The Forbidden Island of Niihau: History, Misconceptions, and How You Can Visit
When people think of Hawaii, lush rainforests, golden beaches, and vibrant nightlife come to mind. But what if I told you there’s an island in the Hawaiian archipelago that’s off-limits to almost everyone? This island, known as Niihau, is shrouded in mystery, and often referred to as the “Forbidden Island.” It’s a place where time has seemingly stood still, with no paved roads, no shops, no electricity, and a population living a lifestyle that hasn’t changed much in the past century. But what exactly is Niihau, and why can’t most people visit? Let’s dive into the history, fun facts, misconceptions, and how you might be able to visit this secluded island.
The History of Niihau
Niihau is the seventh-largest inhabited island in Hawaii, located about 17 miles southwest of Kauai. It has been privately owned since 1864, when Scottish woman Elizabeth Sinclair purchased the island from the Kingdom of Hawaii for $10,000. Today, her descendants, the Robinson family, still own and manage the island. They have maintained strict control over the land and its residents, enforcing a policy that limits access to outsiders and preserves traditional Hawaiian ways of life.
The island’s 130 or so residents, many of whom are native Hawaiians, continue to live a simple, traditional life. They speak Hawaiian as their first language, engage in subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing, and live without many of the conveniences we take for granted, such as electricity, running water, or modern technology.
Niihau was nicknamed the “Forbidden Island” in the 1950s when the Robinson family decided to restrict visitors to protect the land and its people from the influences of modern society. While it’s still referred to as the Forbidden Island, limited access is granted to the Robinson family’s guests, U.S. military personnel, and a select few who are invited through special tours.
Common Misconceptions About Niihau
1. You Can’t Visit Niihau at All
While Niihau is largely off-limits, it’s not completely forbidden. There are a few ways to visit the island, though they come with restrictions. Certain hunting and helicopter tours offer a glimpse into the island’s natural beauty, but they won’t bring you into contact with the residents. Visiting the village or interacting with Niihau’s inhabitants is strictly prohibited unless you are personally invited by the Robinson family.
2. It’s Just an Empty Island
Some people imagine Niihau as an uninhabited piece of land, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Around 130 people live there, and they follow a unique lifestyle, largely untouched by the modern world.
3. It’s a Tropical Paradise Like the Other Islands
Unlike the other Hawaiian Islands, Niihau is quite arid. The island’s dry climate and lack of freshwater sources make it less lush and tropical than places like Kauai or Maui. While it still has beautiful beaches and unique landscapes, it’s more rugged and less verdant than the typical Hawaiian image.
Fun Facts and Things You Might Not Know About Niihau
• No Modern Amenities: There are no paved roads, no stores, no restaurants, and no plumbing. Life on Niihau revolves around the land, ocean, and traditional ways of living.
• No Public Transportation: The island is completely vehicle-free except for a few trucks used for farming and transportation. The residents walk or use bicycles to get around.
• Shell Lei Capital: Niihau is famous for its Niihau shell leis, which are meticulously handmade from tiny seashells found along the island’s shores. These leis are highly valuable and considered collectors’ items.
• Hawaiian Language: On Niihau, the Hawaiian language is not only preserved but actively spoken as the primary language of the residents. In fact, Niihau is often cited as the last place where Hawaiian is spoken as the dominant language in everyday life.
• Sustainability: Niihau’s residents practice subsistence living. They grow their own food, hunt, and fish for their meals. Water comes from rain catchments and is carefully conserved.
What Life Is Like on Niihau Today
Life on Niihau has changed very little over the past century. The Robinson family has worked hard to ensure that the island remains a living representation of old Hawaii, unspoiled by modern conveniences or tourism. The residents live communally, often sharing resources, and practice traditional forms of subsistence farming, fishing, and hunting.
There is no electricity grid, so homes are powered by solar energy or generators. The people of Niihau rely on rainwater for drinking and bathing, and there is no formal schooling system on the island—most children are homeschooled, with the occasional trip to Kauai for further education.
Outsiders are rarely allowed into the village, and residents are content with their isolated lifestyle. They occasionally venture to Kauai for supplies or medical reasons, but most are content to stay on their island, living the simple life their ancestors lived for centuries.
How to Visit Niihau
Though access is limited, there are ways you can experience the Forbidden Island:
1. Helicopter Tours: One of the easiest ways to catch a glimpse of Niihau is through a helicopter tour. These tours will give you an aerial view of the island’s rugged landscapes and pristine beaches, but you won’t be allowed to land or interact with the residents. You can find tours operating from Kauai.
2. Snorkel with Holo Holo Charters’ Niihau + Napali Super Tour: If you’re craving an epic, full-day adventure, this is the experience for you. The 7-hour tour takes you along the breathtaking Napali Coast before crossing 17 miles of the Kaulakahi Channel to visit Lehua Crater Hawaii State Wildlife Sanctuary and get a rare view of the mysterious Niihau island from the sea. Though you won’t step foot on the island, the journey offers spectacular views and a chance to witness the untouched beauty of Niihau.
3. Hunting Safaris: Niihau is known for its game hunting, particularly for wild boar and sheep. If you’re a hunter, you can book a Niihau Hunting Safari through the Robinson family. This allows you access to the island’s uninhabited parts, but like the helicopter tours, you won’t be allowed to visit the village.
4. Military Personnel: Occasionally, U.S. military personnel are granted access to the island for special operations or training exercises. However, this is not a typical tourist option.
5. Personal Invitation: The most exclusive way to visit Niihau is through a personal invitation from the Robinson family. Unless you’re connected to the family or someone in their circle, this isn’t a likely option, but it does happen occasionally for special guests or researchers.
Link for tours: Niihau Helicopter Safari or Snorkel with Holo Holo Charters’ Niihau + Napali Super Tour
Link for hunting safaris: Niihau Hunting Safari
Things to Do on Niihau If You Visit
While you won’t be able to visit the village or interact with residents, there are a few activities available for those who are lucky enough to step foot on the island:
• Snorkeling: The clear waters around Niihau are teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.
• Hunting: Wild boar and sheep hunting are popular activities for those visiting on safaris.
• Bird Watching: Niihau is home to several species of rare birds, including endangered Hawaiian seabirds.
• Beachcombing: Niihau’s remote location means that its beaches are pristine and untouched, perfect for beachcombing for shells or simply relaxing in solitude.
Why Niihau Is So Special
Niihau’s remoteness and preservation of traditional Hawaiian life make it a rare glimpse into what Hawaii might have looked like before modern development. Its isolation, while making it “forbidden,” also makes it a treasure trove of untouched landscapes and wildlife. The Robinson family has worked tirelessly to protect the island and its people from the over-commercialization that has affected the rest of Hawaii. For those who are lucky enough to visit, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Hawaii in its purest form.
Conclusion: Is Visiting Niihau Right for You?
While Niihau isn’t accessible to most, its allure lies in its mystery and isolation. It’s a place where the old ways are preserved, and nature takes center stage. If you’re lucky enough to get a glimpse—whether through a helicopter tour or a hunting safari—it will be an experience you won’t forget. However, if you’re more interested in interacting with locals or experiencing modern Hawaiian culture, Niihau may not be the island for you.
For more information on Hawaii’s islands and unique places to visit, check out:
• Should You Island Hop in Hawaii?
• Is Hawaii The Right Vacation For You?
Hawaii has something for everyone, but few places offer the exclusivity and untouched beauty of Niihau. So, is the Forbidden Island on your bucket list?
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