The Battle of Tarawa was one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific during WWII. Fought between 20 – 24 November 1943 between the American marines and Japanese soldiers, this significant event in Kiribati’s history claimed a total of 1,113 US marines, and 4,690 Japanese soldiers and Korean labourers.
Remnants of this event are still visible throughout Betio island, South Tarawa and can now be enjoyed by travellers through organised tours, now that Kiribati’s international border are open.
On 11 August 2022, US Embassy, Suva, Fiji dignitaries, led by Chargé d’Affaires Tony Greubel were amongst the first group of international visitors to enjoy a fully guided tour of the WWll relics and monuments on Betio.
The tour coordinated by a local inbound tour operator Kiribati Holidays. Tour guide Ms. Toka Rakobu provided the group detailed history on the battle of Tarawa, battlefield relics and the group paid their respects to their fallen Marines at the US Marines memorial at the Sports Complex.
Click here for more information on Battlefield Tours
