tours to midway island

U.S. Government Accountability Office

75 Years After the Battle of Midway, a Tour of the Midway Atoll

A major World War II naval battle around the Midway Atoll—a trio of small islands near Hawaii—ended in June 1942 when the United States turned back a Japanese attack and crippled its Imperial Navy.

Now, 75 years later, this atoll is home to the Battle of Midway National Memorial, which marks the turning point of the war in the Pacific.

To honor the occasion, we’re taking a tour of some historic battle spots on the atoll from our review of Midway’s history and habitat . While Midway is inaccessible to most Americans, our video and the photos below can help give you a sense of what the atoll looks like now.

Midway Atoll's History and Habitat

Description

Battle sites

A few months before the Battle of Midway, the atoll, like Pearl Harbor, was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941. During that bombardment, this Power Station building, used as a Command Center, was bombed and Lieutenant George H. Cannon was mortally wounded. For his conduct, courage, and bravery, Cannon was the first U.S. Marine in WWII to receive the Medal of Honor.

Power Station Building, Midway Atoll, Sand Island (April 13, 2015)

( Excerpted from GAO-16-382 )

This seaplane hangar, also bombed in that earlier attack, housed the planes that first spotted the Japanese attack on June 4, 1942. The hangar later caught fire during the air attacks.

Seaplane Hangar, Midway Atoll, Sand Island (April 13, 2015)

This metal pillbox was used as a defensive structure in the Battle of Midway .

Metal Pillbox, Midway Atoll, Eastern Island (April 16, 2015)

Built on the shore, this concrete structure was a possible gun position. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is responsible for overseeing the island, its deterioration was likely caused by water and sediment from the tsunami that hit Japan in 2011.

Possible Gun Position, Midway Atoll, Eastern Island (April 16, 2015)

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, this hut was used as an underground bunker for storing ammunition.

Armco Hut, Midway Atoll, Sand Island (April 15, 2015)

This anti-aircraft gun is associated with the naval air station from 1942 to 1945.

3-Inch Anti-Aircraft Gun, Midway Atoll, Eastern Island (April 16, 2015)

Additional sites

The Midway Mall Complex was designed by the architect Albert Kahn as a recreational facility. It was initially constructed before the Battle of Midway, but the Navy later added several additions.

Midway Mall Complex, Midway Atoll, Sand Island (April 10, 2015, and April 17, 2015)

Finally, this memorial was constructed in August 1995 by the International Midway Memorial Foundation to preserve the memory of Midway.

International Midway Memorial Foundation Memorial, Midway Atoll, Sand Island (April 10, 2015)

To see more of our work on the Midway Atoll, check out our report —which has over 100 high-resolution photographs of this historic site (and wildlife refuge) as well as a chronology of historical and other events for the atoll.

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Midway Islands

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Landscape
• 1.3 Flora and fauna
• 1.4 Climate
• 3 Fees and permits
• 4 Get around
• 12 Stay safe
• 13 Stay healthy

The Midway Islands or Midway Atoll is a wildlife refuge in the north Pacific Ocean, roughly "midway" between the USA and East Asia , just east of the International Date Line. It was made famous by an Oscar-winning color documentary in 1942, and a 1976 feature film, both about the battle which marked a turning point in World War II .

The U.S. took formal possession of the islands in 1867. In 1903 President Teddy Roosevelt declared the islands a seabird conservation area. Later in 1903 the laying of a trans-Pacific telegraph cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights, and a hotel was built to house passengers.

A naval base was constructed shortly before the U.S. entered World War II (see Pacific War ), and the victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the war's turning points. Although the islands and surrounding waters were designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1988, they continued to serve as a naval facility until 1993. The atoll was transferred to civilian control in 1996 following an environmental restoration effort. The US Fish & Wildlife Service manages Midway as part of the Papahanamokuakea Marine National Monument.

Midway is part of the extended series of Pacific islands which include Hawaii . It is an atoll of several low, sandy islands. The two largest are Sand Island (the most developed) and Eastern Island (not to be confused with Easter Island ), with the smaller Spit Island between them. A coral reef, one of the most northerly of this kind, nearly encircles them. The three largest islands total 6.2 km 2 in area; their collective coastline is 15 km. The highest point is 13 m above sea level.

Flora and fauna

The climate is subtropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds.

A private air charter company based in Honolulu provides air service to the Midway Islands on their 19-seat Gulfstream with a capacity of 3,200 lbs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the atoll, has a visitor program in place to accommodate small groups of interested visitors.

• Oceanic Society , a marine conservation non-profit organization, offers naturalist-led ecotours in groups of up to 16 participants. The tours are focused on natural history, and offer one excursion to Eastern Island, and at least one snorkeling trip to the emergent reef.
• Military Historical Tours offers once-yearly day trips to the island on 3 June. Participants arrive around noon on a chartered United Airlines 737-800 from Honolulu and leave around 8PM that evening. These tours include official ceremonies commemorating the Battle of Midway and also offer some time to explore the island.

There is a harbor on Sand Island, and Henderson Field Airport on Sand Island is fully certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and kept operational around the clock as an emergency landing strip for many trans-Pacific flights. Without this runway being maintained many twin engine jets would have to choose alternate routes that would use much more fuel. Those with their own means of transportation can inquire with the FWS about visiting.

However, sailors must still apply for the above permits months in advance of visiting and the monument has very strict guidelines that must be followed in order to transit through these protected waters. A few examples are that vessels must have their hull cleaned prior to entrance and owners must pay $1,500 for the required monitoring devices that track vessel movements while in monument waters. These requirements are in place to try to inhibit the introduction of invasive species and make sure that the fragile coral reefs are not jeopardized by errant sailors.

Cruise ships crossing the Pacific sometimes stop outside of the atoll, using tenders to deliver passengers to Sand Island for day visits ashore however even these cruise ships must adhere to the strict permitting guidelines in order to pass through and visit the protected monument's waters.

Day visitors from cruise ships are sometimes guided by US Fish and Wildlife staff on excursions.

Fees and permits

Organizations or individuals wishing to visit Midway Atoll must apply for a permit from the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument months in advance of their intended visit.

Midway is a US territory and has the same visa requirements as the United States.

Bikes and golf carts are available for rent at $5 and $25 per day respectively. Walking is easy since the terrain is flat, but stick to the roads and trails to prevent ankle sprains.

Nearly 5 million members of 17 species of seabirds nest on the islands, including 2 million albatross, both Laysan and black-footed. 80% of the world's population of Laysan albatrosses are found at Midway. They are more affectionately known as "gooney birds" for their awkward landings and especially for their entertaining mating rituals. Endangered Hawaiian monk seals (7-8 feet, up to 500 lb) haul themselves onto land to rest and to give birth and raise their young; giant green sea turtles (up to 400 lb) are frequent visitors and have been documented nesting on Midway's beaches; and a pod of 250-300 spinner dolphins lives – and often performs acrobatics – in and around the atoll's shallow lagoon. There is also a small but growing population of Laysan ducks, the most endangered waterfowl in the northern hemisphere.

The islands also contain memorials and artifacts of the 1942 Battle of Midway , and the original cable buildings erected in 1903.

The primary activities on Midway Atoll are nature viewing, wildlife photography, snorkeling, kayaking and touring the World War II historical sites.

Scuba diving is available only to researchers working on the island. Fishing is prohibited.

North Beach is open to humans, but other beaches are normally off limits and reserved for sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, both of which are endangered and protected under federal law. Midway Bowl is open Sunday from 7 to 9PM. A miniature golf course on Sand Island is being restored.

Houses and dorms are located on the island, mainly used by members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A 24-hour gym on Midway is present as a natural breeding ground for albatross bird species. The gym is not being managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The doors remain unlocked, but the gym is off-limits due to falling concrete.

US Fish & Wildlife employs about 6 staff personnel and has about 10 to 12 volunteers stay for 3- to 4-month stints throughout the year.

Chugach operates the facilities at Midway under contract with the USFWS. It is a Native American corporation based in Anchorage, Alaska. It employs about 55 people, most are from Thailand but some are US citizens.

There are 4 airport/fireman contract workers and one PA. These positions all periodically are advertised on various websites.

