A vast Pacific sanctuary holds ancient shipwrecks, unique species, and deep cultural significance.

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning over 580,000 square miles, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is one of the world's largest protected areas. It serves as a vital sanctuary for thousands of marine species and preserves sacred Native Hawaiian sites, while its deep waters contain the haunting remains of World War II battles.

The monument encompasses the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, a remote chain of atolls and reefs. Its name, Papahānaumokuākea, honors the Hawaiian creation deity Papahānaumoku, reflecting the area's spiritual importance as a place where life begins and returns. Beyond its cultural value, the region is a biological treasure trove, hosting over 7,000 marine species, with one-quarter found nowhere else on Earth. It protects 70% of the coral reefs within United States waters, providing essential habitats for endangered monk seals, sea turtles, and various endemic birds.

The site's history is a complex tapestry of conservation and conflict. First protected as a bird reservation in 1909, the area saw incremental expansions throughout the 20th century. In 2006, President George W. Bush utilized the Antiquities Act to designate the monument, bypassing standard public consultation to secure immediate, resilient protection. President Barack Obama later quadrupled its size in 2016, extending boundaries to the edge of the exclusive economic zone. However, the monument's status remains contested; in 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order to permit commercial fishing, a move met with significant opposition from conservationists and Native Hawaiian groups.

Beneath the waves, the monument acts as a time capsule. It contains hundreds of submerged aircraft and approximately 80 shipwrecks, including vessels from the Battle of Midway in 1942, such as the Akagi and the USS Yorktown. These sites serve as underwater memorials for over 3,000 military personnel. Scientific exploration continues to yield surprises, from the discovery of massive, ancient sponges to the identification of new coral species. While some populations, like the spiny lobster, have struggled to recover from past over-harvesting, recent studies suggest the monument's protected status provides a spillover benefit, acting as a nursery that boosts tuna populations in surrounding international waters.

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