Kure Atoll, Coral atoll in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, US

Kure Atoll is a coral atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands of the United States, reaching roughly six miles across at its widest point. Its central lagoon is enclosed by a ring of coral sand and reef, with Green Island forming the only permanent dry land.

Several shipwrecks occurred here during the 19th century, leaving crews stranded for extended periods before rescue arrived. The area later became part of a protected marine reserve to safeguard its fragile coral formations.

The atoll's Hawaiian names carry meaning: Hōlanikū means "bringing forth heaven," while Mokupāpapa, originally a term for any flat reef island, became attached to this one. In Hawaiian myth the northwestern islands are linked to Kāne Milohaʻi, brother of Pele, left to guard travelers. The English name honors a Russian navigator who sighted the atoll.

Access is restricted to approved research activities and seasonal conservation programs, with no general public visits allowed. Those interested in participating should inquire well in advance with the relevant authorities about volunteer opportunities.

The coral reefs surrounding the atoll cover roughly 80,000 acres (32,000 hectares) and support twenty-eight species of stony coral. Researchers regularly observe rare marine organisms here that occur only in these remote waters.