Today, the Forbidden Island is the only remaining island in the state where native Hawaiian is the most-used language. It has been privately owned by one family for over 150 years, they enacted a closed-door policy in order to create a … Perhaps it’s in their blood—the family holds steadfastly to their ancestors’ promise by not only preserving the culture and traditions of the native Hawaiian people but also by making a large effort to protect the endangered flora and fauna that is native to the islands of Hawaii. 11 Fascinating Things To Know About Hawaii’s Forbidden Island 1. Almost a century later in 1952, outsiders were forbidden due to a polio outbreak among the Hawaiian Islands. Originally built in 1940s to install the Naval radio antenna, today the stairs attract the adventurers. None of Hawaii’s treasured shorelines are quite as untouched as those of Ni‘ihau, known to locals and foreigners as the “Forbidden Island.” Even though it’s so close to modern civilization, in 2018, there are still no roads or running water, and the village runs solely on solar-powered electricity. The family also continues to commit to the preservation and cultivation of the life and culture of not only Ni‘ihau but the rest of Hawaii as well. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", An aerial view of Ni‘ihau Island in Hawaii | © Christopher P. Becker / WikiCommons. This small piece of land is known as the forbidden island because for over 150 years it has been accessible only to its 130 native inhabitants. A group of villagers at Puʻuwai Beach settlement, Niʻihau in 1885. Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Niihau Island is only 17 miles from the resort-lined shores of Kauai, but access is... Niihau Closes Its Coasts. Land was not considered property to natives of Hawaii, and this allowed the islanders to live freely, without having the responsibility of renting or leasing land. This shell was once considered to be the flower of Ni‘ihau, as the temperature was not ideal for flowers to grow. Photograph taken by Francis Sinclair, son of Elizabeth McHutchison Sinclair. Article by TitaWorks. The king’s only request was that the Sinclair family protect the island and its residents from outside influences, a promise that still rings true today. It is called Niihau. Though this amount of money can’t even buy a small home in today’s economy, it was quite a large sum of money at the time. Sheep, cattle, and pigs are some familiar critters that can be found throughout the island’s kiawe trees, along with more exotic animals such as herds of eland, aoudad, and oryx. Niihau’s isolation is one reason it was able to maintain the usage of its native tongue, and the small community has even developed its own separate dialect that’s only spoken on the Forbidden Island. Hawaii's 'forbidden island': Off Ni'ihau, scuba diving is a special delight . It is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) southwest of Kauaʻi across the Kaulakahi Channel. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. If you’re looking for a way around Niihau’s travel restrictions, then you’re in luck. The … Mostly drift diving, so you must be comfortable dealing with currents. The other way to visit Hawaii’s Forbidden Island is by embarking on a Niihau Safari. Electricity on the Forbidden Island is produced by the sun or a generator, as opposed to an electric utility. Only a limited number of tourists are allowed onto the so-called “Forbidden Island” of Niihau. Half-day tours cost $440 per person and group rates are available. In order to protect the natives, the Robinson family decided to revoke visiting rights to anyone who did not live on the island. We were headed for Hawaii’s Forbidden Island. View of the rugged cliffs of windward Niʻihau (the northeastern shore). According to the New York Times, anyone caught breaking these rules can be evicted. And as a result, the so-called “Forbidden Island” has captured the … There are plenty of mythological stories, sacred temples, and even a forbidden island located within the islands of Hawaii. When King Kamehameha V sold the island of Niihau to Elizabeth Sinclair in 1864, he made her promise that her family would protect the island and its residents from outside influences, which included an emphasis on maintaining the island’s proud Hawaiian heritage. Residents aren’t allowed to drink alcohol or own guns, and some residents have even claimed that men are not allowed to have long hair or earrings and that the entire village must attend church on Sundays. Niihau is a Hawaiian Island deeply shrouded in mystery. 