Planning a Trip to Midway
Planning
a trip to a secluded Pacific island probably isn't something you do every day, so
hopefully the following information will make your preparation a little easier. We've combined some tips we've learned from
experience, some regulations that the federal government requires, and some suggestions
from previous visitors. There is a lot of text here, but we hope you take the time to read
it thoroughly. We want you to "be prepared" - for a wonderful experience at
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge!
To
view a specific topic, please click below.
Where and How to Book Your TripMidway.....once experienced, never forgotten. It's what you've heard
about, dreamed about, and now want to visit. So let's move away from the dream and discuss
the logistics. Destination:PACIFIC is an authorized agent that is fully qualified
and experienced to handle every detail of your trip to Midway Atoll upon your arrival in
Honolulu. There is only one airline that services Midway, one hotel, one sportfishing
operation, and one diving operation. There are two restaurants and two taverns, both of
which are also run by the same group.
Because the entire operation is run by one company, every
agent offers the same trips for the same price. Thus, deciding who you book your trip to
Midway with comes down to a simple matter of service, knowledge, and objective opinion.
Destination:PACIFIC is the largest booking agent for the island. Unlike some agents, we
have experienced Midway first hand. And because we have a strong background in the
fishing, we can explain first hand what it's like. We've fished the island, from shore and
from the boats. We've been all through the hotels, inspected the rooms, eaten the food,
sat on the barstools, and walked the beaches. We've seen the birds, toured the historical
sites, and witnessed the clumsy beginnings of an albatross' day.
We know the island. We'd like to think nobody can share the
unique experience with you like we can. Talking about Midway with us might make you feel
as though you've been there already, and our unique perspective will make you feel at ease
as you step off the plane and onto the island for the first time.
From the requirements of travel to the subtleties of island
culture, we know how to make you feel confident about traveling to a remote, pristine, and
truly moving destination. A destination once experience, will never be forgotten. Give us
a call or send us an email and put us to the test. We look forward to it. Top
Seasons
The main fishing and diving season at Midway runs April through September. Wildlife
viewing and eco-tours are available December through September. Top
Access to
Midway
The only scheduled service to Midway is via chartered flights on Aloha Airlines from
Honolulu, Hawaii. Flights are scheduled every Saturday and selected Wednesdays
December through September. Flights are booked through Destination Pacific as part
of your Midway package. For more information and schedules, please see our Flights
page. Top
U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service Regulations
Island
ecosystems like Midway Atoll are extremely vulnerable to the introduction of non-native or
alien species, including both animal and plant life.
The USFWS therefore requests that visitors going to Midway perform the
following prior to packing baggage going to Midway Atoll:
- Thoroughly
wash clothing and footwear, including shoelaces, to remove plant seeds and insects before
you leave home.
- Check
both the inside and outside of all packs and outerwear for seeds and insects.
- Please
leave all pets at home. Absolutely no pet
animals will be allowed into Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
- Fruits
and vegetables can harbor insect pests. These
food items will be available on Midway and may not be brought into the Refuge by visitors
from the outside.
- Do
not bring flowers, leis, or other plants, which also may harbor insects.
All
passenger baggage is subject to inspection by the U.S. Agriculture Department at the
airport prior to boarding the aircraft and upon return from Midway. The gate agent will inform you if an inspection is
to be performed. Top
Immigration and Passport Information
Midway
Atoll is an unincorporated possession of the United States but is outside the United
States Customs Service, Immigration Service, and Agriculture Department boundaries. Visitors to Midway will re-enter the United States
through the federal port facilities at Honolulu International Airport upon your return.
U.S.
citizens
should bring at least ONE of the following
proofs of citizenship to ease your re-entry to the United States:
- A
current passport
- A
certified birth certificate, showing birth in the U.S.
- U.S.
citizen Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S.
Certificate of citizenship or U.S. Citizen Identification Card
- Certificate
of U.S. person born abroad
- State
ID card or Driver’s License only if they demonstrate U.S. citizenship
Resident
aliens
of U.S. must have their U.S. Alien Registration Card or a U.S. Re-entry Permit.
