World War II Battles Sights

Kiribati's gorgeous islands were the site of some of the fiercest battles of World War II. This is one of the most fascinating places in Kiribati that you should visit if you love history. The World War II Battles Sights were Abemama, Tarawa, and Butaritari, as well as the Banana islands.

On Tarawa, there are several remains from this era. The huge 8-inch anti-ship cannons are easiest to discover on the south (ocean-facing) side of Betio island, near the causeway linking to Bairiki. These cannons were originally produced by the British and delivered to the Japanese during their 1904 war against Russia. After seizing Tarawa in 1942, the Japanese stationed them on land to protect them against an impending attack on the islands.

Other interesting ruins at Betio include the Japanese command bunker, a massive edifice that is currently housed on the grounds of a Mormon church. Despite its substantial reinforced concrete walls, this structure was attacked and left unusable during the fight, and the damage can still be seen today.

There is a memorial to the Americans who lost their lives in the battle, located outside the sports center in Betio. More unique is the matching Japanese memorial to their deceased, which is quietly guarded by a barrier and is only accessible by appointment.

• Location: Abemama, Tarawa, and Butaritari