In 2006, Phoenix Islands were officially declared Protected Area. In 2008, the park was expanded to a protected marine reserve (the world’s largest) with a total area (land and ocean) of 164,200 ml2 / 425,300 km2) consisting of 8 coral atolls (including Kanton).

Kanton was discovered by the Europeans during a Spanish expedition in 1595. The earliest reported visits to the island were in August 1824 – by two British whaling ships. Then the atoll was named “Mary Ballcout’s Island” – after the ship owner’s wife. During WWII, the US Navy built an airstrip (length 6230 ft / 1,9 km) ) which is now the Kanton Island Airport. The atoll became a stopover for flights from USA to Australia and New Zealand and a staging point for attacks on the Japan-owned Gilbert Islands. In February 1942, SS President Taylor (cargo ship carrying American troops) was grounded here and abandoned. During the war, Kanton Island had approximately 1200 troops, but was never attacked.

However, Kanton Atoll has been identified as an important marine protection area and tourism destination for Kiribati. It has also been identified as a destination of world significance for the purposes of catch and release sport fishing activities. It remains as one of the last havens on earth with no regular and sustainable access, shielded from the modern world. It is a jewel of the Pacific and entry to the island only through permission and permit from the PIPA office in Tarawa.