Marakei

W

Marakei

Map of Marakei
Geography
Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	2°00′N 173°17′E / 2.000°N 173.283°E / 2.000; 173.283 (Marakei)
Archipelago	Gilbert Islands
Area	14.13 km2 (5.456 sq mi)
Highest elevation	3 m (10 ft)
Country
Kiribati
Demographics
Population	2,872 (as of 2010 Census)
Density	203 /km2 (526 /sq mi)
Ethnic groups	I-Kiribati 98.9%

Marakei is a small atoll in the North Gilbert Islands. The central lagoon consists of numerous deep basins and surrounded by two large islands which are separated by two narrow channels. The atoll covers an area of 13.5 km².

Geography [edit]

The total land area of Marakei is 14.13 square kilometers. A road circles the island and is 26 kilometers long while the length of the island from the airport and running through the lagoon to Teraereke at southern portion of the island is 9.93 kilometers. It widest width can be found in the village of Rawannawi and narrowest width at Temotu at the western side of the island. Marakei is one of only two islands in Kiribati that encircles its lagoon. The Marakei lagoon is saltwater and deep in some areas, but not tidal. Two narrow channels, which are not navigable at low tide, link the lagoon with the sea; these are called Baretoa Pass and Reweta Pass.^[1]

Villages [edit]

The main village is Rawannawi, which at the time of the 2010 Census^[2] was home to just over a third of the island's 2,872 people.

Visiting Marakei [edit]

Shrine of one of the four "ghosts" of Marakei

The "katabenin" is a tradition unique to Marakei; first time visitors need to pay their respects to the four ghosts of Marakei, travelling anticlockwise, before any other activities. Offerings of tobacco, sweets or money at the shrines of Nei Reei, Nei Rotebenua, Nei Tangangau and Nei Nantekimam will secure a happy stay in Marakei.

Airport [edit]

Marakei is served by Marakei Airport at the northern tip of the island (close to the village of Rawannawi). Air Kiribati runs three flights each week to Abaiang and the international airport at Tarawa.

Accommodation [edit]

The Council guesthouse on Marakei is situated right on the ocean, just outside the main village of Rawannawi.^[3] Like all Island Council guesthouses in Kiribati, facilities are basic and food is what is available locally, however its spectacular location and the Marakei tradition of hospitality mean that a stay in the Marakei guesthouse can be a once in a lifetime experience for the well prepared traveler.

References [edit]

v t e Kiribati Gilbert Islands Abaiang Abemama Aranuka Arorae Beru Butaritari Kuria Maiana Marakei Makin Nikunau Nonouti Onotoa Tabiteuea Tamana Tarawa Phoenix Islands Abariringa Birnie Island Enderbury Island Manra Island McKean Island Nikumaroro Orona Rawaki Island Line Islands Caroline Island Flint Island Kiritimati Malden Island Starbuck Island Tabuaeran Teraina Vostok Island West of Gilberts Banaba Reefs Carondelet Reef Filippo Reef Winslow Reef Outline Portal

Coordinates: 2°00′N 173°16′E / 2.000°N 173.267°E / 2.000; 173.267

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