Tourism in US Minor Outlying Islands

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Oceania / Oceania

Tourist attractions

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Region: North Pacific

Nature

World-class seabird conservation area where endangered albatross colonies can be observed

Wake Island Battle Sites

Region: North Pacific

Cultural heritage

Artillery sites and POW memorial from early WWII Japan-U.S. battles remain

Johnston Atoll Chemical Weapons Remains

Region: North Pacific

Modern historic site

Cold War chemical weapons storage and incineration facility ruins. Not open to public but research visits conducted

Palmyra Atoll Lagoon

Region: Central Pacific

Nature

Pristine mangrove forests and coral reefs with highly transparent lagoons spread out

Baker Island Lighthouse Ruins

Region: Near equator Pacific

Cultural heritage

Foundation ruins of unmanned lighthouse built in late 19th century

Howland Island Memorial

Region: Near equator Pacific

Cultural heritage

Small stone monument commemorating Amelia Earhart's flight plan

Jarvis Island Inland Salt Flats

Region: Central Pacific

Nature

White salt flats spreading in dry island center with seabird colonies

Kingman Reef Great Coral Reef

Region: Central Pacific

Nature

Unique atoll with 97% underwater, pristine coral colonies coveted by divers

Navassa Island Limestone Cliffs

Region: Caribbean

Nature

Steep limestone cliffs and Caribbean endemic coral reefs observable

Suggested itineraries

Researcher Midway Atoll & Palmyra Atoll Joint Survey

Duration (days): 14

Highlights: Albatross breeding site survey, Coral reef health check, WWII historic site inspection

Tour two atolls by charter aircraft and vessel with USFWS survey permit. Program for ecosystem monitoring and historical structure documentation of both atolls.

Wake Island Battle History Focus Tour

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Guided battle site tour, Pacific War museum visit, Runway ruins walk

Small-group historical exploration touring island battle sites with base commander accompaniment.

Travel tips

  • Almost all areas require permits. Submit documents to U.S. State/Interior Departments before travel
  • No regular airline routes, requiring charter aircraft or military aircraft vacant seat arrangement
  • Must secure own drinking water during stay (rainwater filtration) or bring entire supply
  • Mobile phones out of range. Prepare satellite phone or HF radio
  • Strong UV and reflected light require sunglasses and long sleeves essential
  • Use reef boots to avoid coral abrasions
  • No shopping facilities on site. Complete self-sufficiency for food and medicine
  • Collection or contact with island wildlife subject to federal law penalties
  • Many military area photography prohibition points
  • Consider travel postponement during typhoon/cyclone season (June-November)

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