Ewa, Nauru Travel Guide

Discover Ewa in Nauru: A tranquil oasis with lush landscapes, rich culture, and historical treasures awaiting your exploration.

Ewa, a charming district in Nauru, invites you to explore its serene beauty and rich local culture. As one of the smallest islands in the world, Nauru offers a unique and intimate experience for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity. Ewa, located in the northern part of Nauru, is especially known for its lush landscapes and friendly community. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastal paths of Ewa, where you can enjoy stunning ocean views and the refreshing sea breeze. The district is a paradise for nature lovers, with its diverse flora and fauna. Bird watchers will delight in spotting colorful native birds, while the crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and discovering vibrant marine life. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Ewa community center, where you can learn about traditional crafts and customs. The locals are warm and welcoming, eager to share their stories and traditions with visitors. Don't miss out on sampling the delicious local cuisine, which features fresh seafood and tropical fruits. For a touch of history, explore the remnants of World War II artifacts scattered around Ewa. These historical sites provide a poignant reminder of the island's past and offer a fascinating glimpse into its heritage. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Ewa in Nauru promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ewa.

Visit during the dry season from May to November for the best weather.
Bring cash, as there are limited ATMs and card payment options.
Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in community areas.
Hire a local guide to enhance your exploration of historical sites.
Try the local seafood dishes, especially the fresh tuna.

Destinations in Ewa

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Ewa District

Explore Ewa: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Ewa

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Anibare Bay

Experience tranquility at Anibare Bay, Nauru's stunning beach paradise perfect for relaxation, adventure, and captivating sunsets.

4.1

Buada Lagoon

Experience the tranquil beauty of Buada Lagoon in Nauru, a hidden gem perfect for peaceful retreats and nature lovers.

4.0

Best landmarks in Ewa

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Menen Hotel

Discover comfort and hospitality at Menen Hotel in Ibwenape, where every stay is a delightful experience amid stunning surroundings.

3.7

Nauru Australian Immigration Detention Center

Explore the significant yet controversial Nauru Australian Immigration Detention Center, a focal point of immigration policy and humanitarian issues in the Pacific.

2.4

Capelle and Partner

Explore Capelle and Partner Mall in Ronave for an unforgettable shopping and dining experience, showcasing local culture and international brands.

4.5

Ewa Lodge

Ewa Lodge in Ronave: Embrace tranquility and comfort in a charming serviced accommodation surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

4.3

Best restaurants in Ewa

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The Bay Restaurant

Experience the best seafood and local flavors at The Bay Restaurant in Anibare - where every meal is paired with stunning ocean views.

4.4

Ewa Lodge

Discover peace at Ewa Lodge in Ronave - your ideal serviced accommodation for relaxation and adventure amidst breathtaking nature.

4.3

Jules On The Deck

Discover Jules On The Deck: A vibrant bar in Nibok offering stunning views and refreshing cocktails for an unforgettable night out.

4.0

Mr Chippies

Experience delightful local flavors at Mr Chippies in Anibare – where every dish tells a story.

4.1

Best bars in Ewa

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Capelle and Partner

Explore Capelle and Partner in Ronave for an unforgettable shopping experience with local flavors and unique treasures.

4.5

The Bay Restaurant

Experience the best of Nauruan cuisine at The Bay Restaurant, where stunning ocean views meet delectable dishes in Anibare.

4.4

Ewa Lodge

Discover unparalleled comfort and local charm at Ewa Lodge, the ideal retreat for travelers in beautiful Nauru.

4.3

Jules On The Deck

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Jules On The Deck, a must-visit bar in Nibok perfect for unwinding with drinks and stunning sunset views.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Ewa

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The Bay Restaurant

Discover the culinary delights of The Bay Restaurant in Anibare, where fresh seafood and stunning ocean views create an unforgettable dining experience.

4.4

Ewa Lodge

Discover comfort and tranquility at Ewa Lodge, your perfect home base for exploring the breathtaking beauty of Ronave.

