I used to operate the HS748 to Nauru via Nadi and Funafuti, we overnighted at what was then the BPC barracks, hardly the Sheraton.
I was based in Tarawa on 2 occasions and flew the Heron to Tabiteuea, Butaritari and Abemama, and on one occasion to Nauru, very enjoyable and very profitable. I paid Gilbertese taxes at a grass hut in Bairiki and claimed taxes back when I returned to Fiji.
On one occasion I flew the local magistrate to Abemama where he held court in the terminal, an open frond-covered building. The guy on trial had cut someone up with a machete. The magistrate was asked if he would like a drink, whereupon someone obtained Exhibit A, the blood covered machete and cut open a coconut for him.