The island of Tabuaeran was uninhabited, when the first Europeans arrived there in the 19th century, but archaeological evidence shows that people had been living there before the Europeans arrived. It were probably Tongans, who reached the island and stayed for several years.

The Fanning Island Plantations Ltd Company started exploiting the coconuts on Tabuaeran for copra in the 19th century. Nowadays, Tabuaeran is home to a small population and it has a laid-back atmosphere. Tabuaeran is excellent for snorkeling, scuba-diving and swimming.

Tabuaeran is about 3000 km northeast of Tarawa and the only way to get there is by boat. You should have your own yacht or try to get a ride there.