Johnston Atoll is located about 825 miles southwest of Honolulu. All of these islands are U.S. possessions. These refuges are important seabird nesting rookeries. These islands are low coral atolls, vegetated only by grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs due to scant rainfall, constant wind and burning sun. Only Johnston Atoll is inhabited.
Access is restricted to protect the dense nesting colonies of seabirds.
Landing on Johnston Atoll is controlled by the Defense Special Weapons Agency. The refuge is located within the Pearl Harbor Naval Base about 10 miles west of Honolulu. Black-crowned night herons also inhabit the area. The refuge also supports several introduced species of birds as well as migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Group educational tours may be arranged.