Papahanaumokuakea and Midway Atoll

Midway Atoll (Pihemanu) is a circular-shaped atoll in Papahanaumokuakea with three small islets – Sand, Eastern, and Spit. The land area is about 1,535 acres, and the reef is around 85,900 acres. Captain N.C. Brooks, of the ship Gambia, landed on Midway in 1859. Other visitors included the castaway crews of several large sailing vessels who built huts on the island and awaited rescue by passing vessels. More visitors made their way to Midway during the late 1800′s to collect feathers and eggs.

Its geographical position midway between San Francisco and Japan made the island a critical link in cable communications in the early 1900′s, and later a plane stop. Work began on a military facility at Midway in March 1940, and during World War II it served as an important naval air station and submarine base. The atoll was attacked on December 7th 1941, and again during the Battle of Midway on June 4th – 6th 1942, considered as the watershed moment in the tide of the Pacific War.

Nearly two million birds of nineteen different species nest on Midway including Laysan Albatross (largest colony in the world), Black-footed Albatross, Red-tailed Tropicbirds, White Terns, Black and Brown Noddies, Shearwaters, Bonin Petrels, Bristle-thighed Curlews, Ruddy Turnstones, and the endangered Short-tailed Albatross.

The waters abound with Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Monk Seals, Green Sea Turtles, and more than 250 species of fish including Hawaiian Grouper (Hapu`upu`u), Jack (Ulua), Goatfish (Kumu), Bluestripe Snapper (Ta’ape), and sharks. Midway Atoll is the second most northern atoll in the world and lies near the northern limit of coral growth. Sixteen species of stony coral have been reported, as well as several algaes, seagrass, urchins, bi-valve clams, and sponges.

Prior to human settlement, Midway’s islands consisted primarily of large sand dunes and a small variety of native plants, which included beach naupaka, native bunch grass, and beach morning glory. Three-fourths of Midway’s plant species were introductions, including weeds, ornamental shrubs, exotic vegetables, coconut palms, and ironwood. Major efforts are underway to control alien species and restore native habitats.