The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument was first created in 2006 with an initial 360,000 km2. A year later, it was given its Hawaiian name, Papahānaumokuākea. President Barack Obama expanded the Monument in 2016, increasing its area more than fourfold by moving its border to the limit of the exclusive economic zone.
Midway Atoll (Kuaihelani) is continuously occupied since a telegraph station was built there in the early 1900's, Midway is most famous for being a US Navy base during World War II and site of the Battle of Midway in 1942, largely considered a major turning point in the war with Japan. It is now a National Wildlife Refuge and part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
In 2010, Papahānaumokuākea was inscribed as a mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site. It is the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site in the US.
Endangered Species
19-05-2023)
(issued 12-09-2026)


















































