Malden Island, Volcanic island in Line Islands, Kiribati.
Malden Island is a volcanic island in the Line Islands of Kiribati with a shallow lagoon surrounded by rocky shores. It covers about 39 square kilometers and has minimal vegetation across its surface.
The island hosted three British nuclear weapons tests in 1957 during Operation Grapple, which left an airstrip on the site. This runway remained operational until 1979, when military use ceased.
Scattered across the island are remains of Polynesian settlements, with old temple platforms and house sites that resemble building styles found in Tonga. These archaeological sites show how Pacific peoples once lived in this remote location.
The island can only be reached by private boat, as no scheduled transportation serves this remote location. Visitors should prepare for extreme isolation and lengthy travel times.
The lagoon on the island connects to the ocean through underground channels, creating a distinct saltwater ecosystem within its enclosed waters. These hidden waterways allow constant exchange between the lagoon and the open sea.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
