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Discover Niihau, Hawaii's Forbidden Island, where pristine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exclusive access create an unparalleled travel experience.

Niihau, often called the 'Forbidden Island,' is one of Hawaii's most intriguing and exclusive destinations. Located just 17 miles southwest of Kauai, Niihau is privately owned and access is strictly limited, preserving its rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty. This isolation has allowed Niihau to maintain a way of life that is largely unchanged by modern influences.

Getting to and around Niihau

How to get there

Niihau is a privately owned island, and access is highly restricted. The majority of visitors can only reach Niihau through pre-arranged helicopter tours from Kauai, which are the most common way to visit. These tours are often limited and must be booked well in advance. Note that there are no commercial flights or public ferries that travel to Niihau.

Transportation

Once you arrive on Niihau, transportation options are limited. Most tours provide transportation as part of the package, which often includes guided tours around the island. There are no public transportation services, taxis, or car rentals available. Visitors typically explore the island on foot or via guided vehicles.

Best attractions in Niihau

Niihau, often referred to as the 'Forbidden Island,' offers an unparalleled glimpse into an untouched paradise, where time seems to stand still. Visitors can expect to witness the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that defines this secluded gem. The island's pristine beaches, with their shimmering white sands and crystal-clear waters, provide a tranquil retreat for those seeking solitude and serenity. As you explore the rugged trails and rolling dunes, you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and vibrant seabird colonies. The rich history of Niihau is palpable, from the ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs etched into the rocks to the traditional practices of the native Niihauans, who continue to speak their native Hawaiian language and maintain their time-honored customs. A visit to Niihau is not merely a journey to a place, but an immersion into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

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Best restaurants in Niihau

Niihau, often referred to as the 'Forbidden Island', offers a unique dining scene that is as exclusive as its shores. Visitors fortunate enough to experience this secluded paradise are treated to an authentic Hawaiian culinary journey, deeply rooted in tradition and sustainability. Dining is an intimate affair, often centered around fresh, locally sourced ingredients like wild-caught fish, succulent pork, and tropical fruits, all prepared in traditional Hawaiian styles. Meals are typically enjoyed in communal settings, fostering a sense of connection and sharing among guests. With no formal restaurants on the island, dining experiences are often hosted by local families, providing a rare glimpse into the everyday life and culture of Niihau's residents. This personalized culinary adventure is not just about the food; it's a cultural immersion that tantalizes the taste buds and nourishes the soul.

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Best nightclubs in Niihau

Niihau, often referred to as the 'Forbidden Island,' offers a unique and intimate nightlife experience unlike any other in Hawaii. Visitors are invited to embrace the island's deeply rooted traditions and serene ambiance, as the nightlife here is more about connecting with the local culture and the natural world than bustling bars or clubs. As the sun sets over the Pacific, you can engage in authentic Hawaiian storytelling sessions under the stars, accompanied by the soulful sounds of traditional Hawaiian music played on ukuleles. The community often gathers for small, informal gatherings where you can savor homemade Hawaiian delicacies and learn the hula from residents who are eager to share their rich heritage. The absence of commercial nightlife venues is beautifully compensated by the warmth of the Niihau people, offering an unforgettable, immersive experience that invites you to slow down and appreciate the island's tranquil beauty and cultural richness.

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Niihau essentials

Currency and Payment

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Given the remote nature of the island, there are no ATMs or banks on Niihau. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash, as credit card facilities are unlikely to be available. Pre-arranged tours from Kauai typically include all costs, reducing the need for cash transactions on the island.

Safety

Niihau is a safe destination due to its restricted access and low population density. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. However, as with any travel, it is advisable to stay vigilant and keep personal belongings secure. Always follow the guidelines provided by your tour operators.

Emergency Situations

In case of an emergency, inform your tour guide immediately as they are trained to handle such situations. There are no medical facilities on Niihau, so serious medical emergencies will require evacuation to Kauai. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Do's and Don'ts

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for outdoor activities. Avoid overly revealing outfits to respect the local culture. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Public Transport: There is no public transport, so follow your tour guide's instructions. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Aloha'. Eating & Drinking: Do accept any food or drink offered by locals graciously. Don't litter or leave waste behind.

