Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument | United States' historic Northwestern Hawaiian atolands and seamounts

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is a vast protected area spanning northwest of Hawai'i islands, known for coral atolls, seamounts, and cultural sites.

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Geography

Continent	Oceania
Region	Central Pacific
Subregion	Polynesia
Country	United States
State	Hawaii
County	N/A
District	Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Timezone	PacificHonolulu
Latitude	23.95
Longitude	-168.67
Maps	Google Maps Apple Maps

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Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument conserves a remote and ecologically vital region of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including Midway Atoll and surrounding seamounts. Covering nearly 84,000 km2, it protects coral reefs, tropical lagoon systems, seamount habitats, and populations of endangered species like Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles. The area also holds profound cultural importance for Native Hawaiian communities and features historic sites from World War II. Activities focus on respectful wildlife viewing, scientific research, and island visitation programs—access is strictly regulated and guided. From the stark flats of Midway to the subtle tectonic features of the seafloor, Papahanaumokuakea offers a window into ocean planet processes and Pacific island heritage.

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