Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) is one of the most isolated places on the planet. Continuously occupied since a telegraph station was built there in the early 1900's, Midway is most famous for being a US Navy base during World War II and site of the Battle of Midway in 1942, largely considered a major turning point in the war with Japan.
Kuaihelani is now a National Wildlife Refuge managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and designated as the Battle of Midway National Monument. Only about 50 full-time residents live there, a population greatly outnumbered by the 17 species of nesting and breeding seabirds that smother the 1,549 acres of land. Midway is the largest albatross colony on Earth with over 1.5 million nesting mōlī (Laysan) and ka'upu (black-footed) albatrosses and even one breeding pair of Makalena (short-tailed) albatross. Its lagoon and beaches are also important habitat for endangered 'īlio holo i ka uaua (Hawaiian monk seals) and hono (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
80th Anniversary of the Attacks on Pearl Harbor and Midway Atoll - December 7, 2021:
On the morning of December 7th, 1941, the Japanese Navy surprise attacked Pearl Harbor. That evening, they also bombarded Midway Atoll in an effort to suppress any air attacks from Midway on their retiring aircraft carrier fleet. While much smaller and less damaging than the tragic events on O‘ahu, this shelling of Midway brought the first taste of war to Midway and the few hundred men stationed there.
In this new documentary that I directed for Friends of Midway Atoll and US Fish and Wildlife Service, hear first-hand memories from men who were actually there, including 100-year-old Marine Corps Colonel John Miniclier and Navy PFC George Levin. Pearl Harbor Chief Historian Daniel Martinez and Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, provide context to the story and explain why a small attack on Midway ultimately had such a large impact on America's fight with Japan in World War II. Just six-months later, the Japanese would attack again during the Battle of Midway.
Wisdom the Laysan Albatross:
Turning at least 70-years-old in 2021, Wisdom the Laysan Albatross is the oldest known wild bird on the planet.
My photography of Wisdom with her newest chick was published in the Spring 2021 edition of Audubon Magazine:
Additional images of Wisdom were also featured in stories by National Geographic, the BBC, and NPR.
Endangered Short-tailed Albatross:
Once thought to be extinct, a breeding pair of short-tailed albatross now nests on Midway Atoll and raised their third chick in 2021.
Fly over Midway in Virtual Reality:
Ride along in a helicopter over Sand and Eastern Islands in this 360° video captured on July 22, 2023.
79th Battle of Midway Commemoration - June 4, 2021:
When on-island events for the 79th commemoration of the Battle of Midway had to be canceled in June of 2021 because of the pandemic, I filmed a virtual ceremony for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Midway Atoll in Virtual Reality:
Experience Midway Atoll in this 6-min 360° Virtual Reality movie to see what it's like to live and work in the National Wildlife Refuge.
Midway Atoll 360° Virtual Tour:
Use this interactive tour to explore 21 panospheres of the military ruins, current facilities, and natural beauty of Midway Atoll.
All above photography and videography captured under Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Permit No. PMNM-2016-001, PMNM-2023-001, and NMFS Permit No. 16632 and 22677.