Laysan

Laysan is a small, uninhabited island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, part of the state of Hawaii. It lies within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a large protected area that also encompasses numerous surrounding atolls and reefs. The island is a low-lying sand and coral formation with a fringing reef, limited fresh water, and a harsh, arid climate that supports sparse vegetation.

The island is a major breeding site for seabirds and marine life. It supports one of the world's most important colonies of seabirds, particularly various albatrosses and terns. The surrounding waters host diverse reef communities, and the island’s interior is largely covered with grasses and low shrubs adapted to dry conditions. Human presence is strictly controlled to protect these sensitive ecosystems.

Historically, Laysan experienced ecological upheavals due to human activities. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, guano mining and the introduction of non-native species, notably rabbits, caused extensive vegetation loss and disruption of seabird habitats. After rabbits were removed and restoration efforts were undertaken, native vegetation and bird populations began to recover. Today, the island is managed as a protected wildlife reserve.

Conservation and access are tightly regulated. Laysan is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and, by extension, a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Public access is limited and typically requires permits for research or sanctioned visitation to protect the island’s ecological integrity.