Tarawa

The Tarawa atoll comprises North Tarawa, with its small islands and villages and approximately 6,600 inhabitants, and South Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati, which houses its government offices and a population of over 56,000. The atoll has a large lagoon with a wide ship channel; Tarawa, or Te Rawa, means “Passage” of the lagoon. The harbour is at Betio, in the southwest; this was the site of the Battle of Tarawa in 1943 during World War II.

The inter-island ship “Nei Momi” in the harbour of Betio.

Cannons remaining from the Battle of Tarawa that was fought here during the Second World War, in Betio.

A bunker and cannon from the Second World War near the causeway in Betio.

The bunker of the Japanese Admiral Keiji Shibasaki from the Second World War, Betio.

Boys at the Second World War bunker, Betio.

Ceremony at the monument with American veterans, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa during the Second World War in Betio, South Tarawa.

Watching the commemoration ceremony of the Battle of Tarawa that was fought here in November 1943.

American veterans marching at the anniversary ceremony of the Battle of Tarawa that was fought on 20–23 November 1943 between the United States and Japan.

American veterans at Beach Red where heavy fighting had taken place, during the Battle of Tarawa 45 years earlier.

American veterans at Beach Red, saluting their fallen comrades , during the ceremony commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa on 20–23 November 1943 in Betio, South Tarawa.

Playing football near the Police School in Betio.

The Dai Nippon Primary School along the road in Betio.

Children drumming on tins on the beach in Betio.

The Red Beach in Betio, on the west point of South Tarawa.

Children playing with tyres in a village street on Betio.

The Bank of Kiribati and the post office in Bairiki, South Tarawa.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Maneaba ni Maungatabu (Community Hall of the Sacred Mountain), the House of Assembly of the Government of Kiribati, Bairiki.

The beach at Antenon in South Tarawa, looking towards Bairiki and Betio.

A bride is prepared in the house of Biteti Tentoa in Antenon village, South Tarawa.

The wedding party in Antenon, east of Bairiki.

The wedding in a church in South Tarawa.

Dancers in traditional dress praying at the wedding cake, during the wedding reception.

The King George V School in Bikenibeu, South Tarawa.

A fish-trap on the reef near the village of Bonriki, South Tarawa.

A boat inlet at Tanaea, a small island just west of Bonriki, in North Tarawa.

Children crossing at low tide between the islets of Buota and Tanaea.

A “Babai”, taro pit, in Buota, the islet just west of Tanaea and Bonriki.

View from the islet of Buota to Abatao, North Tarawa.

The Maneaba, the meeting house and centre of the village of Abatao islet, North Tarawa.

A fisherman and his daughter on Abatao islet.

The coast on Abatao, a small islet of North Tarawa, northwest of Buota

View to the lagoon on Abatao, looking towards Tabiteuea islet of North Tarawa.

In the village on Tabiteuea, a small islet of North Tarawa.

The lagoon of Tabiteuea islet, with men racing model canoes.

Men racing model canoes in the lagoon of Tabiteuea.

Racing model canoes in the lagoon of Tabiteuea, a small islet of North Tarawa.

Men racing model canoes in the lagoon of Tabiteuea islet.

Lunch with the family of Timirau Tetekaia on Tabiteuea, North Tarawa.

In the village on Nabeina, a very mall islet of North Tarawa, northwest of Tabiteuea.

Pepetake with his canoe on Nabeina, a small islet of North Tarawa.

The shallow lagoon at Tabonibara North Tarawa, just south of Abaokoro village.

On the islet of Tabonibara, North Tarawa.

Houses and a well in the village of Tabonibara.

Children in the village of Taborio, just north of Abaokoro in the north of North Tarawa.

The Immaculate Heart Church and College in the village of Taborio in the north of North Tarawa.

A toilet built above the lagoon in Buariki, the northernmost village of North Tarawa.

Robin with his little brother Tebeubure, in the village of Buariki.

Tetia Oropara in Buariki, the northernmost village of North Tarawa.