About
Arorae is one of the Southern islands of the Gilbert group, situated 617.03 kilometers south east of Tarawa and is the fourth smallest island in the Gilbert island group. The island has no interior lagoon.
There are only two villages on the island, Tamaroa village situated on the north, and Roreti Village (local translation for Royalist) on the South.
Arorae was discovered in 1809 by Captain Patterson of the British vessel, Elizabeth. The years of black birding in the mid-19th Century came to an end in 1870 upon the arrival of the London Missionary Society or LMS (Protestant) missionaries who were able to give some protection against the black birders.
The village Royalist (Roreti – local translation for Royalist) was named after Captain Davies war ship, the H.M.S. ‘Royalist’ that carried out the proclamation of the Gilbert Islands as a British protectorate in 1892.
There are only two villages on the island, Tamaroa village situated on the north, and Roreti Village (local translation for Royalist) on the South.
Arorae was discovered in 1809 by Captain Patterson of the British vessel, Elizabeth. The years of black birding in the mid-19th Century came to an end in 1870 upon the arrival of the London Missionary Society or LMS (Protestant) missionaries who were able to give some protection against the black birders.
The village Royalist (Roreti – local translation for Royalist) was named after Captain Davies war ship, the H.M.S. ‘Royalist’ that carried out the proclamation of the Gilbert Islands as a British protectorate in 1892.
What's Unique About Arorae Island?
Arorae is unique for its culture which is an infusion of Samoan and Kiribati culture. This cultural infusion was a result of the first London Missionary Society (LMS) missionaries who were Samoans who settled on Arorae and converted the island’s residents to the Protestant faith. The Samoan presence in Arorae shaped social-cultural lives including their handcrafts as well as their style of dancing leaving Arorae the island known for the “taubati”, a dance using claps, slaps, and stomps as visual percussion to accompany local song. The LMS were also able to accord with the islanders that there should be no other religion on Arorae other than the Protestant Church. This promise and legacy is still honored today in Arorae.
Arorae is also unique for its ancient navigational stones dating back to 1000 – 1500 AD. These ancient navigation stones are situated at the island’s northern tip and were used traditionally to aid travelers in setting a course for neighboring islands – Tamana, Nikunau, Beru and Onotoa.
Arorae is also unique for its ancient navigational stones dating back to 1000 – 1500 AD. These ancient navigation stones are situated at the island’s northern tip and were used traditionally to aid travelers in setting a course for neighboring islands – Tamana, Nikunau, Beru and Onotoa.
Things to Do & Experiences in Arorae - Sightseeing Biking Fishing Swim, Surf & Snorkel Arts, Crafts & Lessons Learn the 'Taubati Dance'
Visiting and experiencing Arorae will allow to explore the Kiribati Way; where life is simple, smiley and happy. Here you will be immersed in the Kiribati village life and the sleepy, smiley island culture. The cultural component of experiencing life in a village community is one of the truly special parts of your trip where you be able to interact and get to know the island community. Volunteer in one of the community activities and projects or simply share a meal or story with a local family. It is guaranteed it will be a highlight of your trip. While visiting the island, here some of things you do and experience
Sightseeing
Biking
Fishing
Swim, Surf & Snorkel
Arts, Crafts & Lessons
learn the "Taubati Dance"
Where to Stay
ARORAE ISLAND COUNCIL GUESTHOUSE
The Guesthouse, run and operated by the local government (Arorae Island Council) is located between the villages of Tamaroa and Roreti. The guesthouse is in walking to the council office, medical centre, schools, convenient stores and close to wharf & boat channel.
Bookings for the Island Council Guesthouse can be made through the Arorae Island Council. Please, contact Arorae Island Council: Email: aroraeclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki or arorae.cfc@internalaffairs.gov.ki.
Please let TAK know, should you have problems contacting the Island Council.
Bookings for the Island Council Guesthouse can be made through the Arorae Island Council. Please, contact Arorae Island Council: Email: aroraeclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki or arorae.cfc@internalaffairs.gov.ki.
Please let TAK know, should you have problems contacting the Island Council.
Getting there
Arorae Island has only 1 regular flight per week provided by Air Kiribati domestics. Visiting the island will require flexibility in your travel plan to spend 1 or 2 weeks on the island. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with a stopover in Tabiteuea North Atoll for fueling and transit. The return airfare is $552.
For flight bookings, please contact: reservations@airkiribati.com.ki or Air Kiribati Ltd for more information.