TravelTips24 : Micronesia : Howland Island

Howland Island

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Howland Island is an island in Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia. It is most notable for what didn't happen here: the arrival of Amelia Earhart on her ill-fated around-the-world flight.

Culture and History

Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the island was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization was begun on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1974.

Climate

Howland is an equatorial island with scant rainfall, constant wind, and burning sun.

Landscape

Low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef, with a depressed central area. It is almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs, with a small area of trees in the center. It is primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife.

Travel to Howland Island & Visa Requirements

Public entry is by special-use permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service only, and generally restricted to scientists and educators.

Flights and airtickets to Howland Island

An airstrip was constructed in 1937 for Amelia Earhart to use as a refueling stop. It is no longer serviceable.

By boat

There is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast.

Howland Island souvenirs & shopping

There is no economic activity on Howland Island.

Howland Island attractions and sightseeing

Earhart Light, near the middle of the west coat. The famed American aviator Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared en route from Lae, Papua New Guinea to Howland Island, which was to be one of the last refueling stops on Earhart's round-the-world flight in 1937 (Hawaii and California were next on the itinerary). This "day beacon" (an unlit landmark built for navigation purposes) was named after her. It was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt.

Howland Island cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

There is no accommodation on Howland Island.

Stay healthy

There are no natural sources of fresh water on Howland Island.

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This page was last edited at 00:22, on 25 November 2008 by Ian Sergeant. Based on work by Peter Fitzgerald and Todd VerBeek, Wikitravel user(s) CIAWorldFactbook2002 and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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