10 Pictures Unfortunately, today, the island’s natural resources are in danger. Learn about the history of the Forbidden Hawaiian Island of Ni`ihau, a unique and private Island culture and community. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. One is … The island was purchased from King Kamehameha V in 1864 by Elizabeth McHutchison Sinclair for the amount of $10,000 in gold. Save up to 50% off tours and activities on Viator. While Hawaii’s Forbidden Island remains closed to the public, the reasons why might come as a surprise. Situated approximately 18 miles northwest of Kauai, Niihau extends five miles and has been privately owned for more than 150 years. Forbidden Hawaiian Nights book. Niihau Island, known as the “Forbidden Island,” is one of the most mysterious of all the Hawaiian Islands, with a unique history and long-standing independence. It is the geologically oldest island of the archipelago. Doug Perrine, for CNN • Updated 9th June 2016. Pilots provide a historical background of the island and guests are allowed to wander its secluded beaches, sunbathing, looking for shells, and gazing upon beloved monk seals. There are now two ways that travelers can visit Hawaii’s Forbidden Island: Niihau Helicopters and Niihau Safaris. However, Hawaii is a site of rich cultural history and holds many wonderful tales within its sacred lands. According to the Niihau Cultural Heritage Foundation, these animals were brought to the island from Molokai Ranch when its wildlife park closed in 1999. We’re here today for that fulfillment of that promise.”. 13 Islands Where Humans Are Forbidden (12 We’re Too Afraid To Visit Anyway) Brazil’s Snake Island, Japan’s Gas Mask Island and the dreaded Island of Dolls are places you’ll want to steer way the heckola clear of. They are able to grow, find, and hunt whatever they might need on a day-to-day basis, but living in a very arid climate, the people of Ni‘ihau still rely on resources from Kauai to survive. Hawaiian. There’s a lot of debate about how many people actually live on Hawaii’s Forbidden Island, mainly due to the fact that the Robinson family isn’t required to report population numbers. Read 6 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Despite the fact that Niihau doesn’t utilize many modern-day technologies, residents' practices are quite advanced when it comes to harnessing solar power. We may earn commission when you click on or make purchases via links. ... Over in Enewetak Atoll, between Australia and Hawaii, lies Runit Island. It might be called the Forbidden Isle, but one thing is for sure – you can visit the island of Niʻihau. When the sun sets over Kauai's Kekaha Beach on an especially clear night, a tall, silhouetted tract of land emerges west of the Hawaiian islands, toward the horizon. If you’ve ever visited the Hawaiian islands, you may already know that one of them, Niihau, west of Kauai, is off-limits to outsiders. The primary language on the island is (you guessed it!) Even now, the Robinson family continues to support and provide for the Ni‘ihauans by facilitating the trade for their artisanal goods. While some may consider it a modern-day nightmare and others view it as a peaceful utopian society, Niihau has rejected the use of today’s technologies and survives without electricity, running water, internet, shops, restaurants, paved roads, cars, or hotels. There are few to no cars on the island, and most people get around by bike or on foot. Residents on the island hunt and fish using age-old methods passed down from their ancestors. Pronounced “Knee-ee-how”, with fewer than 200 residents, it is the least inhabited of the Hawaiian Islands. Niihau is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, a true corner of paradise located about 17 miles southwest of Kauai. Established by earlier generations and upheld by the Robinsons, there are a number of rules that permanent residents of Niihau must follow. History has it that in 1864, Elizabeth Sinclair originally bought the island from King Kamehameha V for a mere $10,000 in gold. That’s right, there’s much more to Hawaii than you know. Quite the contrary, Niihau's owners are upholding a promise made to a former Hawaiian king to protect the island from the outside world and to maintain the island’s beloved Hawaiian heritage. After graduation, she taught English abroad for four years in Spain and Thailand. Niihau Safaris invites guests to a tropical and challenging safari experience, with the opportunity to hunt Polynesian boars, hybrid sheep, wild eland, aoudad, and oryx. Niihau - The Forbidden Island. Also known as the “Forbidden Isle,” this small island is home to approximately 200 native Hawaiians who have preserved traditional ways of life, including speaking Hawaiian. A rare special visit to Niihau Island by Alan Lloyd as a guest of the Robinson Owner. And it worked. Pressures from outside sources have strained the island’s ability to uphold traditions and dying cultural practices. Niihau is inhabited by and abundance of wildlife and about 130 native Hawaiians. