A six-mile stretch of pristine beach once slated for large-scale development is now on track to become Kiribati’s first national park—thanks to the dedicated efforts of Brigham Young University–Hawaii students studying hospitality and tourism management (HTM). From preserving coastlines to preparing global events, these students are reshaping the nation’s tourism industry in ways that protect natural resources, empower local communities, influence national policy, and invite visitors to be co-authors in Kiribati’s living history.
This year, HTM interns from Kiribati—Temwake Kuraotio, Heidi Boraia, Teaitara Baraka, Taakentemanoku Iobi, and Timeon Murdoch—partnered with their home country’s Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) on projects ranging from destination mapping to surf and astro-tourism promotion. Other HTM students, Tabware Manibwebwe and Garynta Rotau, also contributed, while videographer Manu Tefan, a student from Tahiti majoring in Business Management, documented their efforts. “This work isn’t just about tourism,” said Kuraotio, “It’s about giving back to our people and creating hope for the future.”
Their impact has already reached the national stage: during Kiribati’s recent Independence Day celebration on July 12, the students were honored before thousands of spectators for their role in advancing regenerative tourism.
Conservation and Tourism Development
Partnering with the MLPID, the students conducted land and marine surveys to design plot plans for the national park and a Micronesian Cultural Center. The park safeguards vital ecosystems and celebrates Micronesia’s diverse traditions while strengthening food security through tree planting, bee farming, and seaweed harvesting.
“Our goal is to protect what makes Kiribati unique while creating opportunities for our people,” shared Iobi.
Students also expanded local tourism potential by identifying prime surfing locations on Christmas Island. Their efforts led to its successful registration with Surfline.com, the world’s leading channel for real-time wave conditions. This recognition paved the way for the installation of live-stream cameras, which would attract more surfers. The team is also finalizing an application for Christmas Island to become an official Dark Sky Sanctuary, which will protect its pristine night skies and open up opportunities for astro-tourism.
“The timing of this transformation couldn’t be better,” shared Jeff Christensen, director of the Center for Hospitality & Tourism at BYU–Hawaii. “Post-COVID travelers have shifted their attention from over-touristed monuments and packed itineraries to more authentic, intentional journeys. Christmas Island’s raw beauty, tight-knit communities, and unfiltered cultural experiences make it perfectly positioned to meet this new demand.”
Empowering Local Communities
The students’ projects extend beyond infrastructure and policy. They have also designed and delivered homestay and tour operator training programs. To date, 51 participants have graduated from these programs, giving them the skills and confidence to run a small business while strengthening the island’s capacity to welcome visitors.
“Tourism has impacted both the community and the whole country in a very positive way,” Kuraotio shared. “Everything we do is about giving back—empowering our people to take part in the growing tourism industry, become entrepreneurs, and build a better future. Tourism creates hope by providing job opportunities and infrastructure improvements that directly benefit our people.”
Kuraotio added that these initiatives align with BYU–Hawaii’s mission to prepare students to live and lead throughout Asia and the Pacific. “They also align with Kiribati’s own development plan,” he said.
Learning Leadership in Action
Much of the students’ learning has come from working alongside government leaders and observing the process of tourism planning firsthand.
During her internship, Teaitara Baraka contributed to government planning sessions in the MLPID office. “I assisted officers whenever needed, which provided me with valuable insight into how tourism-related projects are developed and managed,” she explained. This experience deepened her understanding of Christlike leadership. “I learned important lessons in patience, humility, and teamwork. Leadership is not only about giving direction but also about fostering mutual support and collective growth.”
Timeon Murdoch, a native of Christmas Island, learned similar lessons while supporting government leaders on key projects. Working with the MLPID, he is overseeing the installation of solar-powered water pumps at key locations like the national park, where the system will provide fresh water for visitors to shower and drink. “Through all this, I’ve gained valuable skills in government-level communication, event management, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders,” Murdoch said.
Both students expressed that representing BYU–Hawaii abroad is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility. “It was an honor to represent BYU–Hawaii on an international stage and apply the knowledge and skills I have gained in the HTM program to support the mission and vision of my country,” said Baraka.
Preparing for a Global Stage
These HTM students are also hard at work preparing for the First Sunrise of 2026. Each year, Christmas Island is the first inhabited place on earth to welcome the New Year. For the first time, the event will be broadcast globally, giving Kiribati an unprecedented opportunity to showcase its culture, beauty, and resilience.
In preparation for the event, students successfully tested livestreaming technology during the country’s Independence Day celebration and proposed infrastructure upgrades at the event site. They are also helping to line up local performers, arrange seating and staging, and are producing promotional videos that will introduce Kiribati to an international audience.
In addition, HTM students have been busy designing meaningful vacation packages, creating tours, and negotiating rates with local service providers to ensure visitors to the live event have a seamless experience.
Beyond event preparation, the team has also been invited to participate with the MLPID and the Airport Kiribati Authority in developing a comprehensive master plan to upgrade Christmas Island’s Cassidy Airport. This strategic project ensures the facility can meet the needs of international visitors while also supporting long-term tourism growth.
Fulfillment of BYU–Hawaii’s Mission
“What began as a desire to give back to their homeland has grown into a catalyst for national change. The students’ work is now woven into Kiribati’s long-term tourism strategy, shaping everything from conservation initiatives to small business development,” Christensen shared. The students continue to collaborate closely with government officials, including the MDLPI and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, and were honored guests at the opening of the island’s first recreation center last July.
“They are literally fulfilling the mission of BYU–Hawaii,” Christensen added. “Not only are they using their education to solve real problems, they are building intercultural connections and blessing communities in their native land, even before they graduate."
As Kiribati looks ahead to the global spotlight of the First Sunrise of 2026 and beyond, the contributions made by these student leaders are laying the foundation for a sustainable tourism future—one rooted in stewardship, opportunity, and Christlike service.