4.3

Od-N Aiwo Hotel

Discover comfort and local charm at Od-N Aiwo Hotel in Boe, a perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.

3.6

Jules On The Deck

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Jules On The Deck, Nibok's premier bar for refreshing drinks and stunning views in a tropical paradise.

4.0

Best shops in Ewa

Top-rated picks

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Capelle and Partner

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Capelle and Partner in Ronave, Nauru, where local culture meets convenience.

4.5

Ewa Lodge

Discover the serene charm of Ewa Lodge, a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in beautiful Nauru.

4.3

Eigigu Supermarket

Discover the culinary delights of Nauru at Eigigu Supermarket - your one-stop destination for local and international flavors.

3.8

Pacific store

Discover local flavors and essentials at Pacific Store in Nibok, your go-to grocery destination for a taste of the region.

3.9

Explore Ewa on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Ewa, mapped for you.

Ewa Essentials

Ewa is one of the districts in Nauru, located on the island's northern coast. To get to Nauru, you can fly into Nauru International Airport (INU), which is the country’s only airport. Flights to Nauru are limited, with connections primarily from Brisbane, Australia, and a few Pacific Island nations such as Fiji and Kiribati. From the airport, Ewa is a short drive away, and taxis or hotel shuttles can be used for transportation.
Transportation within Ewa and the rest of Nauru is quite straightforward. The island is small, and many places are accessible by foot. For longer distances, taxis are available but might be limited, so it's advisable to arrange transportation in advance. Renting a car is another option, although availability can be limited, so booking ahead of time is recommended. There is no public bus service, but some hotels may offer shuttle services.
The official currency used in Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller shops and local markets. ATMs are scarce, so it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival or before traveling to Nauru. Ensure to have small denominations as change can sometimes be an issue.
Ewa and the rest of Nauru are generally safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, standard travel precautions should still be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Petty theft can occur, especially in crowded places. It is always wise to be cautious and stay aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, you can dial 110 for police, 111 for fire services, and 112 for medical emergencies. Nauru has a small hospital, the Republic of Nauru Hospital, located in the district of Denigomodu, which provides basic medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation, as facilities are limited. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places. Avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect for local customs. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. Although Nauru is largely Christian, be respectful when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do use taxis or arranged transportation as there is no public bus system. Don’t expect public transport options beyond taxis and private cars. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Nauruans are generally friendly and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t be wasteful with food, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Ewa like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Nauruan goods. Engage with the locals, who are often very friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss out on the beautiful coastal scenery and local fishing spots. For a unique experience, participate in local community events or festivals if your visit coincides with one.

When is the best time to visit Ewa?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Ewa

