Welcome to Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge! Part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, Johnston Atoll is home to a variety of wildlife, which includes one of the largest known nesting populations of red-tailed tropicbirds, more than 300 species of fish, and a shallow coral reef that encompasses approximately 32,000 acres. The Monument boundary is a complete 200 mile radius around Johnston Atoll. Come explore all Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge has to offer!
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) NOTICE

Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

Visit Us

Because of its remoteness and the important role it plays in wildlife conservation, Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public and entry is only allowed through a Special Use Permit when the activity is deemed appropriate with purposes to the refuge establishment. 

Location and Contact Information

      REPORT VIOLATIONS

      Law enforcement issues should be referred to the deputy refuge manager or refuge manager.  

      You may also report violations to our "TIPS" line 1-844-FWS-TIPS (379-8477). 

      About Us

      Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most isolated atolls in the world. Located 716 nautical miles southwest from Honolulu, the formation of the atoll began 70 million years ago through a series of underwater volcanic eruptions. Established as a bird refuge in 1926, and managed today as a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
      A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

      Learn more about national wildlife refuge
      by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Johnston is still under the administrative jurisdiction of the United States military.  

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. 

      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with our partners at NOAA monitor Johnston Atoll for seabird activity and nesting, invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species
      , and the overall health of the surrounding reef. 

      Our Species

      Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is home to numerous species of unique wildlife. A refuge for seabirds, Johnston is home to fourteen various species, including one of the largest red-tailed tropicbird colonies in the world. The surrounding waters of the atoll are made up of a coral reef the extends approximately 11 miles east-southeast and five miles south of Johnston.