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Phoenix Islands
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Explore Kiribati’s remote Phoenix Islands, where protected coral reefs, seabirds, wartime history and vast Pacific horizons define expedition travel.

The Phoenix Islands form a remote archipelago of Kiribati, scattered across the central Pacific between the Gilbert Islands and the Line Islands. Their low coral atolls, reef passages, sand cays and coconut-covered interiors are separated by vast stretches of ocean, giving the group a markedly different character from the more populated islands around South Tarawa. The archipelago comprises eight principal atolls and islands, including Kanton, Enderbury, Orona, Nikumaroro, Manra, Birnie and McKean, together with associated reefs and islets.
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Most of the Phoenix Islands are uninhabited and have little or no visitor infrastructure. Kanton, also known as Abariringa, is the main administrative and inhabited island, while several other atolls retain traces of earlier settlement, abandoned buildings, landing strips and wartime installations. There are no conventional resort centres, restaurants or developed excursion networks. Reaching the region generally requires advance permission and carefully organised specialist travel, often involving a chartered vessel or aircraft rather than a standard holiday itinerary.
The archipelago's greatest significance lies in its marine environment. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area, established by Kiribati and later expanded to cover a vast ocean territory, protects coral reefs, lagoons, seabird colonies, turtles, sharks and other pelagic wildlife. In 2010, the protected area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising both its ecological scale and its importance as an example of a largely intact tropical ocean ecosystem. Visitors should expect heat, strong sunlight, limited fresh water and conditions governed by tides, weather and vessel logistics.
Human history remains visible in quieter and more fragmentary ways. Kanton was used as a navigational and aviation station, and its wartime airfield and port reflect the strategic importance of the Pacific during the Second World War. Nikumaroro is associated with the enduring theory that Amelia Earhart may have landed there in 1937, although the claim remains unproved. Earlier settlement efforts on several atolls also demonstrate the difficulty of sustaining communities on small coral islands with limited groundwater and highly variable rainfall.
A journey to the Phoenix Islands is therefore less a conventional sightseeing trip than a carefully managed expedition into a remote protected seascape. Activities may include reef observation, birdwatching, shore exploration, photography and learning about island conservation, but every visit must respect local authority, protected-area rules, fragile vegetation, nesting sites and the practical limitations of isolation. The islands reward patience and preparation rather than convenience, with their importance found in open ocean, coral ecology and the visible relationship between human settlement and environmental limits.

When is the best time to visit Phoenix Islands?

Best: June–August · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January29150
February29140
March29130
April29120
May29110
June (best)30100
July (best)3090
August (best)30100
September30110
October30120
November30130
December30140

Getting to and around Phoenix Islands

How to get there

The Phoenix Islands are not a conventional fly-in holiday destination. International visitors normally first reach Kiribati through Bonriki International Airport on Tarawa, outside the Phoenix Islands, using connections arranged through the country's limited regional air network. Access onward to Kanton or other atolls requires advance coordination with Kiribati authorities and a specialist expedition operator, and may involve a chartered aircraft or ocean vessel. Do not rely on a regular public ferry or assume that an advertised airfield provides scheduled passenger service; permissions, weather, runway conditions and conservation requirements all affect access.

Transportation

There is no developed public transport network across the Phoenix Islands. Movement between atolls is normally by an organised expedition vessel or a specifically arranged aircraft, with timing determined by weather, tides, fuel, landing conditions and official permissions. On land, distances may be short but tracks can be sandy, overgrown or absent, and there is generally no dependable taxi, bus, bicycle-hire or visitor shuttle service. Boats should use approved anchorages and landing points, and visitors should never explore isolated islands independently without a competent local or expedition team.

Best landmarks in Phoenix Islands

The most important landmark in the Phoenix Islands is the protected archipelago itself: a chain of low coral atolls whose reef rims, lagoons and isolated cays express the geography of central Pacific atoll formation. Kanton's airfield and harbour works are significant reminders of the island's role in trans-Pacific aviation, communications and Second World War logistics. Its former settlement and administrative remains also record the difficult history of attempts to maintain a permanent community on a dry, remote atoll. Nikumaroro's abandoned buildings, coconut groves and archaeological traces have acquired wider recognition through the unproven Amelia Earhart landing theory, although the island's historical value does not depend on that claim. Orona's lagoon and remnants of earlier settlement are similarly important evidence of the Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme. Across the smaller atolls, seabird colonies, reef passages and exposed ocean horizons are natural landmarks rather than built monuments. Many sites are fragile, unstable or protected, so their significance is best understood from designated landing points and with authorised guidance.

