Church of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is a wooden structure with white exterior walls standing near the ocean on Tarawa island. The building displays simple, functional design that fits naturally into the flat island landscape.

The church marked an important moment in the spread of Catholicism across the Gilbert Islands during the 20th century. Its founding reflects the religious development that shaped these remote Pacific islands.

The church functions as a gathering space where residents come together for worship and community events, blending Catholic traditions with local island customs. Visitors notice how people naturally gather here for both spiritual occasions and everyday social moments.

The church can be entered through the main entrance facing the lagoon, with regular services held in both I-Kiribati and English. Visitors should plan to arrive outside of service times for the best experience.

The bell tower serves as a viewing point over the surrounding atoll, offering views of both lagoon and ocean sides. Many visitors overlook this opportunity to see both water perspectives from a single location.

Location: Koinawa

Address: Teiro Abaiang,, VX7Q+W8J, Koinawa, Kiribati

GPS coordinates: 1.86483,172.98830

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48