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Ewa. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloNao
  [Naw]
- GoodbyeKoe
  [Koh-eh]
- YesAei
  [Ah-ey]
- NoNgai
  [Ngai]
- Please/You're welcomeBai
  [Bye]
- Thank youNin
  [Nin]
- Excuse me/SorryNaku
  [Nah-koo]
- How are you?E tei?
  [Eh tay?]
- Fine. And you?Nin bui. E tei?
  [Nin boo-ee. Eh tay?]
- Do you speak English?E tei eiti?
  [Eh tay eh-ee-tee?]
- I don't understandNin aei eita
  [Nin ah-ey ee-tah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE aei a ngara menu, bai
  [Eh ah-ey ah nah-rah men-oo, bye]
- I don't eat meatNin aei eita buai
  [Nin ah-ey ee-tah boo-eye]
- Cheers!Bai eita
  [Bye eh-ee-tah]
- I would like to pay, pleaseE aei a ngara pay, bai
  [Eh ah-ey ah nah-rah pay, bye]
- Help!Aei!
  [Ah-ey!]
- Go away!Koe ngara!
  [Koh-eh nah-rah!]
- Call the Police!Ngara Police!
  [Nah-rah Police!]
- Call a doctor!Ngara dokta!
  [Nah-rah dok-tah!]
- I'm lostNin aei ngara
  [Nin ah-ey nah-rah]
- I'm illNin aei ngara buai
  [Nin ah-ey nah-rah boo-eye]
- I'd like to buy...E aei a buai...
  [Eh ah-ey ah boo-eye...]
- I'm just lookingNin aei ngara
  [Nin ah-ey nah-rah]
- How much is it?E tei aei?
  [Eh tay ah-ey?]
- That's too expensiveNin aei ngara buai
  [Nin ah-ey nah-rah boo-eye]
- Can you lower the price?E tei a ngara buai eita?
  [Eh tay ah nah-rah boo-eye eh-ee-tah?]
- What time is it?E tei aei?
  [Eh tay ah-ey?]
- It's one o'clockE tei aei nien
  [Eh tay ah-ey nee-en]
- Half past (10)E tei aei a buai (10)
  [Eh tay ah-ey ah boo-eye (10)]
- MorningNien
  [Nee-en]
- AfternoonAei
  [Ah-ey]
- EveningKoe
  [Koh-eh]
- YesterdayNien aei
  [Nee-en ah-ey]
- TodayNgara aei
  [Nah-rah ah-ey]
- TomorrowAei nien
  [Ah-ey nee-en]
- 1Nien
  [Nee-en]
- 2Nai
  [Nai]
- 3Nai eita
  [Nai eh-ee-tah]
- 4Nai buai
  [Nai boo-eye]
- 5Nai nien
  [Nai nee-en]
- 6Nai aei
  [Nai ah-ey]
- 7Nai aei eita
  [Nai ah-ey eh-ee-tah]
- 8Nai aei buai
  [Nai ah-ey boo-eye]
- 9Nai aei nien
  [Nai ah-ey nee-en]
- 10Nai aei nien eita
  [Nai ah-ey nee-en eh-ee-tah]
- Where's a/the...?E tei a ngara...?
  [Eh tay ah nah-rah...?]
- What's the address?E tei a ngara an
  [Eh tay ah nah-rah ahn]
- Can you show me (on the map)?E tei a ngara eita (a ngara map)?
  [Eh tay ah nah-rah eh-ee-tah (ah nah-rah map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?E tei a ngara (bus) eita?
  [Eh tay ah nah-rah (bus) eh-ee-tah?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ngara ticket (a ....)
  [Ah nah-rah ticket (ah ....)]

History of Ewa

Ewa, located in the northeastern part of Nauru, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The indigenous Nauruan people, believed to have Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian ancestry, were the first settlers. These early inhabitants developed a unique culture, characterized by traditional practices, crafts, and a close-knit community structure centered around clan systems.
In the late 19th century, European explorers and traders began to arrive on Nauru, including the district of Ewa. By 1888, the island became a German protectorate. This era saw significant changes as German missionaries introduced Christianity, which rapidly spread throughout the island, influencing local customs and traditions.
The discovery of phosphate in 1900 marked a turning point in Ewa's history. The British Phosphate Commissioners began extensive mining activities, leading to economic growth but also environmental degradation. Ewa, like other districts, saw the transformation of its landscape as phosphate extraction became the backbone of Nauru's economy.
During World War II, Ewa, along with the rest of Nauru, fell under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. This period was marked by hardship and suffering for the local population. The Japanese fortified the island, including Ewa, as part of their Pacific defense strategy, leaving behind remnants of bunkers and other wartime structures.
After World War II, Ewa participated in the broader efforts of Nauru's reconstruction and independence movement. The island was administered by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom under a United Nations mandate until Nauru gained independence in 1968. Ewa played a role in the burgeoning national identity and the establishment of a sovereign state.
In recent decades, there has been a significant focus on cultural revitalization in Ewa. Efforts to preserve and promote traditional Nauruan practices, language, and arts have been prominent. Modern Ewa is a blend of its rich cultural heritage and contemporary influences, making it a unique destination for those interested in the history and culture of Nauru.