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Best restaurants in Phoenix Islands

The Phoenix Islands have no established restaurant scene, cafés, food markets or dependable tourist dining venues. Visitors travel with an expedition vessel, charter team or other authorised operator and should expect meals to be prepared from supplies brought from elsewhere, often in a communal shipboard or field setting. Fresh food may be limited by distance, refrigeration and resupply, while drinking water and dietary requirements must be confirmed before departure. Kanton's small resident and administrative presence should not be mistaken for a commercial hospitality infrastructure. The culinary experience is therefore logistical rather than destination-led: meals support long boat passages, shore landings and conservation work. Anyone requiring vegetarian, halal, allergy-safe or medically prescribed food should notify the operator well in advance and carry suitable contingency provisions. More conventional Kiribati food experiences, including local dishes and market fare, are found on populated islands such as Tarawa, outside the Phoenix Islands, rather than within the remote archipelago itself.

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Best bars in Phoenix Islands

The Phoenix Islands have no bars, nightclubs, late-night entertainment districts or regular commercial evening venues. After dark, activity generally centres on an expedition vessel, an authorised camp or the limited facilities of a working settlement, with conversation, stargazing, wildlife observation and preparation for the following day's movements more realistic than nightlife. Alcohol policies vary by operator and vessel, and consumption can create additional safety risks during boat transfers, reef landings and isolated shore travel. Kanton's small population and administrative role do not support a conventional entertainment economy. Visitors seeking music venues, licensed bars or social nightlife should make those plans on a more populated Kiribati island, particularly Tarawa outside the region, rather than expecting services in the Phoenix group. Night-time shore activity should only take place with permission and proper lighting, since reefs, tidal channels, wildlife habitat and abandoned structures can be hazardous.

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Best nightclubs in Phoenix Islands

The Phoenix Islands have no bars, nightclubs, late-night entertainment districts or regular commercial evening venues. After dark, activity generally centres on an expedition vessel, an authorised camp or the limited facilities of a working settlement, with conversation, stargazing, wildlife observation and preparation for the following day's movements more realistic than nightlife. Alcohol policies vary by operator and vessel, and consumption can create additional safety risks during boat transfers, reef landings and isolated shore travel. Kanton's small population and administrative role do not support a conventional entertainment economy. Visitors seeking music venues, licensed bars or social nightlife should make those plans on a more populated Kiribati island, particularly Tarawa outside the region, rather than expecting services in the Phoenix group. Night-time shore activity should only take place with permission and proper lighting, since reefs, tidal channels, wildlife habitat and abandoned structures can be hazardous.