Sand Island has a small "Ship Store" that carries basic items, snack type foods, gedunk (candy), and alcohol. They also rent DVDs. Nearby a small gift store run by "The Friends of Midway" sells T-shirts, postcards, books, recordings of the bird colonies, and other items.

All meals are served at "The Clipper House" which serves as Midway's galley to the 60 or so residents, and the visiting tourist groups and researchers. Meals are served three times a day at the regular posted hours only. The most popular food item is the soft-serve ice cream machine. Beverages and ice are available in the hotel lobby, but there are no snack machines.

The water at Midway is safe to drink. Island residents carry and use refillable water bottles. Visitors should bring their refillable bottles: once you see the amount of plastic that washes up on the shores of the atoll you will understand why disposable plastic bottles are shunned. Alcohol is served in the local bar for 2-3 hours several nights per week.

There are hotels on Midway. Old naval barracks have been refurbished as comfortable hotel rooms, each with a private bath. During the albatross breeding season (winter) up until the time that the chicks fledge (summer) there is the constant sound of the albatross and so earplugs are recommended.

There is no crime on Midway, though there is an old navy brig that can be used as a jail. Rule breakers are put on the next departing plane.

Stay healthy

Midway is staffed with a Physician Assistant, and three of the airport workers are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians. The medical clinic includes an emergency room, ambulance, and x-ray suite.

The major concerns are sunburn, dehydration, and twisted ankles. Venturing off the posted pathways and trails can be dangerous due to the unstable, sandy terrain full of holes created by burrowing petrels.

Thr runway, Sand Island, allows medical evacuations of injured or seriously ill individuals from Midway to Honolulu. Evacuations by air are expensive and are generally not covered by regular health insurance. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance that specifically covers medical evacuations. Through a partnership with Travel Guard, Diver's Alert Network (DAN) offers such insurance. For the best coverage, purchase least 15 days in advance of your travel. DAN insures both divers and non-divers.

• Things change frequently at Midway. For up-to-date, reliable information, visit the www.fws.gov website.
• The Kure Atoll and the Pearl and Hermes Atoll lie 60 miles to the west and 90 miles to the east, respectively. These are uninhabited coral formations. Kure is part of the State of Hawaii and has a seasonal field crew of about 6 persons stationed for 5 months of the year. Pearl & Hermes has a seal research team stationed there for 6 to 8 weeks each summer and is part the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Kure and Pearl & Hermes are also under the protection of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (created in 2007) encompassing the islands to the northwest of Hawaii.
• The nearest inhabited islands of Hawaii lie about 1200 miles ESE.
• Wake Island , about 1,200 miles WSW, was the next stop on Pan Am's "China Clipper" service.
• The Marshall Islands are about 1,500 miles SW.

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• Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Fish and Wildlife Service.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was first established as an "overlay" refuge in 1988 to protect the area’s significant natural, cultural, and historic resources, while still under the primary jurisdiction of the Navy. With the closure of Naval Air Facility Midway Island in 1993, there began a transition in mission from national defense to wildlife conservation.  In 1996 full jurisdiction was given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  

In 2000 Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was designated the Battle of Midway National Memorial, so that the heroic courage and sacrifice of those who fought against overwhelming odds to win an incredible victory will never be forgotten. 

Nearly three million birds nest much of each year nest on Midway Atoll including the world's largest population of albatrosses, nunulu (bonin petrels) and endangered koloa pōhaka (Laysan ducks). `Ilio holo I ka uaua (Hawaiian monk seals), Honu (green sea turtles) and nai'a (spinner dolphins) frequent Midway's crystal blue lagoon encircled by coral. 

Midway Atoll (Kuaihelani) comprises an elliptical outer reef nearly 5 miles in diameter, and 580,392 acres of submerged reef and ocean and three flat coral islands totaling approximately 1,549 acres. Sand Island (1,117 acres) and Eastern Island (366 acres) are the two most prominent coral islands of the Atoll, while Spit Island is only about 15 acres in size. The atoll, which is 28.7 million years old, is surrounded by more than 88,500 acres (356 square kilometers) of coral reefs. Numerous patch reefs dot the sandy-bottomed lagoon supporting 163 species of reef fishes and 16 species of corals. 

Many chants and moʻolelo describe famous mythical floating islands in the sky, including Midway Atoll or Kuaihelani, as an example.  These high ranking islands are referenced as a homeland for the gods, deified ancestors, spirits, and the afterlife.  Kuaihelani specifically is said to have been located in the northwest direction of the main islands, and appears as part of a cloud bank adjoining earth. Kuaihelani means “the backbone of heaven”. Looking at what we know about the northwest Hawaiian islands, large lagoons such as the one found at Midway Atoll are known to reflect the color of the lagoon in the clouds above, giving the appearance of an island floating in the sky. Another name that was given specifically to Midway Atoll is Pihemanu, meaning “the loud din of birds”, and actively describes what one hears on this atoll. 

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, volunteer and contractors live on Midway to support the recovery and integrity of wildlife habitat and species while balancing their own human impact on the land and seascape and protecting historical resources. 

Because of Midway Atoll's remote location in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean, it can only be reached by air, or by sailboats under a special use permit system. For further information please contact the refuge by telephone at 808-674-8237, or by e-mail at [email protected].

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Scenic cruising Midway Island

The Midway Islands are an aptly named atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, halfway between California and East Asia. Once home to a secluded U.S. military base, Midway Atoll today is a National Wildlife Refuge and a sanctuary for more than 3 million seabirds. Pristine coral reefs circle the islands. Keep binoculars on hand for animal sightings. As you scenic cruise through Midway Island, watch for endangered monk seals, pods of acrobatic spinner dolphins, and massive sea turtles. As there’s little human influence these days, the wildlife is allowed to thrive. The Midway Islands are deceptively serene—a pivotal World War II battle took place between the U.S. and the Japanese in 1942. It was a critical Allied victory. The atoll was an active Naval air facility from 1941 until 1993. Today, access to Midway Island is restricted, but those lucky enough to go ashore will find an airstrip, vestiges from the war and about forty refuge staff members who live there permanently.

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The Midway Atoll You Might Not Know

Midway Atoll is well known as the site of a June 4-7, 1942 battle that was the turning point of World War II in the Pacific.

The inscription on the marker in the photo above reads, in part: “After this Battle of Midway, the United States and its allies forged ahead with ever increasing strength and confidence to final victory.”

What follows are a handful of lesser-known facts about Midway, which is home to  Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial.

Midway Atoll has a rich history. The first visitors likely were Polynesians/Hawaiians exploring the Pacific in voyaging canoes. No physical evidence of their visits remains, but historical accounts mention distant low-lying islands with abundant birds and turtles. Captain N.C. Brooks was the first Westerner to “discover” the unoccupied atoll in 1859, and the United States took possession of it soon thereafter. In 1903, Midway became the final link in a global telegraph system, inaugurated by a message from President Theodore Roosevelt. In the late 1930s, the atoll became a landing site for Pan Am Clippers crossing the Pacific Ocean. From 1941 until 1993, it housed a military base. It became a full-fledged national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Learn more about national wildlife refuge in 1996, when President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 13022, which transferred it from the Navy to the Department of the Interior. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the refuge.

When Midway was a naval facility, it often housed more than 5,000 residents. Today, roughly 40 refuge staff members, contractors and volunteers live there at any given time.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is home to 21 breeding seabird species – about 3 million individual birds – including Laysan, black-footed and short-tailed albatross, and Laysan ducks. The Hawaiian name for Midway Atoll is  Pihemanu , which means “the loud din or sound of birds.”

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is at least 70 years old. She has raised at least 10 chicks since 2006 and as many as 40 in her lifetime.

The Laysan duck is the most endangered duck in the Northern Hemisphere. In 1911, there was just one known breeding female in the only known wild population on Laysan Island, 750 miles from Midway Atoll. In 2004 and 2005, 42 wild Laysan ducks were relocated from Laysan to Midway Atoll. The re-establishment of a second population at Midway reduced the risk of extinction should a catastrophic event occur at Laysan Island, such as a hurricane or avian disease.

In January 2011, for the first time in recorded history, a short-tailed albatross hatched outside of the islands surrounding Japan. The hatching occurred on Midway Atoll’s Eastern Island.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is part of  Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument . Marine national monuments help conserve the ocean ecosystem’s delicate balance for fish, plants, seabirds, marine mammals, corals, microorganisms – and humans. Papahānaumokuākea is the largest of the four marine national monuments in the Pacific Ocean.

