About
Makin is the second smallest island in the Gilbert Group, situated 190 km away north of Tarawa, and 3 kilometers northeast of Butaritari. There are five main islets, the largest two of which namely Makin and Kiebu are inhabited. The five islets are arranged in linear formation from north to south, atypical of small coral islands which do not have lagoons. It is evident from the islands structure and from local sources that the largest islet of Makin used to have a small lagoon, though the lagoon has now become shallow, most probably due to the construction of a causeway and later on, in the late 1990s, a bridge across the mouth of the narrow passage that links the shallow lagoon with the open sea.
Makin is not a true atoll, but since the largest and northernmost of the islets, also called Makin, has a nearly landlocked lagoon, 0.3km2 in size and connected to the open sea in the east only through a 15 metre wide channel. Makin has a land area of 6.7km2 and a population of 1,786 (2015 population census).
Makin is not a true atoll, but since the largest and northernmost of the islets, also called Makin, has a nearly landlocked lagoon, 0.3km2 in size and connected to the open sea in the east only through a 15 metre wide channel. Makin has a land area of 6.7km2 and a population of 1,786 (2015 population census).
What's Unique About Makin Island?
Makin has a unique beach called Nakaa Beach. This beach is located at the northern tip of Makin Atoll. It is an important site in the traditional mythology of the island group, being the departing point for the spirits of the dead heading to the underworld. Nakaa is the legendary guardian of the gateway to the place of the dead.
Makin is also known as a place where the United States launched a raid. This raid is called or well known as the raid of Makin. It is also known as an island in Kiribati where the WW2 took place called the Battle of Makin from November 20 1943 to November 24, 1943. It was invaded and captured by the United States after the Battle of Makin.
Makin is a lagoon-less small coral island which is divided into five islets by shallow ocean passages. The island resembles a large exclamation mark, with the largest islet, Makin, located in the northernmost tip of the island. The island is protected from the ocean by a narrow strip of fringing reef which encircles the land. Some parts of Makin and Kiebu islets are swampy and are used by the villages to grow bwabwai, banana, and other food crops. Unfortunately these swampy areas are vulnerable to seawater intrusion which occurs once in a while during excessive high tides. Makin is one of the smallest islands in Kiribati, but also the wettest and hence the most fertile. One of its most beautiful features is Tanginteaira bridge, a concrete beam bridge with concrete support pillars. The passage over which this short bridge was built is quite narrow and deep, resulting in strong tidal currents. A maneaba has been built near the bridge to provide shelter to the islanders and visitors who wish to enjoy swimming and picnicking in the location.
Typically, coral islands and atolls are small, averaging 2 meters above sea-level, with sandy and porous soil. However, due to its high annual rainfall, vegetation grows well on Makin, resulting in good fertile soil. Most of the important food crops such as coconut, giant taro, pandanus and breadfruit grow well without much need of cultivation.
Makin is also known as a place where the United States launched a raid. This raid is called or well known as the raid of Makin. It is also known as an island in Kiribati where the WW2 took place called the Battle of Makin from November 20 1943 to November 24, 1943. It was invaded and captured by the United States after the Battle of Makin.
Makin is a lagoon-less small coral island which is divided into five islets by shallow ocean passages. The island resembles a large exclamation mark, with the largest islet, Makin, located in the northernmost tip of the island. The island is protected from the ocean by a narrow strip of fringing reef which encircles the land. Some parts of Makin and Kiebu islets are swampy and are used by the villages to grow bwabwai, banana, and other food crops. Unfortunately these swampy areas are vulnerable to seawater intrusion which occurs once in a while during excessive high tides. Makin is one of the smallest islands in Kiribati, but also the wettest and hence the most fertile. One of its most beautiful features is Tanginteaira bridge, a concrete beam bridge with concrete support pillars. The passage over which this short bridge was built is quite narrow and deep, resulting in strong tidal currents. A maneaba has been built near the bridge to provide shelter to the islanders and visitors who wish to enjoy swimming and picnicking in the location.
Typically, coral islands and atolls are small, averaging 2 meters above sea-level, with sandy and porous soil. However, due to its high annual rainfall, vegetation grows well on Makin, resulting in good fertile soil. Most of the important food crops such as coconut, giant taro, pandanus and breadfruit grow well without much need of cultivation.
Things to do and Experiences
Biking
A great way to explore Makin Island and to get a sense of the island is by hiring a bicycle or motorbike. You can always find a local friend to tag along with you to explore the island. You can hire a bike with the Island Council or with the hotels on Makin upon arrival or any other day.
Fishing
Explore fishing in Makin by tagging along with the local fishermen to contribute to the dinner table. Due to the absence of a lagoon the Makin islanders have established themselves as skilled deep sea fisherman and canoemen known for fishing outside reef catching large pelagic such as tuna, marlins and other varieties of Fish. Fishing on Makin is mostly done on the reef flat and deep sea fishing. You can participate in different types of fishing methods with the locals such as canoe fishing; ‘te roaroa’ or bait casting with rod on the reef; ‘te karaun’ or net fishing; ‘te kibee’ or night fishing with torch; octopus fishing and more.
Snorkeling
The waters surrounding Makin is just beautiful for snorkeling canoe sailing and swimming at the bridge. Surfing is also be done during high tides. Feel free to bring your fishing gear and sun cream.
Learn the Narea Dance
Makin is well known to practice this kind of dancing called te Natirea dance. It is similar to te Taubati but a bit different in terms of hand moving and feet moving. Makin is also known to practice te Ruoia or Kaimatoa dance and te kabuti dancing.
Where to Stay
ISLAND COUNCIL GUESTHOUSE
The Guesthouse, run and operated by the KPC called Eten Hideaway. Bookings for the Island Council Guesthouse can be made through the Makin Island Council.
Contact Info:
MAKIN ISLAND COUNCIL
Email: makinclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki
Contact Info:
MAKIN ISLAND COUNCIL
Email: makinclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki
Getting there
Makin Island has only 3 regular flight per week provided by Air Kiribati domestics. Visiting the island could allow you to spend a weekend given it has a Friday and Sunday flight and Tuesday flight. It is up to you how long you would wish to stay given it has 3 regular flight per week. The flight duration is approximately 45minutes. The return airfare is $264.00
Bookings & Flight Info
Please call customer support on 1059 or 75021188 Email: reservations@airkiribati.com.ki Website: www.airkiribati.com.ki / Facebook: Air Kiribati
Bookings & Flight Info
Please call customer support on 1059 or 75021188 Email: reservations@airkiribati.com.ki Website: www.airkiribati.com.ki / Facebook: Air Kiribati