Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge

Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge protects Howland Island, a small, uninhabited coral island of approximately 1.6 km² located in the central Pacific Ocean at 0°48'N, 176°38'W, just north of the equator. The island is part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It lies approximately 3,100 km southwest of Honolulu and 68 km north of Baker Island.

Howland Island is perhaps best known as the intended destination of Amelia Earhart's ill-fated 1937 around-the-world flight. She and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared while attempting to reach the island, and the airstrip built for her use — Earhart Airfield — still exists in deteriorated condition. The island was also briefly colonized by American civilians in the 1930s as part of a strategic claim program and was occupied by the U.S. military during World War II. Today, it is an uninhabited wildlife refuge closed to the public.

By Plane

Earhart Airfield exists on Howland Island but is unmaintained and not operational for aircraft. No scheduled or charter flights serve the island. Access requires a special-use permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, typically arranged via research vessel departing from Honolulu (HNL), approximately 3,100 km to the northeast.

By Train

There is no rail access to Howland Island. The island is a remote equatorial coral island accessible only by authorized research vessel.

By Car / Road

There is no road access to Howland Island. The island is accessible only by vessel, with no harbour or dock facilities. Landing requires small boat transfer through surf conditions, which can be challenging in rough seas.

There are no roads or developed trails on Howland Island. The terrain is flat coral and sand with sparse vegetation, dominated by low-growing herbs and grasses. Walking across the island is possible but requires caution over uneven coral rubble and avoidance of nesting seabird areas. The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot in a few hours.

• Earhart Airfield Ruins: The deteriorated remains of the airstrip built in 1937 for Amelia Earhart's planned refueling stop, a poignant site in aviation history.

• Sooty Tern Colonies: Howland Island hosts large colonies of sooty terns and other seabirds that blanket the island during breeding season.

• World War II Military Remnants: Concrete structures, foundations, and debris from the 1943–1945 American military occupation, including remains of buildings and defensive positions.

• Coral Reef Ecosystems: The surrounding waters support pristine coral reefs within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.

• Kamakaiwi Channel: The lagoon and reef flat areas surrounding the island support diverse marine life.

• Birdwatching: Observe large breeding colonies of sooty terns, brown noddies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and other Pacific seabirds.

• Historical Exploration: Visit the remnants of Earhart Airfield and World War II structures, significant sites in both aviation and military history.

• Marine Research: Authorized researchers can study the island's pristine coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

• Turtle Nesting Surveys: Green sea turtles nest on the island's beaches, and monitoring programs may be conducted by authorized researchers.

There are no food services, kitchens, or dining facilities on Howland Island. The island is completely uninhabited, and all food provisions must be brought by vessel. Researchers and permitted visitors must carry all cooking equipment and sufficient food for their entire stay.

There are no potable water sources or beverage facilities on Howland Island. The island has no fresh water supply, and all drinking water must be carried in by vessel. Visitors should bring ample water supplies for the tropical equatorial climate.

• Budget: Camping is only possible with a special-use permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. No facilities exist; all equipment, food, and water must be self-provided.
• Mid-range: No accommodation available.
• Upscale / heritage: No accommodation available.

There are no commercial facilities of any kind on Howland Island. The island is uninhabited with no shops, stores, or services. All supplies must be brought by vessel, and visitors must be entirely self-provisioned for the duration of their stay.

• Baker Island (68 km north): Another uninhabited equatorial island and national wildlife refuge, with similar ecological characteristics.
• Jarvis Island (570 km southeast): An uninhabited coral island in the same marine monument, historically significant for guano mining.
• Honolulu, Hawaii (3,100 km northeast): The nearest major city and primary transit hub.
• Tarawa, Kiribati (1,600 km southwest): The nearest populated area, the capital of Kiribati, with regular flights from Honolulu and Fiji.