Annually, adult albatrosses bring an estimated 5 tons of plastic – mistaken for floating fish eggs, squid or other seafood – to Midway Atoll and feed it to their chicks. Almost all chicks hatched at Midway have plastic in them. To learn more about the marine debris problem and what you can do about it, see  “Oceans of Trash ” or  this story about a spring cleanup  within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

On March 10, 2011, at 11:36 p.m. local time, a  tsunami  generated by a powerful, magnitude-9.0 earthquake off Japan struck Midway Atoll. The tsunami completely washed over Spit Island and covered about 60 percent of Eastern Island and 20 percent of Sand Island. Tens of thousands of birds died. Fortunately, no people were hurt.

By the way, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tide/tsunami station at Midway acts as an early warning to the main Hawaiian Islands. It sends data in real time to Honolulu, 1,200 miles to the southeast.

There is a small cemetery on Sand Island. It is known as the Doctors’ Cemetery because four medical doctors are buried there. Their dates of death range from 1906 to 1950.

Henderson Field on Sand Island is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Aviation Administration as an emergency landing runway for commercial and military flights. The U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 fighter above made an emergency landing in July 2015. A year earlier, a United Airlines Boeing 777 – en route from Honolulu to Guam with 348 passengers aboard – was diverted to Midway for a nighttime emergency landing. In 2011, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 747 bound from Honolulu to Osaka, Japan, with about 380 people aboard made an  emergency landing because of a cracked windshield (video) .

On any given day, Midway Atoll is the last piece of U.S. territory on which the sun sets. Midway Atoll is just 140 nautical miles east of the International Dateline. Kure Atoll, also U.S. territory, is just 48 nautical miles east of the dateline but, surprisingly, is in a time zone one hour ahead of Midway. So Kure’s day ends earlier.

In 2000, the Secretary of the Interior designated the lands and waters of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge as the Battle of Midway National Memorial.

The  Battle of Midway  itself was fought mostly at sea. Only 30 minutes or so of fighting occurred on the atoll. The battle produced one Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Corps  Captain Richard E. Fleming . However, Captain Fleming was not the first Midway recipient of the medal.

Marine Corps  1st Lieutenant George H. Cannon   died at Midway after he was wounded and stayed at his post during a bombardment of the atoll on December 7, 1941 – the same day Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was posthumously awarded a Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

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Virtual Visits

• Tern Island (French Frigate Shoals)
• East Island (French Frigate Shoals)
• Laysan Island
• Lisianski Island
• Pearl and Hermes Atoll
• Midway Atoll

Interactive Map Tour of Papahānaumokuākea Visit each island within Papahānaumokuākea to learn a bit about its special features and history using our interactive map .

Virtual Historical Tour of Midway Atoll Take virtual walking tour of Midway's Sand Island to learn historical facts about the island and see pictures of historical features and wildlife. Visit http://www.fws.gov/midway/tour.html .

Kaʻena Point App Kaʻena Point is a State Park and Natural Area Reserve on the North Shore of Oʻahu that 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. The Kaʻena Point Guide mobile app showcases the unique cultural, ecological, and geographic features of the Kaʻena Point while highlighting the similarities between it and Papahānaumokuākea. Download the app (for Android , for iPhone ).

• Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
• Kure Atoll Conservancy
• Friends of Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• State of Hawaii/Kure Atoll

World Heritage

Go Every Corner!

Can You Visit Midway Island?

Midway Island has various beautiful wildlife, amazing beaches, and a long military history. The Island consists of two halves that form part of the Hawaiian Pacific islands. But with its strong military history, can you visit Midway Island?

Midway Island can only be visited if a special use permit is acquired from either the U.S. Military or the U.S Fish and Wildlife Services. The Island is a wildlife refuge and accommodates 60 staff that stays on the Island. The airport on the Island allows for air transfers to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Related: Can you visit Ramree Island? | Can you visit Three Mile Island?

Are Visitors Allowed On Midway Island?

Entry to the Midway Island Atoll is very restricted, and a special-use permit is required to visit. The permit can only be obtained from the U.S. Military or USFWS (U.S Fish and Wildlife Services). Unfortunately, this permit is predominantly for scientists and educationalists, but there is a visitors program for civilians.

The visitor’s program was set up by the USFWS to accommodate small tour groups interested in visiting the Island. A permit must be obtained, and groups are limited to 16 persons at a time. It is essential to contact the USFWS to determine access availability to the Island.

Does Anyone Live On Midway Island?

There are currently no permanent residents on Midway Island. The USFWS has four staff members that stay on the Island for 3 to 4 voluntary stays. Forty staff members from the Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC) reside on the Island to run most of its facilities. Two firemen and a Physician Assistant are based at the airport.

Who Does Midway Island Belong To?

The United States has owned Midway Island since 1867. In 1903 president Theodore Roosevelt declared Midway Island a seabird conservation site. It was later used as a residency for the workers laying the trans-pacific telegraph cable. The U.S. built a naval base on the Island shortly before entering World War II. However, the Island was returned to civilian control in 1996 in an effort to restore the surrounding ecosystem.

How Do You Travel To Midway Island?

A private air charter company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, provides travel to Midway Island. They use a 19-seat Gulfstream with a capacity of 3,200 lbs to ferry the staff and supplies between islands. For tourists with permits, many smaller aircraft charter companies will travel to the islands.

There is a harbor on Sand Island that can accommodate ships. But, all vessels that enter the restricted conservation area must provide proof of having their hulls cleaned before entering. The Henderson Field Airport is fully FAA certified and is kept fully operational for emergency landings on Trans-Pacific flights.

How Do You Get Around On Midway Island?

If you are one of the lucky few to receive a permit to visit Midway Island, then you will need transport on the Island. Bikes and golf carts are available for rent, and the prices are very reasonable. The terrain on the Island is flat and perfectly suited for walking. The roads are limited, so getting lost should not be a problem.

What Is There To Do On Midway Island?

The most common activities on Midway Island are nature viewing, photography, kayaking, snorkeling, and touring the World War II historical sites. Scuba diving and fishing are prohibited on the Island for visitors to protect the recovering ecosystem.

The North beach is open to visitors, but all other beaches are restricted. The restriction on beaches is due to the sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals that come ashore to breed and lay eggs.

What Wildlife Can Be Seen On Midway Island?

Midway Island is full of wildlife, so be sure to pack in a camera and a set of binoculars. There are 17 species of seabird that nest on the Island. This includes a massive flock of over two million Laysan and black-footed Albatrosses. A flock of 500 feral canaries live on the Island, which was introduced by the Commercial Pacific Cable Company.

There are endangered Hawaiian monk seals that nest on the beaches. These massive sea mammals can reach 7-8 feet in length and weigh over 500 pounds. Giant green sea turtles weighing over 400 pounds will lay their eggs on the beaches. A pod of around 300 spinner dolphins lives just off the atoll and will often entertain staff and visitors with their amazing water acrobatics.

Are There any Shops On Midway Island?

It may surprise you that there is a small ship store on the small Island. The store carries essential items such as snack foods, cold drinks, and alcohol. There is a small gift store across the ship store where you can purchase postcards, T-shirts, and other memorabilia.

Is There Accommodation On Midway Island?

There are no chain hotels or guest houses on Midway Island. All visitors that will overnight there are the old naval barracks that have been refurbished into hotel rooms. These rooms are all on-suite, comfortable, neat, and clean. Beverages and ice are available in the lobby.

For visitors staying on the islands during the winter and summer months, it is recommended that you take along a set of earplugs. During this time, the Albatrosses are in their peak breeding season, and there is a constant sound of whining, grunting, and squeaking.

Are There Any Restaurants On Midway Island?

Due to the small land mass, minimal personnel, and limited visitors on the Island, there is only one eatery. The Clipper house serves as the Island’s galley, and meals are served 3 times a day at specified times.

There is a local bar at the old naval barracks that serves alcohol for 2 to 3 hours on specific days.

The Island is not ideally set up for tourism but rather for a “small taste of home” for the staff that resides on the Island for prolonged periods.

Is Midway Island Safe?