Canadian
citizens
must have a valid Canadian passport.
All
non-U.S. citizens (foreign nationals) must hold
a valid passport from their home country and a valid U.S. Visa. Aloha Airlines is a signatory airline to the Visa
Waiver Pilot Program administered by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Citizens of the countries listed below, which are
covered under this Visa Waiver Program, may enter the U.S. from Midway Atoll without
holding a U.S. Visa, although they must have a valid passport from their home country and
an airline/shipline ticket for departure from the United States at the end of their visit.
The
participating countries as of December 15, 1997 are:
| Andorra |
Finland |
Liechtenstein |
Spain |
| Argentina |
France |
Luxembourg |
Sweden |
| Australia |
Germany |
Monaco |
Switzerland |
| Austria |
Iceland |
Netherlands |
United
Kingdom (but not Hong Kong |
| Belgium |
Italy |
New
Zealand |
Resident
UK passport) |
| Brunei |
Ireland |
Norway |
|
| Denmark |
Japan |
San
Marino |
|
|
These
participating countries are subject to change without notice. Please consult with your local U.S. Immigration
and Naturalization Service office for an updated list of countries participating in the
Visa Waiver Pilot Program.
U.S.
Customs Service and Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects
Because
Midway is outside the United States Customs boundary, you will also go through U.S.
Customs upon your return. If you are taking
personal articles of foreign manufacture to Midway (such as cameras and fishing gear, or
any item in "like-new" condition that may be construed as having been purchased
abroad), you should fill out a Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects (Customs
Form 4457) before your departure. This form
can be obtained by calling any U.S. Customs office. Top
Packing
for Your Trip
Within
this section, we outline suggestions for what to bring on your trip, ranging from the
documents to the clothing you’ll need, as well as the limitations on baggage and
other vital information you should know before you leave home. You’ll have a more pleasant trip, avoid
problems, and help support the work at the National Wildlife Refuge if you familiarize
yourself with this information before you depart for your visit to Midway Island.
Important
Baggage Information
Passengers
aboard Aloha 737 flights to or from Midway Atoll are limited to two checked bags per
person and a carry-on bag that will fit under your seat.
The checked suitcase(s) should not exceed 70 pounds TOTAL
weight (not per suitcase). Your
checked bags should be clearly labeled on the outside with your name, address, and
telephone number. Soft suitcases weigh less
than hard-sided suitcases and will allow you more flexibility.
IMPORTANT
NOTE: Additional luggage or oversized luggage is not allowed unless special written
permission has been granted in advance. Passengers
may be charged cargo rates for additional luggage or additional weight or may be requested
to leave certain oversized luggage at lockers that are available at Honolulu International
Airport.
Passenger
baggage liability will not exceed industry standards of $1,250 per ticketed passenger and
excludes certain items.
Suggestions
on Packing for Your Trip
Deciding
what to bring with you to Midway can be one of the most important aspects of your trip. Although the following suggestions are meant to be
helpful, you’ll need to adjust them to meet your needs. Feel free to call us if you have questions about
specific items you want to bring.
Clothing
Comfort,
not fashion, is the key. Midway is a
completely casual environment. You won’t
need formal wear for any reason. Almost
everyone wears casual slacks or shorts on Midway. Pack
clothes that are easy to care for and don’t require ironing. Free laundry facilities are available so you will
be able to wash your clothes while you are on Midway.
The best approach is to pack layers of clothing that can be added or removed
as the temperature changes.
Here
are some suggestions:
Spring/Summer
(May-October):
T-shirts,
shorts, lightweight sweaters, comfortable slacks/jeans, raincoat with hood, walking/tennis
shoes, sandals, socks, bathing suit, sleepwear, and hat for sun protection. Optional dinner dress: lightweight dress, polo
shirt, and casual slacks.
Fall/Winter
(November-April)
T-shirts
(short & long- sleeved), sweater and/or sweatshirt, medium weight slacks/jeans, shorts
(if you’re optimistic), warm waterproof jacket with hood (optional rain pants), 2
pairs walking/tennis shoes or hiking boots, socks, bathing suit, sleepwear, and hat for
sun protection. Optional dinner dress: casual
slacks, sweater.