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. 16. Livestock and other animals roam freely throughout the island’s kiawe trees, a species of mesquite. OUR ULTIMATE COVID BOOKING GUARANTEE. The natives of the main village of Pu‘uwai spoke a dialect that was a variation of Hawaiian and continued to practice hula. Niihau: Hawaii’s “Forbidden Island” Without Paved Roads, Plumbing, Or Police King Kamehameha’s Promise. Niʻihau, the westernmost and second smallest of the primary Hawaiian Islands, has been privately owned by the Robinsons, a white kamaʻaina family, since 1864. The Uni… Niihau Helicopters offers exclusive excursions to the Forbidden Island on executive class twin-engine helicopters. When the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in the late 1800s, the English language began to spread, and Hawaiian was inevitably spoken less and less. During a polio epidemic in the Hawaiian Islands in 1952, Niihau became known as the “Forbidden Island” since you had to have a doctor’s note to visit in order to prevent the spread of polio. View Gallery. This mysteriously exquisite island not only has a rich history but also offers rich memories that you will cherish forever. Epic Alaska RV Road Trip: Kenai To Chena Hot Springs, From Lockdown Comes Life: Beloved Hawaiian Tourist Spot Sees Wildlife Return, The Best Authentic Luaus To Experience In Hawaii, Things To Know Before Experiencing Your First Hawaiian Luau, 10 Things To Do In John Muir’s Scottish Hometown, How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Historic Beaumont, TX, 4 Islands To Explore During Your Trip To Fiji, For details on Gateway Blend's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Francis Sinclair via Auckland War Memorial Museum Library Catalogue. Aside from a rare and sought-after personal invitation by the Robinson family, the island community of Ni‘ihau is off-limits to outsiders. But, understanding the immense intrigue by the outside world, the Robinson family allows visitors a small taste of the Ni‘ihauan life. The following is an article from the newest volume of the Bathroom Reader series, Uncle John's 24-Karat Bathroom Reader. A privately owned island with an estimated 170 residents, Niihau, commonly referred to as Hawaii’s “Forbidden Island,” is an invite-only destination that tantalizes travelers from across the globe due to its extreme exclusivity. Little is known about life on The Forbidden Isle, as few ever gain access to this largely uninhabited tropical locale. On Ni‘ihau, islanders speak their traditional dialect of Hawaiian, and the entire island operates in a completely self-sustainable way by growing, foraging, and hunting for their own food. Since 1952 the Hawaiian island of Niihau has been largely off-limits to the general public. In December 2007, a 10.4 kW photovoltaic power system with battery storage was installed at Niihau School, making it the only school in the state -- and quite possibly in the entire nation -- that is run solely on solar power. Today, though the Ni‘ihauan population is able to preserve their traditional culture, interest from travelers has put the tiny island into the spotlight. Simmering desire leads to a red-hot island fling! Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, the 3,922 stairs lead to the top of the 756 m (2,480 ft) height summit of Puʻukeahiakahoe. Even though it’s so close to modern civilization, in 2018, there are still no roads or running water, and the village runs solely on solar-powered electricity. A hint: It’s not because you have to be rich and famous to visit the island. Inside The Privately Owned 'Forbidden Island' Of Hawaii Although Hawaii consists of well over 100 islands, only eight are considered main islands. Many tours are available from Kauai that take visitors close enough to the island itself, with options like boating and snorkeling in and around its waters. Read on to find out why. We did a 3 tank dive (air, then 2 nitrox). Wild sheep, boar, and cattle roamed the land as well and were merely considered neighboring inhabitants of the island. A Private Island Dedicated To Preserving Hawaiian Culture . Today, Ni‘ihau sits just off the western coast of Kauai as a bit of a tease to