Hiking in Kiribati
Including Kiritimati (Christmas Island) Wilderness Track, South Tarawa Atoll Coastal Walk, and Tabiteuea North Coastal Pathway. On the map.
The vibe
Strolling here means walking along wide, sun-bleached coral flats and narrow causeways between islets rather than tackling mountain tracks. The dry, breezy trade-wind months offer the most comfortable weather for long walks under an open equatorial sky. You wander entirely on your own initiative through quiet villages, waving to children and nodding to fishermen without a ranger or ticket booth in sight.
Kiritimati (Christmas Island) Wilderness Track
Line Islands
David Rolla / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
A remote trek across the expansive wilderness and ancient coral flats of the world's largest coral atoll. Hikers traverse vast arid flats, coconut groves, and pristine nesting grounds for seabirds with uninterrupted ocean horizons. The route requires navigation across open terrain under intense equatorial sunlight.
Access. Reached via flights to Cassidy International Airport on Kiritimati Island, followed by local transport or guided 4x4 drop-offs to remote trailheads.
Notes. Extremely remote with harsh desert-like sun conditions; guides are strongly recommended to avoid getting lost.
South Tarawa Atoll Coastal Walk
Gilbert Islands
Erin Magee/DFAT / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
A unique long-distance coastal walk stretching across the narrow reef islets and causeways connecting Bairiki to Bonriki. Walkers experience sweeping vistas of the turquoise lagoon on one side and the pounding Pacific surf on the other, passing traditional maneaba meeting houses and local villages. The terrain is completely flat coral sand and paved causeway, best undertaken in the cooler early morning hours.
Access. Accessible directly from Bonriki International Airport or central accommodation in Betio/Bairiki on South Tarawa by foot or local minibuses.
Notes. High sun exposure and very limited shade; carry ample water and sun protection.
Tabiteuea North Coastal Pathway
Gilbert Islands
Imagery from LANCE FIRMS operated by NASA's Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) with funding provided by NASA Headquarters / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A scenic coastal walking route following the slender northern reef of Tabiteuea Atoll. Walkers tread alongside shallow turquoise flats, traditional thatched fishing villages, and sweeping stretches of untouched white sand beaches. The flat terrain allows for relaxed yet immersive long-distance coastal exploration.
Access. Fly from Tarawa to Tabiteuea North Airport, then arrange local island transport to the coastal trailheads.
Notes. Remote outer island with limited tourist infrastructure; check local customs and tide times before setting out.