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Phoenix Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
Kiribati uses the Australian dollar, with the currency code AUD, rather than a separate Phoenix Islands currency. On remote atolls there are no dependable shops, banks, cash machines or card terminals, and payment facilities should not be expected. Expedition costs are normally settled before departure through the operator, while personal spending money is more useful on Tarawa or another established Kiribati island than in the Phoenix group. Carry secure contingency funds and confirm in advance what food, fuel, water, communications and specialist equipment are included.
Safety
Isolation is the principal safety consideration. Heat, intense sunlight, dehydration, coral cuts, rough surf, strong currents, sharp reef surfaces and sudden weather changes can become serious problems far from medical assistance. Remain with the expedition team, wear suitable footwear for reef and shore landings, use sun protection and follow instructions around lagoons, boats, airstrips and historic structures. Fresh water and shade are limited, and communications may be intermittent. Visitors with medical conditions should obtain professional advice and confirm evacuation arrangements before departure.
Emergency Situations
Emergency resources within the Phoenix Islands are extremely limited, with no normal network of hospitals, clinics, fire stations or rescue bases. Kiribati's national emergency numbers are commonly listed as 192 for police, 193 for fire and 194 for ambulance, but visitors should verify current arrangements before travel because remote-island connectivity can be unreliable. The expedition vessel, aircraft operator or authorised local representative should be the first practical point of contact, with evacuation plans established before landing. Keep travel insurance, emergency contacts and medical information accessible offline.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow all PIPA rules, landing permissions and instructions from Kiribati officials or local representatives. Do not remove coral, shells, sand, plants, artefacts or historic objects, and do not disturb nesting seabirds, turtles or other wildlife. Avoid entering abandoned buildings, wells or wartime structures, which may be unstable or hazardous. Ask before photographing residents or culturally sensitive places, and dress practically and respectfully when meeting communities. Do not assume that remote beaches are open for unrestricted camping, fishing, anchoring or collecting.
Local Tips
Build flexibility into every itinerary because a missed landing window or deteriorating sea can alter the entire plan. Learn the names and conservation rules of each atoll visited rather than treating the archipelago as one uniform landscape. Kanton is the most practical focus for human history and logistics, while other islands are primarily valuable for wildlife, reefs and archaeological interest. Bring reusable water bottles, personal medication, waterproof storage and offline navigation material, and ask your operator how waste, fuel and grey water will be managed.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMauri[Mau-ree]
GoodbyeMauri na[Mau-ree nah]
YesAe[Ih]
NoTe[Tay]
Please/You're welcomeKo na[Koh nah]
Thank youKare ko na[Kah-reh koh nah]
Excuse me/SorryTera na[Teh-rah nah]
How are you?Ko na te aei?[Koh nah teh ah-eh-ee?]
Fine. And you?Keia. Te aei?[Kay-ah. Teh ah-eh-ee?]
Do you speak English?E taina te English?[Eh tie-nah teh English?]
I don't understandAia n te aei[Ah-ee-ah n teh ah-eh-ee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE na taetae te menu, ko na[Eh nah tie-tie teh menu, koh nah]
I don't eat meatAia n te kaina[Ah-ee-ah n teh kai-nah]
Cheers!Aroha![Ah-roh-hah]
I would like to pay, pleaseE na na tuai, ko na[Eh nah nah too-eye, koh nah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tera![Teh-rah!]
Go away!Kau mauri![Kow mau-ree!]
Call the Police!Tera te Police![Teh-rah teh Police!]
Call a doctor!Tera te taetae![Teh-rah teh tie-tie!]
I'm lostE na te aei[Eh nah teh ah-eh-ee]
I'm illE na te aei te tita[Eh nah teh ah-eh-ee teh tee-tah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...E na taetae...[Eh nah tie-tie...]
I'm just lookingE na taetae te taetae[Eh nah tie-tie teh tie-tie]
How much is it?Te aei te aei?[Teh ah-eh-ee teh ah-eh-ee?]
That's too expensiveTe aei te aei e aei[Teh ah-eh-ee teh ah-eh-ee eh ah-eh]
Can you lower the price?E na te aei te tuai?[Eh nah teh ah-eh-ee teh too-eye?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Te aei te aei?[Teh ah-eh-ee teh ah-eh-ee?]
It's one o'clockTe aei te taetae[Teh ah-eh-ee teh tie-tie]
Half past (10)Te aei te aei[Teh ah-eh-ee teh ah-eh]
MorningMaatia[Mah-ah-tee-ah]
AfternoonMaatia ni[Mah-ah-tee-ah nee]
EveningMaatia mo[Mah-ah-tee-ah moh]
YesterdayTe aei te aei[Teh ah-eh-ee teh ah-eh-ee]
TodayTaei[Tah-ay-ee]
TomorrowAke[Ah-keh]
1Tera[Teh-rah]
2Rua[Roo-ah]
3Toru[Toh-roo]
4Mā[Mah]
5Toru mā[Toh-roo mah]
6Nai[Nah-ee]
7Nai mā[Nah-ee mah]
8Nai rua[Nah-ee roo-ah]
9Nai toru[Nah-ee toh-roo]
10Nai mā[Nah-ee mah]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?E aei te...?[Eh ah-eh-ee teh...?]
What's the address?Te aei te aei?[Teh ah-eh-ee teh ah-eh-ee?]
Can you show me (on the map)?E na te aei (i te map)?[Eh nah teh ah-eh-ee (ee teh map)?]
When's the next (bus)?Te aei te aei (bus)?[Teh ah-eh-ee teh ah-eh-ee (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)Te aei (ki ....)[Teh ah-eh-ee (kee ....)]

