Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument

Parks Directory of the United States / Marine Sanctuaries

Address: 6600 Kalaniana'ole Hwy, Suite 300
Honolulu, HI 96825
Phone: 808-397-2660;
Fax: 808-397-2662;
Web: hawaiireef.noaa.gov
Location: A chain of small islands, atolls, submerged banks, and reefs beginning approximately 138 miles west of the main Hawaiian islands, and stretching northwest for more than 1,242 nautical miles.
Activities: Recreational fishing, boating, scuba diving.
Special Features: The Marine National Monument is the second largest marine protected area in the world, and is the largest protected area in U.S. history. It encompasses 137,792 square miles of Pacific Ocean, an area larger than all the country's national parks combined. Description: Description: The diverse and expansive coral reef ecosystem of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands encompasses an array of scientific and historic objects found nowhere else on Earth. Reserve includes 4,770 square nautical miles of coral reefs, which represents approximately 70% of all coral reefs in U.S. waters. It features a much greater diversity of reef habitats than the main Hawaiian Islands, including a unique assemblage of fish, invertebrates, birds, sea turtles, marine mammals and other species. Numerous archeological artifacts found on several of the islands establish a close relationship with the Hawaiian culture, with evidence of both prehistoric seasonal and permanent settlements, as well as use of the area for religious purposes. Habitats: The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands provide vital habitat for a variety of migratory species, including several species of marine mammals (e.g., spotted dolphins, humpback whales), sea turtles, the only remaining population of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and more than 14 million seabirds. Facilities: Mokupäpapa: Discovery Center for Hawaii's Remote Coral Reefs, an interactive educational facility, provides educational programs and teacher training on marine life, as well as the natural and cultural resources contained within the nation's largest conservation area. Located in Hilo, Mokupäpapa is a joint project of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program and the University of Hawaii.
Year Designated: Established as a marine reserve in 2000; designated a marine national monument in 2006.

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