About
Onotoa island is the fifth island from the South, located 65km from Tamana in the Gilbert region. It has seven (7) villages with Tabuarorae, an islet, located at the southernmost end of the island followed by Aiaki, Otoae, Temao, Buariki, Tanaeang and Tekawa at the northernmost end of the island.
Facilities are spread right across the island, with the airport close to the northernmost village of Tekawa, the boat channel and wharf at the southern islet of Tabuarorae and the main Council offices located between Temao and Buariki.
Captain Clerk on the John Palmer (a Whaling Ship) first discovered Onotoa in 1826. It’s local name Onotoa is a combined abbreviation of ‘Onoman Aintoa’ (Six Giants) who were mythically involved in the creation of the island and is thus known locally as ‘Land of the six Giants’
Facilities are spread right across the island, with the airport close to the northernmost village of Tekawa, the boat channel and wharf at the southern islet of Tabuarorae and the main Council offices located between Temao and Buariki.
Captain Clerk on the John Palmer (a Whaling Ship) first discovered Onotoa in 1826. It’s local name Onotoa is a combined abbreviation of ‘Onoman Aintoa’ (Six Giants) who were mythically involved in the creation of the island and is thus known locally as ‘Land of the six Giants’
What's Unique About Onotoa Island?
The people of Onotoa are referred to as “Saver of Resources” as they always preserve and kept food stored and resources maintained for as long as it takes, in preparation for times of need, which is now pervaded into cash economy, saving of food and cash for use at times of scarcity. .
“Te Wii ni Bakoa” tiibuta a local Kiribati woman wear adorned and styled with a look alike shark tooth bonded on the edges of te tiibuta neckline and sleeve, is a tiibuta style only used by Onotoan women. When you see a woman wearing such tiibuta, you’ll know instantly that either the woman is from Onotoa or she is wearing a tiibuta belonged to an Onotoan woman or she is married to an Onotoan man.
“Te Wii ni Bakoa” tiibuta a local Kiribati woman wear adorned and styled with a look alike shark tooth bonded on the edges of te tiibuta neckline and sleeve, is a tiibuta style only used by Onotoan women. When you see a woman wearing such tiibuta, you’ll know instantly that either the woman is from Onotoa or she is wearing a tiibuta belonged to an Onotoan woman or she is married to an Onotoan man.
Things to Do & Experiences in Onotoa - Fishing Sightseeing tour Local Culture and Food Explore the Island on Bike Swimming & Snorkeling Day Cruise
Fishing
Sightseeing Tour
Explore the Island on Bike
Swimming & Snorkeling
Day Cruise
Local Culture and Food
Where to Stay
ONOTOA ISLAND COUNCIL GUESTHOUSE
The Guesthouse, run and operated by the local government (Onotoa Island Council) is located on Buraitan Village.
Booking Contact Info:
Email: onotoaclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki
Email: onotoaclerk@internalaffairs.gov.ki
Getting there
FLIGHTS
Visitors traveling to Onotoa should be aware that there is only one (1) flight per week to Onotoa. Facilities and services are also limited and the island is remote in nature. It is recommended that you need flexibility in your travel plans to allow for instances where there may be transport delays or cancellations. Please also ensure you advise family and friends of your travel plans and when you expect to return.
Visitors traveling to Onotoa should be aware that there is only one (1) flight per week to Onotoa. Facilities and services are also limited and the island is remote in nature. It is recommended that you need flexibility in your travel plans to allow for instances where there may be transport delays or cancellations. Please also ensure you advise family and friends of your travel plans and when you expect to return.
Onotoa Flight Scheduled
Every Tuesday (once a week).
Airfare: $207 (One way)
Flight duration is approximately 1 hours, 34 minutes.
Every Tuesday (once a week).
Airfare: $207 (One way)
Flight duration is approximately 1 hours, 34 minutes.
Bookings & Flight Info
Please call customer support on 1059 or 75021188
Email: reservations@airkiribati.com.ki
Website: www.airkiribati.com.ki / Facebook: Air Kiribati
Please call customer support on 1059 or 75021188
Email: reservations@airkiribati.com.ki
Website: www.airkiribati.com.ki / Facebook: Air Kiribati