curious hikers visiting nearby. Of all the Hawaiian islands, it is the smallest. And although the polio epidemic is long behind them, the island of Ni‘ihau is still off-limits to the general public, and visitors require an invitation from the current island caretakers, the Robinson family. Off Kauai, Niihau is a mostly deserted island that’s been owned by the Sinclair/Robinson family since 1864. This dance was used as entertainment for special occasions and a way for them to preserve and pass on their history. Since then, she graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor of arts in journalism and a double minor in Spanish and music. Here’s the story of how that came to be, and what life on the island is like today. You can't get on the private island but diving around the island and at the Lehua crater is amazing. Visit Niihau - The Forbidden Hawaiian Island Now YOU can visit Niihau, the Hawaiian "Forbidden Island" - where "time has stood still". The Only Place On Earth Where Divers Can Touch Two Continents At Once, (Another!) This is Niihau, Hawaii’s “forbidden island”, and it has been insulated from the outside world for more than 150 years. Besides being a contributing writer for TravelAwaits, Alexandra has turned her passion for travel into a career as an expedition manager at National Geographic Expeditions, overseeing trips throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa. FIND OUT MORE. This island, free of the restrictions of modern time, has earned a respectable spot on every curious traveler’s map, due in most part to its shroud of mystery. Geographically, Niihau sits on an extinct volcano, which had a landslide on its eastern side, and the total surface of the island is 10 by 30 kilometers in size. So, if you are visiting Hawaii, here’s why you … Due to factors including limited economic opportunities, few healthcare providers, and more homesites becoming available on the nearby island of Kauai, many Niihau residents are spending more time elsewhere, eventually leaving the Forbidden Island behind permanently. The Forbidden Island is home to Hawaii’s only school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. The family provides helicopter tours of the island, landing on Nanina Beach away from the main village of Pu‘uwai. The Robinson family is so dedicated to protecting the island from the outside world and upholding the former king’s wishes that you have to be invited by either a member of the Robinson family or a permanent Niihau resident in order to visit the island. In 1864, Elizabeth Sinclair-Robinson, born in Scotland and a plantation owner in New Zealand, purchased the island of Ni‘ihau from King Kamehameha V and the Kingdom of Hawaii for $10,000. Niʻihau anglicized as Niihau (/ˈniː.haʊ, ˈniː.iːˌhaʊ/ NEE-how, NEE-ee-how) is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii. If you’re curious about Hawaii’s Forbidden Island, here are 11 fascinating things to know about Niihau. Niihau is also knows as "The Forbidden Island" because non-native Hawaiians are restricted to go there. It is also known as “the forbidden island.” Outsiders have been forbidden to set foot on one Hawaiian island for nearly 100 years. It's known as "The Forbidden Island" in Hawaii, and the nickname isn't an exaggeration. Niihau – Hawaii’s Forbidden Island About eighteen miles southwest of the Garden Island (Kauai), sits Hawaii’s “Forbidden Island”, also known as Niihau. The island is designated as critical habitat for Brighamia insignis, an endemic and endangered species of Hawaiian lobelioid. FORBIDDEN ISLAND, USA If you’ve ever visited the Hawaiian islands, you may already know that one of them, Niihau, west of Kauai, is off-limits to outsiders. Today, Keith and Bruce Robinson, descendants of the Sinclairs, are the sole owners of the island and are committed to its preservation and its proud Hawaiian heritage. To make some money from the outside world, locals rely heavily on the tiny Ni‘ihauan shell, scattered along the beaches of this small island. In an interview with ABC News, Bruce Robinson explained, “My uncle wanted to protect the residents here from the epidemic and it was forbidden to come out here unless you had a doctor's certificate, and there was a two-week quarantine. We never got polio out here.". The 100 or so Ni‘ihauan population inhabiting the forbidden island are, for the most part, self-sustaining. Electricity is a relatively new development. Considered a Hawaiian dream for some time, travelers were permitted to visit and observe the culture and community. One of only three places in the world where technology has not yet