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City guide

Wake (U.S. Minor Outlying Islands)

Wake Island, also known as Wake Atoll, is a coral atoll which is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the Pacific Ocean. The atoll is composed of three islets – Wake, Wilkes, and Peale Islands – surrounding a lagoon encircled by a coral reef.

Type City

Why go

  • Pacific island administered by the United States.
  • Known for Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll, Battle of the Midway.
  • Served by Wake Island Airfield (AWK).

History

Wake Island, also known as Wake Atoll, is a coral atoll which is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the Pacific Ocean. The atoll is composed of three islets – Wake, Wilkes, and Peale Islands – surrounding a lagoon encircled by a coral reef. The nearest inhabited island is Utirik Atoll in the Marshall Islands, located 592 miles to the southeast.

Airports

Wake Island Airfield (AWK) 1.5 km to the centre
Wake Island, 79, UM — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Wake (U.S. Minor Outlying Islands)
Wake (U.S. Minor Outlying Islands)
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Wake Island Airfield (AWK). Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Wake (U.S. Minor Outlying Islands). Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.