Kanton

Kanton (also known as Canton Island or Abariringa) is the largest, northernmost, and only inhabited island of the Phoenix Islands in Kiribati. It is a narrow ribbon of land around a lagoon, with a total area of about 9.2 km². The island is located roughly halfway between Hawaii and Fiji, a strategic position that once made it a vital trans-Pacific refuelling stop for flying boats and commercial airlines. Pan American World Airways operated a hotel and regular service here from 1939 to 1965, hosting passengers including US Vice President Richard Nixon in 1953. During World War II, Kanton was a US military base with a 1,900 m airstrip and over 1,200 personnel. The island was jointly administered by the US and UK from 1939 to 1979 as part of the Canton and Enderbury Islands condominium. Today Kanton has a tiny population of about 41 (2020 census), living in the sole village of Tebaronga. The entire Phoenix Islands were declared a protected area (PIPA) in 2006 — one of the world's largest marine protected areas — and Kanton is managed under a sustainable resource use plan. The island has a dry equatorial climate with sparse rainfall (averaging 221–914 mm annually) and steady temperatures of 24–32°C.

By Plane

Kanton Island Airport (CIS) has a 1,900 m paved runway at the northwest corner of the island. However, there is no scheduled commercial service. Occasional government charter flights, supply flights, and visiting aircraft use the airstrip. Most visitors arrive by government supply vessel or private yacht. The passage from Tarawa takes approximately 4–5 days by ship.

By Car / Road

An unpaved road encircles the island, though it is in variable condition. There are no cars for hire. A few government vehicles and bicycles are used by residents.

Kanton is small enough to walk around the entire island in a few hours. Bicycles are the primary mode of transport. The airstrip can also be walked.

• Tebaronga Village: The only village, with the island council office, a post office, and a handful of houses. The population hovers around 40–60 people.

• Kanton Airstrip and Pan Am ruins: The old terminal building, hotel foundations, and aviation relics from the flying boat and Pan Am era. A historic stopover on the great trans-Pacific air routes.

• World War II relics: Military structures, gun emplacements, and the wreck of the SS President Taylor (grounded in the lagoon entrance in 1942).

• Lagoon entrance: Strong tidal flows through the channel support extensive coral gardens with Acropora tables and staghorn corals — excellent snorkelling.

• Phoenix Islands Protected Area Visitor Centre: Learn about the world-renowned marine reserve.

• Snorkel the coral gardens: The lagoon channel has spectacular coral formations with abundant fish, sharks, and rays.

• Birdwatching: Kanton hosts seabird colonies including red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sooty terns, and migratory shorebirds.

• Explore the ruins: Walk the island to see relics from the Pan Am, military, and early aviation eras.

• Photography: The combination of turquoise lagoon, white coral sand, coconut palms, and historic ruins creates unique photo opportunities.

There are no restaurants. Visitors eat with the community or at the government guesthouse. Food is simple: fish, coconut, and imported staples. Fishing is excellent — fresh lagoon fish and trevally are daily fare.

Freshwater is from rainwater cisterns — bring purification tablets or bottled water. Coconut water is available. Alcoholic drinks are scarce.

• Budget: The Kiribati government maintains a basic guesthouse for official visitors. Accommodation is very simple — bring a sleeping sheet and mosquito net. Rates are around 20–40 AUD per night if applicable. Book far in advance through the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands.
• Mid-range: No mid-range or upscale accommodation exists.

There are no shops on Kanton. Visitors must bring all supplies. The small community relies on infrequent supply ships for everything.

• Enderbury Island (63 km southwest, uninhabited) — A wildlife sanctuary with large seabird colonies and a pristine atoll ecosystem.
• Phoenix Islands Protected Area — Other uninhabited atolls including Birnie Island, Manra, and Nikumaroro (Earhart search site) are within PIPA.
• Tarawa (1,765 km west, 4–5 days by supply ship) — The capital of Kiribati with international connections.
• Kiritimati (by charter flight or supply ship) — The largest atoll in Kiribati, with bonefish fishing, bird sanctuaries, and aviation history.