Welcome to Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge! Just about halfway between Hawai‘i and American Samoa lies Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Palmyra consists of a circular string of about 26 islets nestled among several lagoons and encircled by 15,000 acres of shallow turquoise reefs and deep blue submerged reefs. It is the northernmost atoll in the Line Islands in the equatorial Pacific.
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

Public access to Palmyra Atoll is self-limiting due to the very high expense of traveling to such a remote destination. The Nature Conservancy owns and operates the only airplane runway on Palmyra and by boat, it's a five to seven day sailing trip from Honolulu. There are several ways to gain access to the refuge, though certain rules apply.

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

      Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was established on January 18, 2001, by the Secretary of the Interior and includes submerged lands and associated waters out to 12 nautical miles from the atoll. It is approximately 956 nautical miles south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaiʻi and America Samoa, and consists of a circular string of about 26 islets nestled among several lagoons and encircled by 15,000 acres of shallow turquoise reefs and deep blue submerged reefs. It is the northernmost atoll in the Line Islands in the equatorial Pacific. On January 6, 2009, the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument was established, which includes Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding ocean out to 50 nautical miles within its boundaries.

      What We Do

      The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. 

      Our Species

      Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of wildlife. The wildlife found in and around the island is rich with diversity ranging from a variety of birds, marine mammals, various species of reptiles, invertebrates, marine life, and flora.

      Our Library

      Here you will find library collections containing a variety of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publications, reports, fact sheets, media and documents along with other reference material.

      Projects and Research

      From  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
       removal to protecting endangered species, find out what kind of projects and initiatives we're conducting on Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.

      Sihek Conservation Introduction to Palmyra Atoll