Crime on Midway Island is non-existent, and anyone attempting to commit a petty crime has nowhere to run. But there is an old navy brig that can be used as a jail, just in case. There is no police presence on the Island, but rather an authority figure appointed by the USFWS.

There is no doctor on the Island, but there is a Physician Assistant and an EMT-trained airport staff member based at Henderson field airport. There is an ambulance golf cart and a small clinic with an emergency room. The most common injuries on the Island are sunburn, dehydration, and the occasional sprained ankle.

All major emergencies are evacuated off the Island to Honolulu, Hawaii. It is recommended that all visitors to Midway Island have travel insurance if they are required to evacuate.

References ▾

• https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/maritime/midway.html
• https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll

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Friends of Midway Atoll

Preserving, protecting, and restoring the biological diversity and historic resources of Midway Atollal Wildlife Refuge

Two million pack onto Midway’s 2.4 square miles of land

Birds, in incredible numbers, are the signature wildlife of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.  Midway hosts the largest albatross colony on the planet, with some two million birds packed onto three small islands. The Midway populations are globally significant as well: nearly 70% of the world’s Laysan Albatrosses and almost one third of the world’s Black-footed Albatrosses nest on the atoll each year.

Out of the 23+ bird species that use Midway as migratory or breeding grounds, most are seabirds, coming ashore only to nest and rear their young and spending the rest of the year at sea. Seabirds are very long-lived (some reach more than 50 years old). They exhibit delayed sexual maturity (may not begin breeding until at least age five), and have a low reproductive rate (no more than one chick per breeding season). These life history characteristics mean most seabird populations are slow to recover from declines caused by anthropogenic or natural changes in the environment.

Birds have shared Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge with humans for more than 110 years, starting with the Cable Company operation in 1903. It has not always been a harmonious co-existence and bird populations have fluctuated dramatically. Sometimes birds were actively killed or nesting areas were destroyed to exclude them from areas important to residents, commercial enterprises, or military purposes. Eggs, chicks, and even adults were vulnerable to predation by rats and dogs accidentally or intentionally introduced to the atoll.

As the primary mission on the atoll moved from defense to conservation, most of the mammalian predators were removed so native bird populations could recover and flourish. The Refuge features many success stories, such as the dramatic Bonin petrel recovery after rat removal, and the translocation of Laysan ducks to Midway as a back-up population. A recent increase in albatross egg predation by mice underscores the need for long-term monitoring and management while previous accomplishments show what’s possible on this extraordinary National Wildlife Refuge.

EXPLORE MIDWAYS BIRDS

Laysan albatross

Black-footed albatross

Short-tailed albatross

Bonin Petrel

Wedge-tailed Shearwater

Christmas Shearwater

Red-tailed Tropicbird

White-tailed Tropicbird

Masked Booby

Brown Booby

Red-footed Booby

Great Frigatebird

Gray-backed Tern

Brown Noddy

Black Noddy

Laysan Duck

Domestic Canary

Migratory Birds

Extinct Birds

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Midway Island

Little island – big history.

Home for Midway Island information.

From here you can view thousands of Midway photos, read stories, watch videos, listen to sounds, read current news stories, check current Midway weather and tour the island via Google Street View  

little island – BIG HISTORY

11/20/2014 Congressman Fleming, USFWS Oversight Committee Chairman – “The FWS has a failing grade for achieving public visitation to Midway and for allowing Midway’s historic structures to deteriorate. It was a mistake to make Midway Islands a Wildlife Refuge.” He went on to say that the USFWS has no interest, expertise or desire in the National Memorial.

81 thoughts on “ Home ”

Hi everyone, my family is planning a trip to Hawaii in December and my grandpa who was born on Midway in 1960 is really wanting to visit Midway. Is that a possibility and if so, how would we go about arranging that?

I was stationed on Midway Island 1970-1971 while in the Navy. Assigned to Air Ops Crash Rescue/ Fire Dept. It was a great duty station. Lots of good memories.

I have always wanted to visit this island. Very beautiful. I hope to get there someday

I was born on Midway in 1973. I recently tried to get a passport, but was denied. I was told my birth certificate is not proof of citizenship. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so how did you get it fixed?

Michael, last year I received a thoughtful email from Tina Ricketson , who mentioned she was born on Midway and was now trying to get a passport. She had seen I had earlier mentioned my daughter was born on Midway in 1968 and wanted to alert her to the issue. (Fortunately for my daughter, she married a Navy officer and was sent to Japan in 1990, so the Navy had done whatever was necessary to get her a passport.) Tina, though, just gave me permission to give you her email address so you can reach out to her.

Michael, I just actually posted Tina’s email address in my post, but it was deleted by the software when the post was published. Please call me at 303-913-2959, and I will give you Tina’s email address.

I had the same problem. Born there in 1969. I had to give both parents birth certificates and their marriage license.

Also check out the info at the bottom of this website. It pertains to people born on Midway Island. https://fam.state.gov/fam/08fam/08fam030201.html

I was also born on Midway Island in 1973. My father was stationed there. It was a disaster trying to get a passport. I was also told that my birth certificate was not proof of citizenship even though is said the “State of Hawaii”. I had to show proof that both of my parents were US citizens before I could finally get my passport. It took months, and I finally got it the day before I was leaving for vacation to France. It was so stressful and made no sense.

I was born on Midway in 1949. 35 years ago when I applied for my PP in San Francisco I was told that besides the certified copy of my birth certificate, I needed a certified copy of both my mother and father’s birth certificate as well as a certified copy of their wedding license. I got my passport.

That doesn’t sound right at all. Midway Island is the US, so why would you need a passport? That’s just wrong!

Is there anyone that was stationed on the island in the 60s remember my father David Schmidt? I’ve been deep diving for quite some time now (years) trying to find photos, stories, etc for him because he lost most of his stuff from his time serving there and it would be amazing to find stuff or even someone that remembers him.

I Was in AEW as plane captain on check pool # 32 in ’63- ’64 and left in Feb of ’65. I don’t remember your dad, but I have some pictures. A lot of them are of my plane and Rooney birds.Have you seen this website? The first link is the home page, second is to crew pictures. If you want some of my pics let me know. https://www.willyvictor.com/index.php . To get to photos click on air crews, then on crew photos. https://www.willyvictor.com/index.php/air-crews/crew-photos

My dad, Don Alvarez, was there when you were. He did flight line troubleshooting for the Midway super constellation WV2.

I was the son of James J Evans (Bull Evans) maintenance Chief 1958-1960. I graduated as the only senior. Living on Midway today would be a Fantasy Island experience today. Between the two years in Hawaii @ Barbers Point, and two years @ Midway amazing time in my life. Anyone stationed there Hello!

I was stationed on Midway Island in 1965-66 A Beautiful spot.

My husband was stationed there 1962 – 1963 . his name was Fred L Ruthven, he was an air traffic controller. I was there also our daughter she was 18 months when we arrived. I have movies where a baby goonie snapped at her. I loved the time we were there, Beautiful Island with the different species of birds and the most Beautiful white sand and blue water ever.

I was a teacher (secondary Social Studies and Math) at George Cannon in SY 1970/1971, and was a wonderful experience. I am so sad now that Midway is going to rack and ruin. Midway was a busy place for me and I was always busy being active in the Chapel (Father Al and Chaplain Cummingham), taught for the U of Hawaii in the evening and I even was allowed to remain in the summer of 1971 to run the 6 week summer school. It was one of the best years of my life.

Hi Wil———-remembering old times on Eastern……..and all the great guys we served with…………….doug

Operated the Harbor Tower 1963-1965. Operated seismic water/wave equipment on Sand Island for the US Coast & Geodetic service. Informed Hawaii of the seiche water rise at my station in 1964. Learned to operate a 63 foot AVR (crash rescue boat) operating in the lagoon when a PBY would come in for landing in the lagoon and taxing around to the apron and hanger area. Newly married and living in navy housing, we learned to be husband and wife away from family influence for two years. Wonderful experience, wonderful times. I heard the harbor tower burned to the ground shortly after my departure in June 1965.

