Country Facts

  Introduction

  Geography

  People

  Government

  Economy

  Communications

  Transportation

  Military

  Maps & Cities

  Transnational issues

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.

A Short Background

The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights.

The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a wildlife refuge open to the public.