Papahānaumokuākea
Location: Hawaii, United States
Year of Inscription: 2010
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Papahānaumokuākea is a vast and remote marine national monument located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It encompasses an extensive coral reef ecosystem and serves as a vital habitat for a wide array of marine species, including endangered species like Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles. The monument also holds significant cultural importance to the Native Hawaiian people.
Prominent Features: Some of the notable features of Papahānaumokuākea include:
History: The area has a rich history, both culturally and geologically. It has been inhabited and revered by Native Hawaiians for centuries and holds great spiritual significance. In terms of geological history, the formation of the islands and coral reefs can be traced back millions of years.
Family-Friendly Activities: While access to Papahānaumokuākea is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem, families can learn about the monument's significance and explore its wonders through educational programs, exhibits, and virtual experiences offered by conservation organizations and visitor centers.
Fun Fact: Papahānaumokuākea is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world, spanning over 582,578 square miles (1,508,870 square kilometers).
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for visiting Papahānaumokuākea as a recreational tourist. However, it's important to note that access to the monument is highly restricted due to its remote location and protected status.
Only authorized personnel, including scientists and conservationists, are allowed to enter the monument for research and conservation purposes.
The main focus of Papahānaumokuākea is the preservation and protection of its unique marine ecosystem rather than tourism.
Therefore, visiting the monument as a recreational visitor is not a typical option, and there are no specific entry fees associated with it.
How to reach it: From their website
Access for general visitation purposes was previously allowed at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge; however, due to recent reductions in refuge staff and operational capacity, historical and eco-tour access is currently not offered. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife is considering visitation options in the future if operational support becomes available. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Midway_Atoll/.
They do offer virtual visits - https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/education/virtual_visits.html
Where to stay: Due to it's closed nature there is nowhere to stay. They do suggest Kaʻena Point is a State Park and Natural Area Reserve on the North Shore of Oʻahu as it shares similar ecosystem, plant and animal features as those of Papahānaumokuākea. Kaʻena Point is often used as an interpretive site to teach student and other groups about the Monument.
There are no hotels or accommodations available directly near Kaʻena Point itself.
However, if you're looking for places to stay in proximity to Kaʻena Point, you can consider accommodations in nearby towns and cities on the island. The closest towns are Waianae to the south and Haleiwa to the east, both of which offer a range of lodging options including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts. These areas provide more amenities, dining options, and convenient access to other attractions on the island.
Next Stop: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Year of Inscription: 2010
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Papahānaumokuākea is a vast and remote marine national monument located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It encompasses an extensive coral reef ecosystem and serves as a vital habitat for a wide array of marine species, including endangered species like Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles. The monument also holds significant cultural importance to the Native Hawaiian people.
Prominent Features: Some of the notable features of Papahānaumokuākea include:
- Coral Reefs: The monument is home to some of the healthiest and most diverse coral reef ecosystems in the world, with a wide range of coral species and marine life.
- Seabird Colonies: Several islands within Papahānaumokuākea serve as nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including Laysan albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters.
- Endangered Species: The monument provides critical habitat for endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtle, and various seabird species.
- Archaeological Sites: Papahānaumokuākea contains important archaeological sites that provide insight into the ancient Hawaiian culture and its relationship with the marine environment.
- Unique Geological Formations: The monument features unique geological formations, including submerged atolls, seamounts, and underwater mountains.
History: The area has a rich history, both culturally and geologically. It has been inhabited and revered by Native Hawaiians for centuries and holds great spiritual significance. In terms of geological history, the formation of the islands and coral reefs can be traced back millions of years.
Family-Friendly Activities: While access to Papahānaumokuākea is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem, families can learn about the monument's significance and explore its wonders through educational programs, exhibits, and virtual experiences offered by conservation organizations and visitor centers.
Fun Fact: Papahānaumokuākea is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world, spanning over 582,578 square miles (1,508,870 square kilometers).
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for visiting Papahānaumokuākea as a recreational tourist. However, it's important to note that access to the monument is highly restricted due to its remote location and protected status.
Only authorized personnel, including scientists and conservationists, are allowed to enter the monument for research and conservation purposes.
The main focus of Papahānaumokuākea is the preservation and protection of its unique marine ecosystem rather than tourism.
Therefore, visiting the monument as a recreational visitor is not a typical option, and there are no specific entry fees associated with it.
How to reach it: From their website
Access for general visitation purposes was previously allowed at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge; however, due to recent reductions in refuge staff and operational capacity, historical and eco-tour access is currently not offered. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife is considering visitation options in the future if operational support becomes available. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Midway_Atoll/.
They do offer virtual visits - https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/education/virtual_visits.html
Where to stay: Due to it's closed nature there is nowhere to stay. They do suggest Kaʻena Point is a State Park and Natural Area Reserve on the North Shore of Oʻahu as it shares similar ecosystem, plant and animal features as those of Papahānaumokuākea. Kaʻena Point is often used as an interpretive site to teach student and other groups about the Monument.
There are no hotels or accommodations available directly near Kaʻena Point itself.
However, if you're looking for places to stay in proximity to Kaʻena Point, you can consider accommodations in nearby towns and cities on the island. The closest towns are Waianae to the south and Haleiwa to the east, both of which offer a range of lodging options including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts. These areas provide more amenities, dining options, and convenient access to other attractions on the island.
Next Stop: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park