Hawadax Island

Hawadax Island is a small island in the Aleutian chain of Alaska formerly known as Rat Island. Introduced rodents caused major damage to native seabird populations but were removed in a targeted eradication programme that began in 2008.

Following ecological recovery, the island’s historic name, Hawadax, was restored in the 2010s to reflect Aleut heritage. The island is uninhabited and notable in conservation literature as a case study in island restoration and the recovery of seabird colonies.

It is located in the western Aleutians and forms part of the chain of small islands stretching between Alaska and the Russian Far East.

• Rodent eradication: Rats introduced during the 18th and 19th centuries devastated seabird colonies, but a successful eradication operation took place in 2008 leading to notable ecological recovery.
• Name change: The island’s official name was changed from Rat Island to Hawadax following restoration and local consultation, with the new name formally adopted in the 2010s.

• Hawadax Island is remote and visited almost exclusively as part of small expedition cruises or chartered wildlife trips; book through an experienced Aleutian operator rather than attempting independent landings.
• Summer (roughly June-August) is the practical season for visits - seas and weather are least severe then and seabird activity is at its peak after the island's rat‑eradication recovery.
• The island is part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and landings/activities may be restricted; expect guided, permit‑controlled visits and plan logistics well in advance.