Starbuck Postal Codes: KI0305 | Line Islands

Key Facts

Starbuck is a small, uninhabited coral island that forms part of the Line Islands group within the Republic of Kiribati. Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Starbuck lies approximately halfway between Hawaii and Tahiti, positioned at the southeastern end of the Line Islands chain. The island is situated about 110 kilometers southeast of Malden Island and roughly 1,300 kilometers south of the equator. With a total land area of just 21 square kilometers, Starbuck is characterized by its flat, low-lying terrain composed primarily of coral limestone, reaching a maximum elevation of only about 5 meters above sea level. The island has no permanent population and has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary due to its importance as a breeding ground for seabirds, particularly sooty terns and other tropical species. Historically, Starbuck was known for its guano deposits, which were mined in the 19th century, but today it remains largely untouched by human activity. As part of Kiribati's Line Islands, Starbuck falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the central government, though it contains no municipalities or populated settlements. For those seeking information about postal services or administrative divisions within Kiribati's remote territories, Starbuck represents one of the nation's most isolated and pristine natural environments.