Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Midway Atoll is one of the western most islands in a chain of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean the most famous of which are known as the Hawaiian Islands. Midway lies 1,135 miles west-northwest of Pearl Harbor, Oahu.

Midway Island and its wildlife have survived a fascinating history to become a National Wildlife Refuge open to the public. Visitors find a wonderful wildlife experience and exposure to an important piece of American history . All this while living in comfort on a beautiful tropical island with one of the world's most beautiful beaches inhabited by more endangered monk seals than people. It is a rare and wonderful place to visit.

Map Midway Atoll was formed by an active volcano in the floor of the Pacific Ocean. Long dormant, all that remains are three small sandy islands surrounded by a coral reef. The largest island is Sand Island and this is where the active airport and all the facilities for visitors are maintained. The runway on the second island, Eastern Island was an active runway during world war II, but is no longer maintained. The National Wildlife Refuge allows visitors to visit Eastern Island once a week on ranger led walk.

View from inside the lagoon of the waves breaking on the outer barrier reef and the turquoise waters. Laysan Albatross taking a rest on the water.

History Midway Atoll never had an indigenous human population and was first claimed by the United States which has always controlled the island. The island was a station on the Trans- Pacific Cable line and for the China Clipper which provided sea plane air service across the Pacific. This is one of the cable companies buildings restored by the refuge.
	Introduced Species The character of the islands was much changed by human residents. Originally the island was a low sandy mound with little vegetation. The cable company brought in soil and planted trees to make the island more hospitable. Many non-native plants were either accidentally or deliberately introduced at this time. Canaries were introduced by the Manager of the cable company as caged birds. It is believed that he released 9 birds on the island. They were not tame and amazing hard to photograph. Common Mynahs are also present. Other introduced species such as rats and pigeons have been extirpated.
Naval Base After World War II Midway was an active navy base and supported a population of up to 4000 people including families. There was a school, a chapel, and a medical facility. A dentist stationed on Midway spent his spare time carving a statue of a goony bird out of a piece of mahogany that washed ashore. Later a plastic fishing float was added as an egg.
	The architect added portholes to the porches of the military housing on the island for the navy. Housing is now used for employees.
Oceanic Society group of visitors, April 2001. All the facilities left by the navy will make your visit more than comfortable. Enjoy plenty of hot water, excellent food, clean beds, and friendly people. Explore the wildlife by day and attend programs on the history and wildlife in the envening.