History of Phoenix Islands

Early Micronesian and Polynesian Settlement

The Phoenix Islands were known and visited within the wider seafaring world of the central Pacific long before European mapping. Archaeological evidence and oral traditions indicate periods of Polynesian settlement or use on some atolls, although the islands' small land areas, scarce fresh water and irregular rainfall made permanent communities difficult to sustain. Human movement between atolls formed part of a much broader network linking the Gilbert, Tuvaluan, Tokelauan and Polynesian cultural spheres. The surviving archaeological traces are especially vulnerable to erosion, vegetation growth and later disturbance, making careful conservation important.

European Mapping and British Claims

European navigators charted the group progressively during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, assigning English names to many islands and reefs. Britain asserted authority over the Phoenix Islands during the late nineteenth century, incorporating them into the wider system of Pacific colonial administration that later centred on the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. The islands were never densely settled or heavily urbanised, but their position was important to navigators crossing the central Pacific. Colonial mapping also imposed names and boundaries on a landscape already known through local voyaging knowledge.

The Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme

During the 1930s, the colonial administration attempted to establish communities on several Phoenix Islands, moving people from the more crowded Gilbert Islands. Settlements were created or expanded on islands including Kanton, Orona and Nikumaroro. The scheme faced severe practical problems: rainfall was unreliable, soils were poor, groundwater was limited and transport links were infrequent. By the early 1960s, drought and economic difficulty had contributed to the abandonment of most of these communities. Ruins, planted coconuts and old tracks remain reminders of this ambitious but unsuccessful resettlement project.

Aviation, Radio and the Second World War

Kanton became strategically important as a mid-Pacific aviation and communications station. Its airfield and associated facilities supported trans-Pacific operations before and during the Second World War, when the United States and Britain both recognised the value of the atoll's location. Military activity altered the island's landscape through construction, supply operations and the movement of personnel. Remnants of runways, buildings, equipment and harbour works still contribute to Kanton's historical character, although isolated wartime structures may be deteriorating and should be approached only with permission.

Nikumaroro and the Earhart Theory

Nikumaroro, formerly known as Gardner Island, entered popular history through the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan in 1937. One theory proposes that Earhart landed on the atoll's reef or shore after failing to reach Howland Island, but no conclusive evidence has established that explanation. The island's association with the case has encouraged expeditions and research, while also drawing attention to its archaeological remains and vulnerable wildlife. It is important to present the connection as an unproven historical theory rather than a confirmed event.

From Colonial Administration to the Republic of Kiribati

The Phoenix Islands were administered within the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony until constitutional change separated the Gilbert Islands from the Ellice Islands. The Gilbert Islands became independent as the Republic of Kiribati in 1979, and the Phoenix group forms one of the country's three broad island groups alongside the Gilbert and Line Islands. Its remoteness has limited permanent development, but the islands remain part of Kiribati's sovereign territory and are closely connected to national debates about climate, maritime resources, conservation and the future of low-lying atoll communities.

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Kiribati created the Phoenix Islands Protected Area in 2006 to conserve an exceptionally large and comparatively undisturbed marine ecosystem. The protected area safeguards coral reefs, lagoons, seamount environments, seabirds, turtles, sharks and migratory ocean species across a vast expanse of the central Pacific. Its management has become an important example of large-scale ocean conservation led by a small island state. In 2010, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, giving international recognition to the archipelago's ecological and cultural significance.

Phoenix Islands in Photos

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  • History of Phoenix Islands and essential travel information
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The app also provides essential travel information, such as the history of Phoenix Islands and travel essentials. With features like easy navigation, a 'Near Me' function to discover nearby attractions, and curated local tips, you'll experience Phoenix Islands like a local. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases. Download now and turn your trip to Phoenix Islands into an unforgettable adventure.

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