I was on Midway as a CMHCN, Seabee mechanic, May 1963-May 1964. Worked 90 days in the galley and 9 months in Public Works transportation. Went back to Midway Feb.1975 to Feb. 1978 as CM1 and worked transportation maintenance. Wife Joyce and daughters Lori and Susan were there with me for those 3 years. We all enjoyed our time there. We lived at C-64, across the street from George Cannon school, the Chapel and the softball field, right on the corner. Played golf, snorkeled, and caught lots of wahoo, yellowfin and Mai-Mai. Ten cent beer and ten cent movie tickets. Wanted to stay longer but that didn’t work out. Retired as CMCS in Dec. 1987. after 25-1/2 years. The 4 years on Midway had to be the best years of my career.

I was born on Midway, November 1960. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to go back, I’d love to but I know it likely won’t happen.

They should allow exceptions for people that were born there. It should be a right to return to your place of birth.

I was also born on Midway December 1963..my sister in March 1965…have always dreamed of visiting someday.

Could you tell me how I might be able to apply for a copy of my birth certificate? I was born in Midway Island back in 1964.

You can go online to Hawaii’s Vital Records and order a copy from there.

Shirley, your birth certificate is recorded in Hawaii. My daughter was born on Midway in 1968, and her certificate states Midway Islands, State of Hawaii. So request your copy from the State of Hawaii.

I was born in 1966 and have since found out that if your birth was registered in Hawaii, congratulations, you are no longer a US Citizen as of 1985 when some congressman decided that Midway Island Birth Certificates filed in Hawaii were no longer proof of citizenship. Good luck in getting your life back, I have been been trying for years and no one wants to help. If you have a passport, keep it up to date, it is your only chance.

I spent 3.5 years on Midway from 57 to 61 or so. flying the barrier . i maintained the radar equipment on them. Wonderful memories and the best friends you ever could have. Truly miss them all. Would love to go back and visit but couldn’t afford it.. I still get a thrill watching these videos and hearing that willy victor take off and a wonderful realize as it returns and is safe on the ground.

If this status ever changes, please let me know. I am very interested in volunteering there to make improvements.

All of us have fond memories of being on Midway, either as a dependant like myself, or an active duty personel. My father was the admin officer from 64-65. I was 12 years old and honestly, Midway is one of the best memories of my childhood. I think I ended up collecting around 80 – 90 fishballs, 3 Russian and 1 Korean. I lettered in football at George Canon. (We played 1 game and the winners got the letter). I got a red Schwin Stingray bike for Christmas and rode that horse all over the island. I speared longusta and snagged a ride on a sea turtle. I watched a shark being shot from a helicopter over the O beach. My 7th grade class toured a Japanese submarine. I camped on Eastern with other Boy Scouts and watched Frigate birds fly around with the males big red pouch. I collected Bosun bird feathers. My Hawaiian friend and I did some mischief. We broke into a supply shack by the harbor and found machine gun bullets. We pulled the bullets off the casing and collected the gun powder to make rockets. I can still smell the creosote as I walked by the fuel pier. My younger brother and I quickly learned you never drink water out of the brackish water tap. Our first week on the island we went deep sea fishing and I caught a 65 lb Wahoo. I jumped into blue water on north point to get a 5″ fishball before an MP could snag it first. (He helped me get back up from the slimy sea wall. Dumb kid move). I was stung 2 or 3 times by Portugues Man-O-War. I got coral poisoning and the worst sunburn I ever had. I watched armed guards march along what looked like Army recruits going over to north harbor for a beer blowout. I saw numerous Huey helicoptors lined up for transport to Vietnam. My brother and I always looked forward to watching “The Andy Griffith Show”, the only TV show we ever saw on Midway. I saw Frank Sinatra Jr perform at the movie theatre. I learned how to get free cokes out of the bowling alley coke machine by running my hand across the button real fast. The memories of those 18 months give me great pleasure. I was the perfect age to enjoy what Midway was back then. I am deeply saddened by what the FWs has done to Midway. I believe it is criminal.

How sad to see such a wonderful island so rich in history being systematically destroyed. Those beautiful old Cable buildings, the water tower, the old church. I fully appreciate the cost of restoring and maintaining these artifacts is extreme, but the effort needs to be made. I’m not an American, in fact I live on the southern tip of Africa, so have no close ties with these islands at all. But the bottom line is that once these structures have been destroyed – that’s it. They’re gone forever. You can’t bring them back. Life during the 60’s to 80’s must have been absolutely fantastic on Sand Island. Oh how I yearn to have an ice cold beer in Captain Brook’s pub! Beautiful island – at least the web site captures the place as it was in it’s hey-day. Thanks you for that.

I spent time with Glen Muzingo on Midway Island in 1974-1975. We took care of the electronics at the radio station.

My father was stationed on Midway during WWII, in 1945, while in the Marine Air Corps. I have many photos and 4 copies of the Midway Mirror: Friday 4.13.1945 Headline – the death of FDR; Tues. 5.08.1945 Headline – The Nazis Give Up; Wed. 8.15.1945 Headline – Truman Tells of Jap Surrender; and Tues. 8.21.1945 re: Expect Surrender in 10 Days; McArthur expected to sign in Tokyo. I have scanned them and can share with any historian who might be interested. Patti

Our family was stationed on Midway Island from 1958-1960. Some of the most wonderful memories of my early lifetime. I was graduated from George Cannon School in 1960. It was such a contrast with the times that we are presently experiencing these days. Now we have grandchildren four to be exact. We know that the ministry has given to us is to share blessings that we have received from our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. I never imagined of being able to correspond with others that have connections to this little sand bar in the middle of the vast Pacific ocean. My wife and I have been Missionary-Evangelists for the past 30 years, and would like to share our latest video album called: THE ROYAL FAMILY OF GOD https://youtu.be/TqBrqUZ5oa0 SHALOM AND PEACE LEE

Hello Lee. My brother Dan and I were on Midway in 1960 and remember a LeeRoy Evans who graduated as a senior from George Cannon School. LeeRoy was the only senior in the school. His girl friends name was Sherry. If you are the same person, I went to the senior ball that year and took Sherry’s younger sister Vicky. The theme was “A Summer Place”, after the movie and song that was big that year.

If you are the Evans I remember, it’s good to know you’re alive, and are contributing in such a positive way in helping others.

I was on Midway Feb.69 until Feb. 70. I served on the YG 31 and the YTM 412. didn’t realize what duty was until I left.

Hi Mike, I’ve been looking back through all the photos you have posted and so many are AFTER I was there. It’s sad how Fish & Wildlife has trashed the island. I arrived in January of 64 and was assigned as a guard on the AUW compound. When the contents of that facility were shipped out during the early Vietnam years I transferred to KMTH Radio. I was there for the scare of the Alaska Earthquake and the tidal wave that scared the shorts off lots of us. I was just a kid and knew not what to do… so I just prayed and thankfully all that energy went around the island instead of over it! I so miss those Ironwood Trees and the cool breezes that blew through them. And the beaches… I have been to Guam, Diego Garcia, and Oahu and I still like the Enlisted Beach on Midway best of all! It would be SO awesome to get to go back for a visit someday. My story of my years on Midway can be found at: http://midway.daveylee.com

I really miss serving on Midway Island, I was there when they opened the new kitchen, I served from 1980 – 1981 as a cook, I was on the egg grill almost everyday cooking eggs to order. Still remember the Captain’s sunny side up. I used to ride my bike all over the Island and going to the old cemetery and checking out the headstones. Had a great time and miss all my friends.

Hi Mike Daak. I love the site and visit it often. I have submitted my name and info three times to be included in the former residents of Midway and still have not seen my name added to the list. Is anyone actively monitoring this site? Also, how do you add a story to the site? When I go to the story portion of this website there is no way to add a story. Are there any former cooks or chef’s out there? I always wondered about the fried chicken we were served in the mess hall. Those were some of the biggest chicken legs I have ever seen. The rumor was that we were being fed gooney birds and they were calling it fried chicken. It also seemed that we had fried chicken after all of the fresh food stores had been used up and we were back to powdered eggs and powdered milk. Just saying,

Mike, Sorry to hear about your health issues. Not to worry, your health is more important than getting my name on the list. Take care and recover quickly

Donald Smith

Hi Mike, I wrote you in November of last year about getting my name added to the residence list. Are you still planning on updating that list, or has it become a non-issue?

Just thought I would ask and see how the process is going. I would be glad to help if I knew how.

