite and 6 with shared bathroom facilities.   Located in the small town of Abaokoro, and about 1 hour from the airport, there is a large dining hut and bar which overlook the lagoon, and the few little shops or dining establishments in the town are a short walk away.

Abaokoro Island Council Guest House - This Guest house offers 4 guest rooms and 2 Kiakia island huts, all with shared facilities, and is in the small town of Abaokoro, on the edge of the Tarawa Lagoon.  Rates include 3 meals each day and guests can use the kitchen to cook their own food if they wish. Return transfers can be added if required, and staff can book guided tours, boat or bike hire.  The beach and channel are just a short walk, and there is a small bridge which makes a ideal swimming spot for guests.

The Mauri Paradise Homestay - The Mauri Paradise has sadly, stopped accepting guests, for the forseable future.  If we hear any news or changes to this, we will update.

Please contact us for further information regarding accommodation in Kiribati.