Experiencing the Hemispheres

By Linda Tancs

Kiribati is an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations located in the central Pacific Ocean about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. In addition to boasting the biggest water-to-land ratio in the world, it bears the distinction of being the only country to fall in all four hemispheres. It comprises 33 coral islands, all but one of which are atolls. The majority of the atolls are surrounded by barrier reefs, creating picturesque lagoons for world-class fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and other water sports. You’ll also find a fair share of historical and cultural experiences, like artifacts from the Battle of Tarawa during World War II and a demonstration of toddy cutting (a sap that comes from the blossom of the coconut before the spathe that contains it bursts). Fiji Airways serves the area from Nadi or Honolulu.