About
Marakei is one of the Northern islands of the Gilbert group, situated 71.49 kilometers north west of Tarawa and 39.53 km north east of Abaiang. It is the fourteenth biggest island in the Kiribati group
having a total land area of 14.13 square kilometers. A round trip around the island would cover 26 kilometers while the length of the island from the airport and running through the lagoon to the opposite side of the airport is 9.93 kilometers.
The total land area of Marakei is 14.13 square kilometers. A road circles the island and is 26 kilometers long while the length of the island from the airport and running through the lagoon to Teraereke at southern portion of the island is 9.93 kilometers. It widest width can be found in the village of Rawannawi and narrowest width at Temotu at the western side of the island. Marakei is one of only two islands in Kiribati that encircles its lagoon. The Marakei lagoon is saltwater and deep in some areas, but not tidal. Two narrow channels, which are not navigable at low tide, link the lagoon with the sea; these are called Baretoa Pass and Raweta Pass. The total population according to the 2015 population census is 2,785.
There are different stories told as to the creation of Marakei and the other islands in the Southern Gilberts. An important legend in the culture of Marakei 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).
The total land area of Marakei is 14.13 square kilometers. A road circles the island and is 26 kilometers long while the length of the island from the airport and running through the lagoon to Teraereke at southern portion of the island is 9.93 kilometers. It widest width can be found in the village of Rawannawi and narrowest width at Temotu at the western side of the island. Marakei is one of only two islands in Kiribati that encircles its lagoon. The Marakei lagoon is saltwater and deep in some areas, but not tidal. Two narrow channels, which are not navigable at low tide, link the lagoon with the sea; these are called Baretoa Pass and Raweta Pass. The total population according to the 2015 population census is 2,785.
There are different stories told as to the creation of Marakei and the other islands in the Southern Gilberts. An important legend in the culture of Marakei 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).
What's Unique About Marakei Island?
Marakei island is the only island of Kiribati with a round shape. What unique about this island is that you have to go around the island anticlockwise once you arrive especially to first time visitors. Every visitor must bring a tobacco during te Katabwanin as a gift (mweaka) to 4 shrines on this island.
It is a ring shaped atoll and is one of the islands in the northern Gilbert group located north of Abaiang and south of Butaritari Atoll. According to history, the discovering of Marakei was argued between two historians Sharp and Maude.
Thus Sharp argued that the island was first sighted by Captain Hernando de Grijalva Spain) in 1537 while Maude argued that it was discovered by Captain Louis Duperrey in 1824. Marakei is also known traditionally and culturally as an island where all its spiritual guardians are all goddesses. These goddesses are Nei Reei who protects the island in the west, Nei Rotebenua protector of the south side, Nei Tangangau protector of the east side, and Nei Naantekimam who protects the island in the north. In reference to these goddesses it is compulsory for all newcomers to Marakei to make an anticlockwise tour and to stop at the shrines of goddesses to offer tobacco as gifts. This Marakei traditional custom is known as “Te Katabwanin.” Marakei is also known nationally for its delicious swamp taro ‘babai.’
It is a ring shaped atoll and is one of the islands in the northern Gilbert group located north of Abaiang and south of Butaritari Atoll. According to history, the discovering of Marakei was argued between two historians Sharp and Maude.
Thus Sharp argued that the island was first sighted by Captain Hernando de Grijalva Spain) in 1537 while Maude argued that it was discovered by Captain Louis Duperrey in 1824. Marakei is also known traditionally and culturally as an island where all its spiritual guardians are all goddesses. These goddesses are Nei Reei who protects the island in the west, Nei Rotebenua protector of the south side, Nei Tangangau protector of the east side, and Nei Naantekimam who protects the island in the north. In reference to these goddesses it is compulsory for all newcomers to Marakei to make an anticlockwise tour and to stop at the shrines of goddesses to offer tobacco as gifts. This Marakei traditional custom is known as “Te Katabwanin.” Marakei is also known nationally for its delicious swamp taro ‘babai.’
Things to do and Experiences
Snorkeling
The best spot for snorkeling is the ocean side on the western side of the island extending from Marakei Island Council Guest at Rawannawi village in the north all the way down to Tekarakan village in the south on the west side. Here the drop off is close to shore and there is an abundance of fish and coral.
Surfing
The best surfing spot is near the entrance passage at Rawannawi just
offshore from the Island Council Guest house.
Canoe Sailing
The best spot is in the enclosed lagoon. The good thing about sailing in Marakei lagoon is that you wont get lost at sea because will always end up inside
the atoll.
Local Fishing Experience
Tuna fishing or flying fish fishing, octopus fishing and net
fishing.
Local Food
“Bwabwai” or swamp taro from Marakei is renowned in the country as being tastiest and delicious. Visitors should also try the local oyster “te rabino” which is a delicacy on the island.
Where to Stay
ISLAND COUNCIL GUESTHOUSE
The Council guesthouse on Marakei is situated right on the ocean, just outside the main village of Rawannawi just a walking distance from the airport. Like all Island Council guesthouses in Kiribati, facilities are basic and food is what is available locally, however its spectacular location and the Marakei tradition of hospitality mean that a stay in the Marakei guesthouse can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the well-prepared traveler.
Contact Info:
MARAKEI ISLAND COUNCIL
Phone: +686 73055234 / Email: marakeiclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki
Contact Info:
MARAKEI ISLAND COUNCIL
Phone: +686 73055234 / Email: marakeiclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki
The guest house has a spectacular view of the ocean with snorkeling, fishing and surfing right at your door step.
For holiday package in Marakei, please contact:
BARERE SERVICES
Temakin, Betio
Phone: +(686) 73076015
Email: k.beretati@gmail.com
For holiday package in Marakei, please contact:
BARERE SERVICES
Temakin, Betio
Phone: +(686) 73076015
Email: k.beretati@gmail.com
CATHOLIC PARISH MOTEL
Contact Info:
Email: tteitita@gmail.com
Phone: +686 73072091
The type of accommodation in Marakei are all local buias.
Email: tteitita@gmail.com
Phone: +686 73072091
The type of accommodation in Marakei are all local buias.
Getting there
The flights in Marakei is scheduled every Wednesday via Abaiang, Friday and Sunday. Approximate time of flight is 20mins and return airfare is $152 and $76 for one way for adults and $82 for a child.
Travelling by boat is also possible and could take you about 3-4 hours from Tarawa to Marakei.
Bookings & Flight Info
Please call customer support on 1059 or 75021188
Email: reservations@airkiribati.com.ki
Website: www.airkiribati.com.ki / Facebook: Air Kiribati
Travelling by boat is also possible and could take you about 3-4 hours from Tarawa to Marakei.
Bookings & Flight Info
Please call customer support on 1059 or 75021188
Email: reservations@airkiribati.com.ki
Website: www.airkiribati.com.ki / Facebook: Air Kiribati