Sincerely, Donald Smith

I was stationed on Midway from August 1962 to July 1963 with AEWBARRONPAC. Was part of the ramp service crew, drove the fuel truck and fueled the planes flying the barrier between Midway and Adak, Alaska. Did a couple of ride along flights and remember the crews always had steak for dinner. Boring trip, but good duty. Thoroughly enjoyed being on the island and would love to go back for a visit. The golf driving range had a beer vending machine (25 cents a can) and 10 cent beer at the EM Club during happy hour. The Navy Exchange had vinyl records for $2.00 each and I stocked up on those. When I left midway I spent one month in the Air Force barrack at Hickam Field waiting for a flight back to the states. Had a great time touring Honolulu while waiting for a plane.

Mike DAntuono, Air Traffic Controller in the air route center. 1961/62. Would like to know whos still around.

Did you know my grandfather Maurice Hopper? He was in the accident January 22, 1961 at Midway. He survived the crash.

Hi everyone my Dad (David Fischer)was commanding officer in the mid 1970s and I spent 3 years there with him and my mom. Went to George Cannon and still remember the Halloween parade. What an incredible place. Hate to hear that it isn’t being taken care of and hope to bring my family there one day.

Hi Steve, I was a Crash Crew MB-5 Crash Vehicle driver in 73-74. Did your dad relieve Capt. Roger N. Kersch? His son Dave and I were best friends. We both worked for M. Dyer and Sons moving a storage on my off days from the FD. M.Dyer and son moved all families to and from Midway. Glen Sakahara was the Mgr. of the moving company on Midway.

I Loved Midway.

I was stationed FFT on Midway from march – August 1967 working in Special Services building a softball field then working in the food galley. I was also back in later years on Ready Alert in VP-19 for flights Ops. Last time there was in 1974. I would love to revisit somehow.

Hi gang; my uncle was on island during the battle. Underground. The bunker he was in took a direct hit. He said the shock wave blew out all lights. I spent many dets there in the 70’s with VP-4. Will hopefully get back.

Stationed on Midway’s Eastern Island from July 19, 1957 – July 24, 1958. Returned in 2000 with a group for a reunion of sorts, was able to get a boat back to Eastern twice and how many memories came flooding back! The galley, old movie hall, old chow hall, quonsets scattered on the west side of the island, picking up fishballs almost every day of the year, the ops building, berms, underground spaces of which only a few of us know now where they are and we ain’t tellin’!! We played basketball in the hangar where planes were worked on, we had a gym and stored electronic parts in the old reefer building. Got to walk down the runways we used to ‘try out’ the jeep now and then! We burned leftover aviation fuel so a 4 cyinder low compression engine didn’t last long with such high octane fuel! But we had a great time and how badly I want to go back one more time while I can! What a thrill that would be, but I fear until Fish and Wildlife get tossed off the island, we’ll never get to go back again. they have demolished so many structures…Fuel farm, water tower, movie hall is in bad shape as is the galley, slated for destruction. BOQ-B slated for demolition because it has been allowed to rot away. So sad. What a wonderful place but just gone to ruin!

Hi Welford, my name is Mark Gordon and I was a CT3 on Eastern from April ’63 to April ’64. I was there when the Alaska earthquake hit in April, ’64; we were watching a movie when the OD turned on the lights and said there was an earthquake in Alaska and we’re expecting a 12 foot tidal wave. The highest point on our island (Eastern) was 7 feet…. Unfortunately I had the midwatch so while everyone else took the boat back to the main island (Sand), we spent the night on top of the shack listening to the radio from Hawaii — water 6 blocks inland on Hono, etc. Fortunately, the wave went around the island instead of toppling on, but the water did rise about 5 feet. It was a very interesting time! Have you checked out the U. S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Assocation? The website is usncva.org and it’s a very interesting organization! Thanks for your service!

My dad was principal of the Navy school there for 58 to 60.

didn’t know your dad. Mrs Osterberg (sp) was my 9 th grade teacher and Mr. Hoag was our coach. 9th grade and one of my most memorable time as a teen (14) My brother and I were also members of the Coral Kings and snorkeled a lot at the 5 mile reef.

I am the historian of AOSHS, American Overseas Schools Historical Society(www.aoshs.org) and we are seeking students and teachers who were at the George Cannon Schools on Midway. We are trying to find people who are willing to share their memories of life on the island and school life. If you would be willing to share your stories, please contact me at [email protected]

Thanks so much. We don’t want to lose your experiences.

Spent two years on Midway, 2nd and 3rd grade. Best years, playing KIck ball at George Cannon School, watching softball games, and movies at the CPO Club on Saturdays. .And the great swimming.

Happy New Year 2019 to all have been on Midway 👍

Thank you & same to you. I am suppose to be the last baby born, as far as, the military is concerned, in the half century. It was already 1950 everywhere else but still ‘49 on midway.

Gail, I was born on Midway in 1951. My dad was a PBY pilot. I’m glad I found this site…

I am 60 years old and retired. would love to know if i could volunteer to help clean up plastic problem on beaches of Midway for a week or two whenever help may be needed.

If you ever get a positive response to this, please let me know and I’ll be there with you. — Troy Braegger, [email protected]

I tried several years ago and they told me no.

At the young age of 18 I spent 9 months on Midway in the U.S. Navy Aviation. 1958 and it was a great place to visit.

Does anyone recall if Midway Island had license plates on the vehicles there? I know there were plates on bicycles I have seen in photos. I’m trying to complete a worldwide collection of past and present countries, I have over 240 different countries and there are approximately 325 in total. If anyone could be of help it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Martine – [email protected]

I was stationed on Midway Island Sept 1963-64, I think the govt should erect a memorial wall for those who paid the ultimate price fighting the Midway battle.

I am looking for the good friends I had may 79 to May of 80. I was a radioman…autovon.

Hi Linda, I was there, an OT3. Friends, Nancy, Mo. I dated RM3 Stu Anderson. Ring any bells? Darlus (Davis) Peters

Hey I remember “Stuie”, I used to work with him at the NavFac. I was there from March of 79- April of 80. I was on Sherrie Alfieri’s watch. Remember Gardie LaMarche, Chief Cressy, and Tony Bland?

Linda were you an RM at NavFac or NAF?

Hi Linda, this is Tommy Mejia. Remember me? I was an RM an NavFac from 79 – 80.

I flew out of Midway in the late 50’s with the AEW Operations. The final treatment of the island made me sad and a bit disturbed. What a shame!

My dad (Chief Donald Wahlstrom electronics) flew out of Midway and was a chief there around 59 -60. It was a great place to grow up (age 14)

I was born on midway June 10 1969 how and where do I get my birth certificate been on this search for about and month can’t seem to find any info . please help

Try the State Dept., dude . . I was born in Japan in 1956 to American parents, and the State Department issued me my birth certificate . . I have gotten a copy of it in the past few years from the Dept., man . .

Contact Hawaii Vital records to get one.

I to was born on Midway and need an official birth certificate. Can you post if and how you obtained yours?

The State of Hawaii has it.

All Midway Island Births were recorded as Hawaiian births. was stationed there 68 as HM2 Pharmacy Tech.

I was born on Midway in 1947. My birth certificate says I was born on Midway Island not Hawaii. In fact so did my passport until about 20 years ago when I renewed it and they changed my place of birth to Hawaii.

I’ve lost track of some good friends I made on Midway Island. is there anyway to contact them.

