Heritage

Papahānaumokuākea holds deep spiritual significance for Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiians), who consider the islands and wildlife as kūpuna (ancestors). This biocultural land-and-seascape, regarded as ʻĀina Akua (realm of the gods and ancestors), is central to ʻŌiwi creation and settlement stories, containing numerous intact and important archaeological sites. Because nature and culture are inseparable here, protecting one of the last nearly pristine marine ecosystems in the archipelago is also an act of preserving living culture. Today, Kānaka ʻŌiwi continue to bring ancestral knowledge, values, and practices into the present, guiding co-management and shaping the future of Papahānaumokuākea.

The Hawaiian Archipelago has a long history of intensive maritime activity, leaving shipwrecks and other maritime heritage resources scattered across Papahānaumokuākea. The sanctuary includes the Battle of Midway site, a pivotal World War II turning point in the Pacific. Research has revealed 60-80 military vessels and hundreds of aircraft on the seafloor, along with 19th- and 20th-century whaling ships, Japanese junks, Hawaiian fishing sampans, and Pacific colliers.

Cultural Heritage

Papahānaumokuākea is of great importance to Native Hawaiians, with significant cultural sites found on the islands of Nihoa and Mokumanamana, both of which are on the National and State Register for Historic Places.

Maritime Heritage

Papahānaumokuākea is also home to a variety of post-Western-contact historic resources, such as those associated with the Battle of Midway and 19th century commercial whaling.