Palmyra Atoll
Honolulu, HI 96850
Plan Your Visit
Public access is limited by remote location and expense. The Nature Conservancy operates the only airplane runway, and boat travel takes five to seven days from Honolulu. Private vessels must obtain prior approval, meet strict hull-cleaning and rodent-inspection requirements, and have sufficient waste-holding tanks. Visitation is only permitted when a USFWS manager is present, typically for six months a year. Access to Cooper Island must be arranged through The Nature Conservancy at palmyra_admin@tnc.org. Available activities include sailing, boating, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, photography, and limited catch-and-release bone-fishing with an approved guide.
Access to the refuge is currently only available through a Special Use Permit (SUP) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or via specific partnerships. Contact the deputy superintendent regarding coordinating a visit.
Featured Species
Get Involved
You can support your national wildlife refuges by joining organizations such as the National Wildlife Refuge Association that actively supports and advocates for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Volunteer opportunities can also be found at volunteer.gov.
Services
About
Palmyra Atoll, along with Kingman Reef, are remnants of volcanoes from 65-120 million years ago. It consists of a circular string of about 26 islets nestled among several lagoons and encircled by 15,000 acres of shallow turquoise reefs and deep blue submerged reefs. Established on January 18, 2001, the refuge includes submerged lands and associated waters out to 12 nautical miles from the atoll. Its mission is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources.