Overview
Midway Atoll is a remote wildlife refuge in the north Pacific Ocean, located roughly 'midway' between the USA and East Asia, just east of the International Date Line. The atoll is home to nearly 5 million seabirds including 80% of the world's Laysan albatross population, plus endangered Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles.
History · Island · Nature · Wildlife
Before you go
Access
Midway Atoll is closed to public visitation as of 2026. Henderson Field Airport serves only emergency landings for trans-Pacific flights.
Health
Medical clinic with Physician Assistant and EMTs on-site. Medical evacuations to Honolulu are expensive—travel insurance covering evacuation is essential.
Permits
All visitors must apply for permits from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument months in advance. Sailors pay $1,500 for monitoring devices.
Safety
No crime on the atoll. Primary risks are sunburn, dehydration, and ankle injuries from unstable sandy terrain with petrel burrows.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink. Visitors are encouraged to use refillable bottles to reduce plastic pollution on the shores.
Wildlife
Home to 80% of the world's Laysan albatross population and endangered Hawaiian monk seals. North Beach open to humans; other beaches off limits for protected species.