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My Midway Island Tour 1965 - 1966

The Midway Islands, Sand Island closer and Eastern Island in the distance. Click image for "FULL SIZE" view. Just in case you have no idea where Midway Island is located... it is in the middle of the "Big Pond" way out yonder! The sign that was posted on Midway gave you a hint how far the nearest land was... David Perkins' arrival on Midway Island, as I recall it, was in February of 1965. Having the necessary credentials and being an E-2 (read that "cannon fodder") I was assigned as a security guard at the weapons compound at the "far end" of Sand Island. (Near the bottom of the picture above, and enlarged below.) Yours truly, bottom row, left, as a screaming E-2! The assignment was not so challenging mentally as it was just to stay "up for it" all the time. The Chief Petty Officer who was in charge often attempted to slip up on us as we guarded the compound. As I remember his deal... "our a__ was his" if he could get to the fence (from over the huge blast walls that surrounded the land locked sides of the compound) before we shot him! I was told that more than once he was sent scampering back over the blast wall with bullets flying in his direction. We were all just extremely lucky that nobody shot him and that he didn't sucker any of us into doing just that... In today's world, instead of doing our "duty" we'd be accused of the "attempted murder" of our supervisor! Go Figure! Midway's AUW Compound Duty rotation was 24 hours on and 24 hours off. With an island that's roughly three miles long and a mile wide, it doesn't take long to check out the whole place and once you've done that, then what? Lots of swimming, fishing, scuba diving (I only wish I had learned how to scuba dive back then...), and scouring the beach after storms for the glass fishballs that floated in from Japan. Today they use plastic! Can you imagine that??? Other entertainment included watching the "Gooney Birds" learn to fly... always humorous. One could also watch the various aircraft stationed at the Island Command fly about. Obviously not "station aircraft" but sometimes they seemed to think they were... especially when they slept on the runways, etc. If you'll think back to the early 60's, satellite technology was nearly nonexistent and intel gathering on our Pacific Rim "buddies" was gathered by crews of airmen who flew around for hours in huge "Super Constellations" which were converted airliners with four engines and the distinctive three vertical rudders out back and a HUGE radar dome underneath and a smaller one on top. Before satellites, there were "Willie Victors!" It was often interesting to see how many of them had gooney birds painted below the pilot's window (much as fighter pilots had their kills painted on during wartime) since the gooney's often did serious damage to these planes, including taking out windows, engines and causing flameouts for jets. There were seasons when the gooney's were really so much in flight that jets were restricted from Midway (as I remember it). These are Gooney Birds! And this is a "baby" Gooney too! Before there were "Space Shuttles," there were space capsules that came back to earth from orbit via parachute. Landing in the water was much "safer" than on land and seeing as the Pacific Ocean was such a large target, Midway was often close to the "landing zone" of a spaceflight. To track these capsules was more tricky "then" since there were no tracking satellites or huge tracking networks as we have today. To compensate for that, ships like the USNS Vandenberg, pictured below, often showed up at the pier. With the equipment onboard, an engineer told me that they could track a golf ball size object at 20 miles. Guess that was good, then? INTERESTING NOTE : The Vanderberg became the worlds second-largest ex-military ship to be deployed as an artificial diving and fishing reef. Officials originally projected a sink date between May 21 and June 1, 2009 after the Vandenberg arrived in Key West, Florida on April 22. The ship was scuttled about seven miles south of Key West in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The coordinates of the proposed site are 24 27? N, 81 44? W, which is approximately 7 miles offshore from Key West. (Information Source: www.ScubaHerald.com - May 27,2009 Issue) The USNS Vandenberg, a Missile Tracking Ship visits Midway Island Other ships that visited were often on other missions. These two Military Sealift Transport Service (MSTS) ships (shown below) were on their way to Vietnam when they stopped off at Midway Island to drop off supplies to us and to refuel. Then they continued on their way to Vietnam with their passengers (Soldiers & Marines headed to war) and supplies. Date of the photo was 12 June, 1965 MSTS Ships refuel and drop off supplies at Midway Island during their voyage to Vietnam With not much to challenge me, I wandered into the radio station one day and asked if they had the need for any help. Amazingly enough they just happened to be looking for someone to do a show and since I knew one end of the turntable tone arm from the other, they let me try out. I had, in my civilian life, hung around the local radio station in the little town where I went to college... so I had some concept of what "doing radio" was all about. The military and the Armed Forces Radio & Television Service (AFRTS) "known among the "guys" as "A-Farts" had a totally different concept of how to "do" radio! There were many songs that came out in the 60's that were very "Anti-Military or Anti-War" and AFRTS didn't want them played on their radio stations at all! So, they didn't send us copies of them... And of course, being the resourceful disc jockey's we were, we got copies of them anyway. Occasionally the Boss would comment that he had not seen that record on the list of "approved" tunes and so we'd have to give up that copy (sometimes). In theory, if AFRTS didn't send it, it didn't exist? What a concept! AM 900 on your dial. 180 miles from tomorrow... with the sounds of tomorrow today! As the "conflict" and "police action" in Vietnam heated up, ships began to drop by Midway and carry away all the old bombs and explosives that had been stored in the bunkers since World War II. We "heard" that these old bombs were loaded into the B-52's on Guam and dropped over Vietnam, to save $$$ and just to get rid of them. With the heating up of the "Vietnam Conflict" someone wisely closed the "Advanced Underwater Weapons Compound" that I had been a guard for. Wisely? Who could defend it should we be attacked? And, what did Advanced Underwater Weapons mean??? I still don't know and please don't tell me if you know. Airbrushed logo - by an artist in Honolulu With my job gone and with the weapons compound closed and nothing to guard, I asked for a new job and was re-assigned permanently to the AFRTS crew. "Brother Dave" on the air, Sept 16, 1965 And having some 21st Birthday Cheer! My immediate supervisor was Journalist "First Class" Jim Ferrel who is pictured below. Prior to my departure from Midway in November of 1966, Jim was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. Journalist First Class, Jim Ferrel Jim relaxing at his desk. Here's Chief Journalist, Jim Ferrel on the Radio! KMTH Radio and TV was located on the second floor of the Admininstration building. We enjoyed spacious offices that we were allowed to have decorated as if we were a civilian station. From acoustical tiles on the wall to album covers for decorations, we looked the part! My desk below is a testament to that statement... Not a traditional "looking" NAVY office! It's a fact that we would not have kept KMTH radio on the air in a 24/7 mode if it had not been for the sometime "near heroic" efforts of a number of "part time" announcers and "disc jockeys." To show them some respect, I'll include photo's of all of them I can... and list the names of all I can remember. KMTH's PART TIME STAFF Click the photo's for names... CLICK Here for more photo's of Roger Perkins the "Disk Jockey" or... Click Here for Roger P at work on KMTH!     Bill Rodert and Doyle Blumle Click HERE for photo of Bill Rodert's Departure.     Mike Copple and "The Littlest Good Guy?"     The BOSS, Lt. D.H. Greenfield and Rusty Dryden     This was one of the Personnel Office staff (can't remember name) and the Lieutenant did an Early Bird show using the handle "Charlie Knoble". For those of you who watched TV on Channel 4 on Midway Island, this is where it all came from... and if you'll click on the image, you'll see pictures of the folks who brought it to you... and more of the "antiquated" equipment that we used to accomplish that feat! My "Official" AFRTS operators card! When we could hear it on the AM radio, this was the station we all listened to (from Hawaii)... to get ideas to use on Midway's KMTH! How many of these tunes do YOU remember? (like it was yesterday?) Midway's Chapel surrounded by graceful Ironwood trees The water around Midway was fun and exciting! This is the Reef Hotel that was built MANY years ago by Pan Am when they owned the island. And YES, people paid the "Big Bucks" to stay out here near the roar of the reef overnight! Above and Below. Hosting for this page provided through If you were a diver, the underwater scenes were especially phenomenal. These were taken while snorkeling! Not bad, huh? It always seemed to me as if I could see forever, the water was so clean! And we had some other things to see and do... Like play ball... Or... go shopping... Or go to "sick call" instead of to work... It was not the Hilton by any means... but it "WAS" home! You haven't flown... till you ride one of these, off the water! Battle of Midway Memorial... with the KMTH Radio & TV tower in the background. Plaque presented 20 years after the Battle of Midway. Another view of the gun emplacement at the Midway Memorial. A Historical "Storyboard" located at the Midway Memorial. Photo dated OCT 1966. The Gooney Birds enjoy the afternoon shade of the Ironwood trees at the Midway Memorial park. Beautiful Boatswain Bird. With their long tail feathers in action, they appeared to fly "backwards."         Here are but a couple of the beautiful sights you could see on Midway in your spare time. YOu probably would not expect to find a school building here... but in the 60's, military personnel brought their families and DOD provided the school and teachers. The USO comes to town! As the Vietnam Conflict escalated, several USO tours came through (on their way back home to the states) and the Tommy Dorsey Band was really good. These photo's were taken in the Station Theatre which also served as the island's auditorium. Click any of the images above to see more of the show! Midway Island through the lens of Jim Priest's Camera ______________________________________________ In 1996 the U.S. Navy left Midway Island at the direction of President Bill Clinton who turned management of this beautiful island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The FWS contracted with the Midway Phoenix Corporation who stayed behind to manage the facilities and allow those of us who had lived there to come back and visit. Watch the video (linked to below) to see how things turned out... Click HERE to see how the Fish and Wildlife Service has wasted your tax dollars to destroy everything the Midway Phoenix Corporation did to make Midway Island a great place to visit, scuba dive, fish and remember how it was when many of us served there in the military or as civilians and especially those who were BORN there... many years ago. If this video infuriates you as much as it does me, please write your Congressional and Senatorial representatives and request that they take control of this once beautiful island away from the Fish and Wildlife Service... who OBVIOUSLY have no facilities management skills. ______________________________________________ Additional pages or websites to check out: More Information

Send e-mail to [email protected] with questions or comments regarding this page. Direct written requests to:   David Perkins , 7068 Basswood Rd., Frederick, MD 21703 Last updated 12/05/2020

Peek inside the historic Lonz Mansion, under renovation on Lake Erie’s Middle Bass Island

• Updated: Jul. 25, 2024, 7:45 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 25, 2024, 7:01 a.m.

