Maiana is an atoll in Kiribati and is one of the Central Gilbert Islands. It is 44 kilometres (27 mi) south of the capital island of South Tarawa and has a population of 2,002 as of 2015. The northern and eastern sides of the atoll are a single island, whilst the western edge consists of submerged reefs and many uninhabited islets, all surrounding a lagoon. The atoll is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) long and is very narrow, with an average width of less than 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) and a total land area (including uninhabited islets) of 16.72 square kilometres (6.46 sq mi). The atoll features a mediate size lagoon, with small coral islets at the north and south ends of the island. It is also the home of the former His Excellency President Anote Tong.

There are different stories told as to the creation of Maiana and the other islands in the Gilberts. An important legend in the culture of Maiana is that spirits who lived in a tree in Samoa migrated northward carrying branches from the tree, Te Kaintikuaba, which translates as the tree of life. It was these spirits, together with Nareau the Wise who created the islands of Tungaru (the Gilbert Islands).