Fanning Island, Kiribati

The Republic of Kiribati is comprised of thirty-three small islands spread out over 2,400 miles. The islands taken together only cover 342 square miles, an area about four times as large as Washington, D.C. Eight of the eleven Line Islands are part of Kiribati, as well as the Gilbert and Phoenix Groups of islands.

Kiribati played a small role in World War II, and there are some monuments to the conflict that still stand. On the small island of Betio, the Battle of Tarawa took the lives of thousands of American and Japanese servicemen. The island is a living monument to the battle. Anglophiles will want to visit Abemama Island, where Captain Davis hoisted the Union Jack in 1892. Robert Louis Stevenson took up residence on this tiny island toward the end of his life.

American explorer Edmund Fanning discovered Fanning Island, one of the Line Islands, in 1798. Great Britain annexed the island in 1889, and it remained under British rule until the entire republic gained independence on July 12, 1979. The island was renamed Tabuaeran, which means heavenly footprint. However, Fanning Island is still the more recognized term, so for the interest of this guide, Fanning Island will be used.

The island is just now opening up to tourism. What you will discover here are the white sand beaches that grace the cover of travel brochures, as well as exceptionally friendly local people. There are ample opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive. Fanning Island is where you'll want to take it easy for a day.