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. Unfortunately, today, the island’s natural resources are in danger. This dance was used as entertainment for special occasions and a way for them to preserve and pass on their history. View of the rugged cliffs of windward Niʻihau (the northeastern shore). Simmering desire leads to a red-hot island fling! The Forbidden Island is home to Hawaii’s only school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. One is … Also, open blue water and wall diving, so must have good buoyancy … 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. 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. 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. Niihau – Hawaii’s Forbidden Island About eighteen miles southwest of the Garden Island (Kauai), sits Hawaii’s “Forbidden Island”, also known as Niihau. ... Over in Enewetak Atoll, between Australia and Hawaii, lies Runit Island. Here’s the story of how that came to be, and what life on the island is like today. For most of the state’s residents, that’s the only way to see the island of Niihau. Originally built in 1940s to install the Naval radio antenna, today the stairs attract the adventurers. So, if you are visiting Hawaii, here’s why you … Niihau is also knows as "The Forbidden Island" because non-native Hawaiians are restricted to go there. Article by TitaWorks. 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. 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. We did a 3 tank dive (air, then 2 nitrox). As a result, the “forbidden island” is highly sought by travelers who want to visit it. 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. Since then, she graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor of arts in journalism and a double minor in Spanish and music. 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. Hawaii's 'forbidden island': Off Ni'ihau, scuba diving is a special delight . 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. 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. Niihau - The Forbidden Island. While Hawaii’s Forbidden Island remains closed to the public, the reasons why might come as a surprise. We never got polio out here.". Today, though the Ni‘ihauan population is able to preserve their traditional culture, interest from travelers has put the tiny island into the spotlight. This mysteriously exquisite island not only has a rich history but also offers rich memories that you will cherish forever. 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. OUR ULTIMATE COVID BOOKING GUARANTEE. There are now two ways that travelers can visit Hawaii’s Forbidden Island: Niihau Helicopters and Niihau Safaris. 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. 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. Few people, even Hawaiians from other islands, have ever set foot on Niihau. Electricity on the Forbidden Island is produced by the sun or a generator, as opposed to an electric utility. 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. 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. 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. It is also known as “the forbidden island.” Outsiders have been forbidden to set foot on one Hawaiian island for nearly 100 years. 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 Private Island Dedicated To Preserving Hawaiian Culture . History has it that in 1864, Elizabeth Sinclair originally bought the island from King Kamehameha V for a mere $10,000 in gold. 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. 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. But, understanding the immense intrigue by the outside world, the Robinson family allows visitors a small taste of the Ni‘ihauan life. Learn about the history of the Forbidden Hawaiian Island of Ni`ihau, a unique and private Island culture and community. 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. Niihau is a Hawaiian Island deeply shrouded in mystery. 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. Despite the fact that Niihau doesn’t utilize many modern-day technologies, residents' practices are quite advanced when it comes to harnessing solar power. 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. Forbidden Hawaiian Nights book. There are plenty of mythological stories, sacred temples, and even a forbidden island located within the islands of Hawaii. It is called Niihau. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Read 6 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. 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. Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Niihau Safaris welcomes participants of various ages and skill sets, and hunting rates are set at $1,950 per day. View Gallery. 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. Though this is presently true -- minus a few exceptions (see below) -- this wasn’t the case when the name was originally construed. If you’re looking for a way around Niihau’s travel restrictions, then you’re in luck. Photograph taken by Francis Sinclair, son of Elizabeth McHutchison Sinclair. Inside The Privately Owned 'Forbidden Island' Of Hawaii Although Hawaii consists of well over 100 islands, only eight are considered main islands. Probably the only dive spot where a Hawaiian Monk Seals encounter is almost guaranteed. 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. At the time of the incident, it had 136 inhabitants, almost all of whom were Native Hawaiians whose first language was Hawaiian. During the rainy seasons, it becomes Hawaii’s largest lake. According to the Niihau Cultural Heritage Foundation, these animals were brought to the island from Molokai Ranch when its wildlife park closed in 1999. FIND OUT MORE. The Haiku Stairs, Island of Oahu, Hawaii. That’s right, there’s much more to Hawaii than you know. Livestock and other animals roam freely throughout the island’s kiawe trees, a species of mesquite. 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. According to the New York Times, anyone caught breaking these rules can be evicted. Its area is 69.5 square miles (180 km ). 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. Half-day tours cost $440 per person and group rates are available. The 100 or so Ni‘ihauan population inhabiting the forbidden island are, for the most part, self-sustaining. Electricity is a relatively new development. Doug Perrine, for CNN • Updated 9th June 2016. 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. Nicknamed the “Forbidden Island,” it indeed remains mostly closed to outsiders. Aloha Spirit Hawaii Homes Aloha Hawaii Vintage Hawaii Hawaiian Islands Beautiful Islands Kauai Past Vacation. 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. The … Niihau is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, a true corner of paradise located about 17 miles southwest of Kauai. Wild sheep, boar, and cattle roamed the land as well and were merely considered neighboring inhabitants of the island. Today, Niihau is the most Hawaiian island and the only place where Hawaiian is the first and main language. They also offer unique hunting safaris to the more adventurous travelers that are interested in experiencing something very traditionally Hawaiian. None of Hawaii’s treasured shorelines are quite as untouched as those of Ni‘ihau, known to locals and foreigners as the “Forbidden Island.”. The natives of the main village of Pu‘uwai spoke a dialect that was a variation of Hawaiian and continued to practice hula. This is Niihau, Hawaii’s “forbidden island”, and it has been insulated from the outside world for more than 150 years. 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. Today, Ni‘ihau sits just off the western coast of Kauai as a bit of a tease to curious hikers visiting nearby. It is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) southwest of Kauaʻi across the Kaulakahi Channel. 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. The family provides helicopter tours of the island, landing on Nanina Beach away from the main village of Pu‘uwai. Residents on the island hunt and fish using age-old methods passed down from their ancestors. If you’re curious about Hawaii’s Forbidden Island, here are 11 fascinating things to know about Niihau. 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 1864, Kamehameha V (the successor of … The island is designated as critical habitat for Brighamia insignis, an endemic and endangered species of Hawaiian lobelioid. 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. Mostly drift diving, so you must be comfortable dealing with currents. Of all the Hawaiian islands, it is the smallest. 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.