In the 1950's the American and British removed all islanders to neighboring islands and tests of nuclear weapons, including hydrogen bombs, were conducted over the Christmas Island and in the waters off shore. When this testing concluded the bases were only partially dismantled and much military gear was left to rust. Hundreds of vehicles, abandoned nuclear equipment and waste remain on the island to this day. When radiation tests indicated that it was safe for humans, some of the native population moved back and have made use of some of the abandoned buildings. One of the bomb factories now houses the rent-a-jeep outlet!

Due to great diving and some of the best bone-fishing in world, Christmas island is now being visited more frequently although it is still difficult to get to with only one flight a week from Hawaii or Tahiti.