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Location: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about
one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo
Geographic coordinates: 28 13 N, 177 22 W
Map references: Oceania
Area:
total: 6.2 sq km
land: 6.2 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Eastern Island, Sand Island, and Spit Island
Area - comparative: about nine times the size of The Mall
in Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 15 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: subtropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly
winds
Terrain: low, nearly level
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 13 m
Natural resources: wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic
Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
permanent pastures: 0%
forests and woodland: 0%
other: 100%
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: NA
Geography - note: a coral atoll managed as a national wildlife
refuge and open to the public for wildlife-related recreation in
the form of wildlife observation and photography, sport fishing,
snorkeling, and scuba diving
Midway Islands is one of the world's last unspoiled, secluded paradises,
which was closed to the public for more than 50 years, is now open
to visitors.
Midway Atoll has become one of the world's most desirable and remote
fishing, diving and eco-tour destinations since it's opening to
the public in 1996
Midway's distinction of being the world's only Wildlife Refuge open
to the public allows visitors unique insight into wonders of nature
unavailable anywhere else, and controlled access ensures it will
remain that way for generations to come
It's Midway Islands (plural), known primarily as World War II's
decisive "Battle of Midway."
Midway served as a U.S. Naval Base from before the war until 1996,
when Midway Phoenix Corporation and the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service entered into a cooperative agreement under which this pristine
National Wildlife Refuge is now available as a travel destination.
Who would want to visit a sparsely populated group of small islands
in the Pacific Ocean, 1,200 miles from Hawaii?
Lots of people!
Midway is a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts, snorkelers and scuba
divers, historians, researchers, sport fishermen, photographers,
and vacationers who just want to visit a unique, exotic, scenic
location that lacks the commercialism of most tourist sites.
Eco-tourism is perhaps the most visible focal point upon which all
other activities at Midway revolve.
Midway Islands is not a resort, strictly speaking. The wildlife
refuge is a place where people can go to literally get away from
it all.
One of the most remote island groups on Earth, Midway nevertheless
has deluxe lodging accommodations and almost every modern convenience.
Regular air service to Midway is provided from Honolulu, Hawaii,
by Aloha Airlines, under an agreement with Midway Phoenix Corporation.
Cruise ships and private air charter services visit Midway periodically.
Short term volunteer and internship programs or full time employment
opportunities are sometimes available on Midway Island.
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