Home | Travel | Top Attractions in U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
The U.S. Minor Outlying Islands are a group of remote territories scattered across the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. While not widely known to mainstream travelers, these islands offer unparalleled natural beauty, pristine environments, and unique opportunities for exploration. The U.S. Minor Outlying Islands are composed of Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, Midway Atoll, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Kingman Reef, and Palmyra Atoll. Due to their isolation, limited accessibility, and protected status, most of these islands are not typical tourist destinations, but they hold special appeal for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Here’s a look at some of the top attractions in the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands.
1. Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
One of the most famous of the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Midway Atoll lies about halfway between Hawaii and Japan. It is a remote and ecologically significant site, known for its vibrant wildlife and historical importance. Midway was the site of the pivotal Battle of Midway during World War II, which marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater. Today, the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for millions of seabirds, including the Laysan albatross, black-footed albatross, and short-tailed albatross, many of which nest on the atoll’s sandy shores. Visitors can explore the remnants of World War II structures, including bunkers and airstrips, and enjoy unparalleled birdwatching opportunities. The atoll is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is primarily accessible via permit for scientific research, conservation, or educational purposes.
2. Wake Island
Located in the central Pacific, Wake Island is a small coral atoll with a rich history, particularly related to World War II. The island has a U.S. military base and serves as a strategic refueling stop for military and commercial aircraft. While access is restricted, Wake Island offers a glimpse into the past, with historical sites, such as remnants of airstrips, bunkers, and the Wake Island Monument dedicated to those who died during the battle for the island in 1941. The island is also home to beautiful beaches and coral reefs, making it a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, though access is very limited and often by military or government authorization only.
3. Johnston Atoll
Located southwest of Hawaii, Johnston Atoll is a remote group of islands that has a long history as a military site. The atoll has been used for nuclear testing, as well as for chemical weapons storage and disposal. Today, Johnston Atoll is primarily known for its ecological importance, particularly as a nesting site for sea turtles and various seabirds. It is also home to extensive coral reefs that are ideal for marine life. As part of the Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, the island is closed to the general public, but limited access may be granted for scientific or conservation purposes. Despite its restricted access, Johnston Atoll remains an important example of the U.S. government's efforts to protect rare ecosystems and species.
4. Palmyra Atoll
Known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and abundant wildlife, Palmyra Atoll is an unincorporated territory of the U.S. located in the central Pacific Ocean. The atoll is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, both on land and in the water. It is home to several endangered species, including the Palmyra atoll black noddy, a seabird native to the region, and the Palmyra tree snail. The atoll is also a popular spot for scuba diving, with pristine coral reefs offering opportunities to see an abundance of marine life, including tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles. Palmyra Atoll is largely uninhabited and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with limited access granted for research or conservation efforts.
5. Baker Island
Baker Island is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the central Pacific. It is a remote, uninhabited island that is part of the Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge. The island is known for its large population of seabirds, including brown noddies, Laysan albatrosses, and black-footed albatrosses, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. Baker Island is also home to stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The island has no permanent inhabitants and is closed to the public for the preservation of its natural environment. Visitors can only access the island via special permit, typically for scientific research.
6. Howland Island
Another remote island in the central Pacific, Howland Island is a small, uninhabited island that is part of the Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge. The island is known for its significant role in aviation history, as it was the planned stop for Amelia Earhart during her ill-fated around-the-world flight in 1937. Although the island is uninhabited, it serves as an important refuge for various seabirds, including the Howland Island Rail, an extinct species that was once native to the island. The island's coral reefs offer a pristine marine environment, and it is considered one of the world’s most isolated wildlife refuges. Access to Howland Island is restricted, with permission granted only for scientific purposes.
7. Jarvis Island
A small, unincorporated U.S. territory, Jarvis Island is a remote island in the central Pacific, known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and abundant seabird populations. The island is part of the Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge and is a protected area for various species, including the green sea turtle and Hawaiian monk seal. Jarvis Island has no human population and is closed to the public except for scientific research and conservation efforts. Visitors with special permits may explore the island’s wildlife, study its ecosystems, or dive into its rich underwater world.
8. Kingman Reef
Kingman Reef is an unincorporated U.S. territory located in the central Pacific Ocean, and it is part of the Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge. The reef is known for its pristine coral ecosystems and abundant marine life, including numerous species of fish, sharks, and sea turtles. Kingman Reef is one of the most remote and uninhabited places on Earth, making it a haven for biodiversity. As with many of the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Kingman Reef is closed to the public except for scientific and conservation activities. Its isolation has helped preserve its natural beauty and ecological integrity.
Conclusion
The U.S. Minor Outlying Islands are a collection of remote, beautiful, and ecologically significant territories that offer a unique glimpse into the natural world, particularly for wildlife enthusiasts, scientists, and adventurers. While access to many of these islands is restricted due to their protected status and their isolation, they remain some of the most pristine and biodiverse regions on the planet. From the historical significance of Midway Atoll to the coral reefs of Palmyra Atoll and the seabird sanctuaries of Baker Island, these islands represent an important part of U.S. conservation efforts and are a testament to the natural wonders that still exist in the world’s most remote locations. For those lucky enough to secure a permit for research or conservation work, visiting these islands provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the most pristine and unique environments on Earth.