Money
and Travel
DocumentsCash (U.S. Currency): Other than for gratuities and items purchased in the Ships
Store, credit cards are accepted, so very little cash is needed.
Credit
Cards: Midway Phoenix accepts Visa, Master Card, American Express and JCB cards. Please bring a credit card to clear any
additional charges you may incur.
A
3x5 card with emergency phone numbers (including main home contact, your travel agent,
medical insurance and your doctor’s name and number)
Medical
list of allergies and copies of medical prescriptions if necessary.
Sales
receipts for any equipment to be declared at Customs or Certificates of Registration of
Personal Effects (see Customs Section of this booklet)
Proof
of Citizenship.
Bare
Essentials
- Toiletry
kit: there are very limited toiletries (such as shampoo) provided in-room.
- Sunscreen
SPF
15 (SPF 45 recommended) or
higher and lip balm. Midway is sub-tropical
and the sun can be very powerful.
- Insect
repellent
Other
Items You Might Want to Bring
- Prescription
medicines you might need
- Nonprescription
medications (such as aspirin, motion sickness meds, antacid, decongestant, etc.)
- Sun
glasses
- Camera
and film
- Binoculars
(highly recommended)
- Books
for leisure reading and to trade with the small, on-island library
- Travel
diary, ledger, or small spiral notebook
- Batteries
for any batter powered equipment – NOTE: batteries are difficult to dispose of
on-island, and it is requested that guests take used batteries back to Hawaii for disposal
- Fold-up
or expandable nylon tote bag or backpack
Top
Transportation
and Communication on Midway
Transportation on Midway
On-island transportation for both residents and visitors is by
bicycle, on foot, or by the golf cart. Bicycles
rent for $5 per day and golf cards rent for $30 per day.
Please let us know if advance if you would like one of the carts or bicycles, as
they are limited and subject to availability. Rental
fees for these items are paid on the island.
Communication
Although you are visiting one of the most remote spots in the
world, you don’t need to be out of touch. While
on Midway, you may rent a cellular telephone for $5 per day plus long distance charges. All on-island calls are free. If family members or business associates need to
reach you on Midway, they should use the Midway Phoenix number 808-599-5400. Faxes may be sent to the Midway Phoenix office on
Midway at 808-599-2922. Please mark them
“Attention Guest – your name”. Toll
charges incurred by calling Midway are the same as for those to Hawaii. Email and Internet access (albeit a bit sluggish)
is also available if you just can’t break away entirely. Top
Shopping
on Midway
The
Ships Store on Midway provides a limited selection of dry goods, beverages, snacks and
toiletries. A gift and souvenir shop adjacent
to the Ships Store offers T-shirts, jackets, postcards, Midway books and other Midway
items. Top
Health
Facilities
Anyone
in reasonably good physical condition can participate in almost all activities on
Midway. However, if you experience a medical problem, we do have a limited medical
facility on island. Our medical clinic has a full time licensed physician who will
provide care for you on a “fee for service” basis. Medical fees are not
included in your Midway excursion cost.
Midway
is located more than 1,100 nautical miles away from the nearest comprehensive medical
facilities in Hawaii. If you have health
concerns, we recommend you consult with your physician regarding your Midway trip. If you have additional questions, please
don’t hesitate to call us and we will put you in touch with
the Midway physician.
Top
Recreation
For
those who want to keep fit, there is plenty to do on Midway. Indoor facilities
include a gym, weight room, basketball courts, handball/racquetball courts, and
bowling. There are also two tennis courts, beach volleyball and lost of running
paths.
Videos
are played at the “big screen” Station Theatre at 8:00 pm on weekends.
Pool, table tennis, shuffleboard, and a small library also are available for your
enjoyment.