moved in, Niihau Island (if you pronounce it "Nee-ee-how" you'll be pretty close) is a 72 square mile privately owned island just southwest of the island of Kauai. No one is allowed to visit Hawaii’s Forbidden Isle—the 70-square-mile island, which on a clear day can be spied from Kauai’s west coast—unless they are invited by Niihau owners the Robinson family, or by one of its 70 full-time Native Hawaiian residents. It’s probably not the archipelago’s westernmost isle: Niihau, Hawaii’s “forbidden island.” Just 70 square miles and home to around 70 permanent residents, Niihau is a privately owned island with no paved roads, no indoor plumbing, and, best of all, no crowds. Monk seals came by on each dive. Encompassing more than 840 acres of land, Lake Halalii is an ephemeral lake. For most of the state’s residents, that’s the only way to see the island of Niihau. Aloha Spirit Hawaii Homes Aloha Hawaii Vintage Hawaii Hawaiian Islands Beautiful Islands Kauai Past Vacation. Facebook Twitter Email. Several intermittent playa lakes provide wetland habitats for the Hawaiian coot, the Hawaiian stilt, and the Hawaiian duck. Niihau is the 'Forbidden Island' of Hawaii, privately owned by the same family since 1864, when Elizabeth Sinclair purchased it from King Kamehameha V for $10,000. Today, Niihau is the most Hawaiian island and the only place where Hawaiian is the first and main language. While a 2010 census estimated the island’s permanent residents to be at about 170 strong, the Niihau Cultural Heritage Foundation claims this number is closer to about 70 inhabitants. It Was Originally Bought For $10,000 Worth Of Gold One of the most riveting facts about the Forbidden Island has to... 2. Though this prevents travelers from visiting the Forbidden Island, there are a few exceptions to the rule (see below). As a result, the “forbidden island” is highly sought by travelers who want to visit it. Lake Halalii is situated near Halulu Lake, which, according to Niihau: The Traditions of an Hawaiian Island, is the largest natural lake in the Hawaiian Islands. One of the most riveting facts about the Forbidden Island has to do with the story of its purchase. The Haiku Stairs, Island of Oahu, Hawaii. In 1864, Kamehameha V (the successor of … Its area is 69.5 square miles (180 km ). Since 1952, the Hawaiian island of Niihau has been largely off-limits to the general public. Though this is presently true -- minus a few exceptions (see below) -- this wasn’t the case when the name was originally construed. With this exchange, she promised to preserve the “kahiki” or native Hawaiian culture. Since Lake Halalii’s size is dependent upon rainfall, it is sometimes referred to as a playa or intermittent lake. During the rainy seasons, it becomes Hawaii’s largest lake. Probably the only dive spot where a Hawaiian Monk Seals encounter is almost guaranteed. Here’s the story of how that came to be, and what life on the island is like today. None of Hawaii’s treasured shorelines are quite as untouched as those of Ni‘ihau, known to locals and foreigners as the “Forbidden Island.”. Nicknamed the “Forbidden Island,” it indeed remains mostly closed to outsiders. Also, open blue water and wall diving, so must have good buoyancy … At the time of the incident, it had 136 inhabitants, almost all of whom were Native Hawaiians whose first language was Hawaiian. Niihau Safaris welcomes participants of various ages and skill sets, and hunting rates are set at $1,950 per day. It sometimes takes years and a number of people to work to create Ni‘ihauan shell leis, which are considered extremely valuable all over the world. Located just 17 miles off the west coast of Kauai, Niihau (72 square miles) is the smallest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands. They also offer unique hunting safaris to the more adventurous travelers that are interested in experiencing something very traditionally Hawaiian. Her descendants, Bruce and Keith Robinson, still own the island today. Alexandra was first bitten by the travel bug when she studied abroad in Seville, Spain, in 2013. TravelAwaits participates in affiliate programs with various companies. Few people, even Hawaiians from other islands, have ever set foot on Niihau. In a plea to state lawmakers to help protect the island, Bruce Robinson stated that “over a hundred years ago, a king asked our family to take care of the people. There are various myths and legends as to why Niihau is named the “Forbidden Island,” the most popular being that you have to be invited by the Robinsons in order to visit. It Was Deemed The “Forbidden Island” Due To A Polio Epidemic …