Welcome to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial, which is part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument! Midway Atoll (Kuaihelani) is a sanctuary for millions of seabirds, shorebirds, and various marine life who all call the island home.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial are currently closed to public visitation. Only activities that directly support airfield operations and conservation management of the refuge, memorial and monument are allowed. However, we offer a few exciting virtual experiences that we hope you will enjoy under the Visit Us section.

Visit Us

Most national wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.  Although Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial are currently closed to public visitation, these links provide for several exciting virtual ways to visit and even tour the Refuge.

Exploring Midway Atoll

Midway Atoll 360° Virtual Tour

Midway Atoll in Virtual Reality

Google Street View

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Located on the far northern end of the Hawaiian archipelago, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is located within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. It is one the oldest atoll formations in the world that provides nesting habitat for millions of seabirds and it a touchstone for one of the most significant naval battles in our human history.  Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, volunteer and contractors live on Midway to support the recovery and integrity of wildlife habitat and species while balancing their own human impact on the land and seascape and protecting historical resources. 

      What We Do

      The purpose of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds, monk seals, sea turtles and other wildlife, while also protecting cultural resources from the Commercial Pacific Cable Company to the historic Battle of Midway.  

      Our Species

      Midway Atoll's (Kauaihelani) three small islands provide a virtually predator-free safe haven for the world's largest albatross colony encircled by a ring of coral reef that hosts an amazing variety of unique wildlife including green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals among an unprecedented rate of endemic fish. 

      To learn about what birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, and plants exist at Midway Atoll, see the Species section.

      bird flying up above with clouds

      Adult Black-footed Albatross are large seabirds though small compared with other albatross species. They are very long with narrow wings, mostly dusky brown, white at the base of their bill and under eye, and have a large bill. Juveniles are similar to adults, but usually have less white at the...

      FWS Focus
      The largest and only white-bodied albatross in the north Pacific. Golden, yellow cast on head and nape. Upper wings: white with black primaries, secondaries, and tertials. Under wing: white with black leading and trailing edges. White tail with black fringe. Large, pink bill with blue tip and black...
      FWS Focus

      Projects and Research

      The principal refuge management objective on land is to enhance the quality of habitat for the full diversity of nesting seabird species. This will be accomplished by preventing the reintroduction of rats, by controlling noxious plants and by replanting specific areas with native vegetation. 

      Several steps have been taken or are underway to minimize human activities that adversely impact wildlife. Examples include the elimination of overhead wiring, the modification of lights that disorient night-flying birds and the timing of construction or repair activities to reduce wildlife impacts. Some particularly important beaches have been declared "off limits" to encourage undisturbed use of these areas by seals.