The
showstopper on Midway, of course, is the
wildlife, and you may find yourself wandering around the island just looking at the
incredible wildlife. The bonus is walking off some of those extra calories! Top
Island
Population
Midway
has a very diverse ethnic culture, which greatly enriches the community. Currently we have nine countries represented:
United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, France, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines
and Japan. The small labor force includes
approximately 150 friendly employees, many of whom you’ll have the opportunity to
meet and talk with. Top
Electricity
& Water
Midway
is equipped with standard U.S. electrical 110 volt AC. Water on Midway is
continually tested and meets U.S. standards for drinking water. Bottled water is
also sold on-island. Top
Weather
on Midway
The
weather on Midway can vary considerably, so use this as a guide only. Between the months of May and October, the
weather on Midway is typically beautiful with warm, sunny days and cooler nights. Air temperatures usually range this time of year
between 70 – 85 degrees. Between the
months of November and April, the temperature may dip into the high 50’s, and strong
winds will make is seem much colder.
Water
temperatures will range from the mid 60’s in the winter to high 70’s in the
summer. It can rain on Midway any month, but
generally more frequently in the winter months. However,
the winter months are best for watching albatross and certain other seabirds. Rainfall ranges from about 2” per month in
the spring and summer to 3-4” per month in the fall and winter. Midways annual rainfall totals about 45 inches. Winds average 13 knots or less, but can go as high
as 40 knots or more. Top
Time
Zone
Midway
is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) minus eleven hours. Thus,
Midway is one hour behind Hawaii. During
Daylight Saving Time, which Hawaii and Midway do not observe, Midway is 4 hours behind the
West Coast and 7 hours behind the East Coast. On
Standard Time, it is 3 hours behind the West and 6 hours behind the East.
Top
Special
Events and Scheduled Activities
Your
first morning on Midway, you must attend a mandatory U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
orientation program designed to introduce you to Midway’s many wonders as
well as provide you with the most up-to-date information about current activities you can
enjoy during your visit.
The
Midway Phoenix Corporation offers a FWS-guided tour to Eastern Island twice a week.
The FWS offers a history based walking tour of the island. There is also a tour
discussing the future wildlife management plans for the island and a West Beach Trail
tour. In addition, FWS offers other special programs and activities such as guest
speakers, presentations, and tours of the historic Midway House. Check the schedule
posted at the FWS office on Midway.
In
addition, Midway Phoenix offers a variety of guided natural history and personalized tours
for independent travelers to Midway. Led by a resident naturalist, you can explore
Sand Island’s hidden havens and historical highlights; enjoy a guided wildlife tour
and learn about Midway’s unique creatures. Tours can be personalized to suit
your own specific interests. There is a fee for these activities. Please call
Destination:PACIFIC for more information.
Midway
also offers fishing and diving activities. As access to these activities is limited
and by reservation, please contact Destination:Pacific if you would like to reserve
fishing and diving activities as these need to be reserved before your trip to ensure
availability. Top
Cancellation
Policy
In
the event that you must cancel your excursion to Midway, it is important that you
understand the Destination Pacific/Midway Phoenix cancellation policy. The U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service limits the number of guests on Midway, so every reservation is
important. If you cancel within 21 days of your trip, it is unlikely that we will be
able to fill your vacancy. So for your consideration and review, here are the rules
(effective 8/1/01):
- A deposit in the amount of 20% of the cost of your trip will
be taken at booking
- Guests must pay in full 45 days prior to arrival.
- If you cancel 45 or more days prior to departure there will
be a $125 per person service charge, of which $100 per person is required by Aloha
Airlines.
- Cancellations between 44 and 31 days prior to departure are
subject the the above $125 per person charge plus a 5% administrative fee (5% of total
cost of paid trip).
- At 30 days, all balances paid to Destination Pacific are
forwarded to Midway Phoenix Corp (MPC), the operators of Midway, in payment of your trip.
- Cancellations 14 to 30 days prior to departure are eligible
for 50% refund per MPC cancellation policy.
- If you cancel within 14 days of trip, no refund is given per
MPC cancellation policy.
- There will be a $100 service charge per ticket by Aloha
Airlines for any changes in itinerary.
- If you cancel your trip due to medical reasons or in the
event of the death of guest‘s immediate
family (mother, father, spouse, child), you may reschedule your trip, without penalty,
within one year per MPC cancellation policy.
- Payment of deposit and/or balance due constitutes acceptance
of the above cancellation policy.
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