The state started construction earlier this year on Middle Bass Island's Lonz Mansion, which will reopen next year as a house museum and for overnight stays. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

• Susan Glaser, cleveland.com

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND, Ohio – This small Lake Erie island was once the center of the wine-making universe, producing as much as half a million gallons a year.

Today, there’s no commercial wine making on Middle Bass Island at all. But the state of Ohio is working to bring back a glimpse of those heady days, with the restoration of a historic home occupied for decades by prolific winemaker George Lonz.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is partway through a $3.9 million renovation of the Lonz Mansion, built in 1906 near the southern shore of the island, a short walk from what was once the largest winery in the United States.

The home, which had fallen into severe disrepair, will feature a house museum to tour on the first floor, plus four bedrooms to rent for overnight stays on the second.

It is expected to open in late summer 2025.

“Ideally, it’s going to transport people back to 1935,” said architect Aleks Daskalov, principal with FMS Architects in Columbus.

George and Fannie Lonz entertained numerous guests in their Queen Anne-style home a century ago, back when Middle Bass was a major tourist destination, one of Lake Erie’s “Wine Islands.”

Today, the island, with a year-round population of less than 100, is a much quieter version of its nearby cousin, South Bass, home to the village of Put-in-Bay.

The Lonz Mansion renovation is the latest chapter in the state’s ongoing effort to develop the southern quarter of the 800-acre island, a 40-minute ferry ride from the Ohio mainland near Port Clinton.

“The name Lonz is inextricable from Middle Bass,” aid Michael Veres, historical resources program manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “The story of the winery is the story of Middle Bass.”

A stone path leads from the porch to the shore of Lake Erie. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

Jeremy Shade, with Interior Finish Group of Toledo, works on window framing in one of the second-floor bedrooms at the Lonz Mansion on Middle Bass Island. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

Middle Bass Island State Park, including the former Lonz Winery property, as seen from the Miller Ferry. Note the Lonz Mansion is seen through the trees at the far right. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

The state purchased 124 acres for Middle Bass Island State Park in 2001, just one year after a fatal porch collapse at the Lonz Winery killed a visitor, injured dozens and closed the popular tourist spot.

The winery infrastructure is the centerpiece of the park, which features a copper-topped tower and castle-like facade that have been transformed into an open-air pavilion. There’s a restaurant, coffee shop and bar on site, plus plenty of places to picnic and enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Erie.

The former wine cellar has been converted into a modest museum of wine-making artifacts, there’s a large marina nearby, plus a primitive campground.

While the Department of Natural Resources completed work on the majority of the park in 2017, the Lonz Mansion sat vacant while the state contemplated what to do with it.

Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, said the home’s restoration is an important piece of the overall plan for the island and an important part of the Lonz story.

“The goal is to make the Lonz area worthy of a day trip,” she said.

Despite its neglected appearance, Daskalov said the structure of the house was solid.

“Most original framing is still holding up,” Daskalov said. “The bones of it were good.”

Work started in April on the 4,000-square-foot house, and is likely to take another year, given the complications of any construction project on an island.

The goal is to bring it back to its appearance in the mid-1930s.

The first floor, with 9-foot-high ceilings, will eventually feature a large living room, dining room and (nonworking) kitchen, outfitted with original pieces or period furnishings, along with a large front porch offering views of the lake.

The second floor will feature four bedrooms, also with lake views, plus three bathrooms.

The house was built by winemaker August Schmidt, a short walk from his Golden Eagle Winery, which also included a dance pavilion and 60-room hotel.

The Lonz Winery, meanwhile, was initially located about a mile north, founded in 1884 by George’s father, Peter.

After the hotel and the dance pavilion were destroyed by fire in 1923, Lonz merged with Golden Eagle in 1926.

“That arguably was not the best time for a new winery -- in the middle of Prohibition,” said Veres.

But George was a very savvy businessman. During Prohibition, he sold and shipped grape juice, with detailed instructions on how to make vinegar. Included in the instructions was this admonition: “Do not stop at this point or you will have really great wine.”

Said Veres, “He had a booming business.”

Once Prohibition was repealed, Lonz’s business really took off.

Then, in 1942, the winery suffered another devastating fire. Lonz rebuilt the winery again, this time into the well-known castle-like structure that still greets guest today.

He operated the facility until his death in 1969.

In 1979, the entire property was sold to Cleveland’s Paramount Distillery. Paramount owned the facility when the porch, filled with guests, collapsed in 2000.

The contents of the house, meanwhile, were sold in the 1970s at a sheriff’s auction and the structure was converted into dorms for winery workers.

Lonz Winery's copper-topped tower is a centerpiece of Middle Bass Island State Park in Ohio. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

The winery's former press house is home to the Island Grind coffee shop and Prohibition bar. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

The mansion as it appeared in 2014. (Joshua Gunter/ The Plain Dealer) THE PLAIN DEALER

As part of the house restoration work, Veres has been reaching out to islanders in an effort to retrieve some of the old Lonz Mansion items, including dishware, linens and furnishings.

“The Lonzes loved entertaining, they loved the idea of the island as a destination,” said Veres. “They were not ostentatiously wealthy. But they did manage to ship a grand piano over here.”

Veres, alas, has been unable to track down the piano, which Fannie played while accompanied by George on the violin.

Longtime islander Jane Wolnik, who operates the Island Grind coffee shop, plus Prohibition and George’s Bar on the park property, said it will be good to have the house back in top form.

“We watched it sit in such poor condition for a long time,” she said. “I’m excited for the island. It’s giving us that history back.”

The state, meanwhile, is also starting renovation work on three homes on remote North Bass Island, located 2 miles north of Middle Bass.

Properties slated for renovation include the Fox House, on the east side of the island, and the Ellington House, on the northwest side, both of which will be converted into rental homes. The Game Club, on the south side of the island near the pier and marina, will be turned into a welcome center for North Bass Island State Park, which comprises much of the 688-acre island. The island has no public ferry service and is accessible via private boat or airplane.

Lorain County’s North Coast Design-Build is the contractor on both Middle and North Bass projects.

In 2018, the state completed work on the Lake House , a four-bedroom rental home on North Bass Island’s eastern shore. The Lake House is currently unavailable for rentals due to a maintenance issue.

Getting there: Miller Boat Line operates regular ferry service to Middle Bass Island from its mainland dock on Catawba Island. For details: millerferry.com . Transportation to Middle Bass from Put-in-Bay is available via the Sonny-S Boat Line .

Put-in-Bay caps golf cart rentals, institutes downtown parking fee to ease summer congestion

A restored Lonz Mansion is expected to open in late summer 2025, with a house museum on the first floor and rooms to rent on the second. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

A new front porch is being built on the south side of the Lonz Mansion, facing Lake Erie. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

First floor interior of the Lonz Mansion on Middle Bass island. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

The state is restoring the historic Lonz Mansion on Middle Bass Island. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

Middle Bass Island State Park features the infrastructure of the old Lonz Winery. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

The former Lonz Winery cellars feature old barrels and other wine-making artifacts. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

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