Local Tips

To experience Niihau like a local, respect the island's privacy and cultural heritage. Engage with your tour guides who are often residents or have close ties to the island. Take the time to appreciate the unique flora and fauna, and enjoy the serene, unspoiled landscapes. Photography may be restricted, so always ask for permission before taking photos.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Aloha	[ah-loh-hah]
Goodbye	A hui hou	[ah hoo-ee ho]
Yes	ʻAe	[ah-eh]
No	Aʻohe	[ah-oh-heh]
Please/You're welcome	E ʻoluʻolu	[eh oh-loo-oh-loo]
Thank you	Mahalo	[mah-hah-loh]
Excuse me/Sorry	E kala mai	[eh kah-lah my]
How are you?	Pehea ʻoe?	[peh-heh-ah oh-eh]
Fine. And you?	Maikaʻi. A ʻoe?	[my-kah-ee. ah oh-eh]
Do you speak English?	Kōkua ʻoe i ka ʻōlelo Pākīpika?	[koh-koo-ah oh-eh ee kah oh-leh-loh pah-kee-pee-kah]
I don't understand	O nā ʻōlelo e ʻike ʻole au	[oh nah oh-leh-loh eh ee-keh oh-leh]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	E makemake ana au e nānā i ka menu	[eh mah-kah-meh ah-nah ow eh nah-nah ee kah meh-new]
I don't eat meat	Aʻohe au e ʻai i ka ʻai	[ah-oh-heh ow eh ai ee kah ai]
Cheers!	Ono!	[oh-noh]
I would like to pay, please	E ʻoluʻolu, makemake au e uku	[eh oh-loo-oh-loo, mah-kah-meh ah-oo eh oo-koo]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Kōkua!	[koh-koo-ah]
Go away!	E holo aku!	[eh ho-loh ah-koo]
Call the Police!	Kāhea i ka ʻŌlelo Pākīpika!	[kah-heh-ah ee kah oh-leh-loh pah-kee-pee-kah]
Call a doctor!	Kāhea i ke kauka!	[kah-heh-ah ee keh kau-kah]
I'm lost	Ua nalowale au	[oo-ah nah-loh-wah-leh ow]
I'm ill	Ua maʻi au	[oo-ah mah-ee ow]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	E makemake ana au e kūʻai...	[eh mah-kah-meh ah-nah ow eh koo-ee]
I'm just looking	Ke nānā wale nō au	[keh nah-nah vah-leh noh ow]
How much is it?	Ehia ka mea?	[eh-hee-ah kah meh-ah]
That's too expensive	O nā mea ʻoi aku ka ʻoi	[oh nah meh-ah oy ah-koo kah oy]
Can you lower the price?	E hiki anei e hoʻemi i ka kumukūʻai?	[eh hee-kee ah-neh eh hoh-emee ee kah koo-moo-koo-aye]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	He aha ka hora?	[he ah-hah kah hoh-rah]
It's one o'clock	He ʻekahi ka hora	[he eh-kah-hee kah hoh-rah]
Half past (10)	Kā ʻumi	[kah oo-mee]
Morning	Kukuli	[koo-koo-lee]
Afternoon	Pō ʻau	[poh ow]
Evening	Pō	[poh]
Yesterday	I nehinei	[ee neh-hee-neh]
Today	I kēia lā	[ee keh-ee-ah lah]
Tomorrow	I ka lā ʻapōpō	[ee kah lah ah-poh-poh]
1	ʻEkahi	[eh-kah-hee]
2	ʻElua	[eh-loo-ah]
3	ʻEkolu	[eh-koh-loo]
4	ʻEha	[eh-hah]
5	ʻElima	[eh-lee-mah]
6	ʻEono	[eh-oh-noh]
7	ʻEkolu	[eh-koh-loo]
8	ʻEwalu	[eh-wah-loo]
9	ʻIka ʻiwa	[ee-kah ee-vah]
10	ʻUmi	[oo-mee]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Aia i hea ka...?	[ah-ee-ah ee heh-ah kah]
What's the address?	He aha ka ʻāina?	[he ah-hah kah ah-ee-nah]
Can you show me (on the map)?	E hiki anei e hōʻike iaʻu?	[eh hee-kee ah-neh eh hoh-ee-kee ee-ah-oo]
When's the next (bus)?	Kāhea i ka bus aʻe?	[kah-heh-ah ee kah bus ah-eh]
A ticket (to ....)	He pepa tiket e ...	[he peh-pah tee-ket eh]

History of Niihau

The Purchase of Niihau by Elizabeth Sinclair

In 1864, a Scottish woman named Elizabeth Sinclair purchased the island of Niihau from the Kingdom of Hawaii for $10,000 in gold. This purchase set the stage for the island's unique development and its isolation from the rest of Hawaii. The Sinclair family, and later the Robinson family, continued to own and govern Niihau, maintaining its traditional Hawaiian culture and way of life.

Missionaries and Early Contact

In the early 19th century, Niihau saw its first significant interaction with the outside world through Christian missionaries. These missionaries introduced Christianity, which began to replace traditional Hawaiian religious practices. However, the island's remote location helped preserve many aspects of its native culture despite these new influences.

World War II and the Niihau Incident

In the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Niihau was the site of a dramatic event known as the Niihau Incident. A Japanese pilot named Shigenori Nishikaichi crash-landed on Niihau after the attack. The locals initially provided assistance, unaware of the larger conflict. The situation escalated when the pilot received help from local residents of Japanese descent, culminating in a violent confrontation that ended with the pilot's death. This incident highlighted the island's strategic significance and the complexities of wartime loyalties.

The Preservation of Hawaiian Language and Culture

One of the most remarkable aspects of Niihau is its preservation of the Hawaiian language and traditional customs. The island's residents, known as Niihauans, primarily speak Hawaiian, and their way of life includes many traditional practices. This cultural preservation is largely due to the island's isolation and the efforts of the Robinson family to maintain it as an authentic Hawaiian environment.

Modern-Day Niihau

Today, Niihau is often called the 'Forbidden Island' because access is highly restricted. The Robinson family continues to own the island, and only invited guests, government officials, and relatives of Niihauans are allowed to visit. This restricted access has helped preserve the island's unique way of life, making it a living museum of traditional Hawaiian culture. The island operates largely without modern amenities, relying on rainwater for drinking and solar power for electricity.

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