Niihau is one of Hawaii’s most fascinating places. This “Forbidden Island” is only open to Native Hawaiians and invited guests. A Niihau tour is a rare opportunity to experience Hawaiian culture and see the island’s amazing scenery.
Niihau is nicknamed the “Forbidden Island” because it has been off-limits to outsiders for centuries. The native Hawaiian population on Niihau is about 200 people, who live a traditional lifestyle. There are no roads or cars on the island, and visitors must respect the Hawaiian customs that are still practiced here.
A Niihau tour usually includes a visit to one of the island’s beautiful beaches, followed by a hike through the lush rainforest. You’ll also get to see some of the island’s unique wildlife, such as the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Niihau is an incredibly beautiful and unique place – it’s no wonder that it’s often referred to as the “Forbidden Island”. Located just off the coast of Kauai, Niihau is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Hawaii. And, lucky for us, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a Niihau Forbidden Island Tour!
One of the best ways to experience all that Niihau has to offer is by booking a helicopter tour. These tours provide incredible views of the island from above, and you’ll even get to land on one of the secluded beaches for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are also boat tours available that will take you around the island.
These tours are great if you want to spend time relaxing on the beach or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. No matter how you choose to enjoy your Niihau Forbidden Island Tour, one thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed! This unique place is unlike anywhere else in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Why Can’t People Visit Niihau?
The Hawaiian island of Niihau is the westernmost and seventh-largest inhabited island in Hawaii. It is also the smallest publically accessible island in the state, with a population of only 130 people. The island is owned by the Robinson family, who have lived there for over 150 years.
Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight on the island, and day trips must be arranged through the family in advance. There are several reasons why tourism is not allowed in Niihau.
The first reason is that Niihau is a very private place for the Robinson family. They do not want strangers coming into their homes and disturbing their way of life.
The second reason is that Niihau does not have any infrastructure for tourism. There are no hotels, restaurants, or shops on the island.
Lastly, the Robinsons want to protect their culture and language from outside influences. They believe that allowing tourists to visit would change their way of life too much.
What Happens If You Visit Niihau?
The Hawaiian island of Niihau is sometimes called “The Forbidden Island” because it is off-limits to most visitors. The island is privately owned by the Robinsons, a family of Native Hawaiians, and they have kept it in its traditional state for generations. There are only about 130 people living in Niihau, and they all speak Hawaiian as their first language.
The island has no paved roads, no stores or restaurants, and no electricity. Visitors must be invited by the Robinsons in order to set foot on Niihau. So what happens if you visit Niihau?
You’ll be able to experience a way of life that has largely disappeared from the rest of Hawaii. You’ll see pristine beaches, learn about traditional Hawaiian culture, and get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. It’s an unforgettable experience that will give you a new appreciation for Hawaii’s history and culture.
Do People Visit Niihau?
Niihau, nicknamed “The Forbidden Island”, is the westernmost and seventh-largest inhabited island in Hawaii. It is 17 miles southwest of Kaua’i across the Kaulakahi Channel and has a population of about 170 residents. The island is owned by Bruce Robinson, whose family purchased it in 1864 from King Kamehameha V for $10,000.
It is currently managed by his son Keith. Due to its isolation, Niihau has been known as “The Forbidden Island”. Visitors are allowed only with special permission from the owners and a permit from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
There are two ways to get to Niihau: by airplane or by helicopter. Niihau was first settled by Polynesian voyagers sometime around 300 C.E., who brought with them pigs, chickens, taro plants, and sweet potatoes. They were later joined by Tahitian settlers in 1200 C.E., who introduced bananas and coconut trees.
Around 1500 C.E., Maui Prince Kiha-Nui arrived on the island with his entourage, which included some 200 warriors as well as their families. This was the beginning of what would become known as the “Hawaiian Renaissance”.
Why is the Island of Niihau Forbidden?
The Hawaiian island of Niihau is often referred to as “The Forbidden Island.” There are a number of reasons why this nickname has been given to the island. First and foremost, Niihau is privately owned.
The Robinson family has owned the island since 1864 when Queen Victoria gifted it to them in recognition of their service to the Hawaiian monarchy. Today, only Native Hawaiians are allowed to live on or visit the island. This isolation has helped to preserve the Hawaiian language and culture on Niihau.
Visitors to the island will find that many residents still speak Hawaiian as their first language and that traditional customs are still practiced. The Robinsons have also kept development on Niihau to a minimum. There are no paved roads or buildings taller than a single story on the entire island.
This lack of development helps to keep the natural beauty of Niihau intact. So why is it that only Native Hawaiians are allowed to visit the island? The answer lies in history.
When Hawaii was first annexed by the United States in 1898, there was worry that native Hawaiians would lose their land and culture. In an effort to prevent this from happening, King Kalakaua issued a Royal Patent granting ownership of Niihau to Elizabeth Sinclair Robinson and her husband George Norton Wilcox Robinson. Part of the stipulation of this patent was that only Native Hawaiians would be allowed to live on or visit the island in order to protect its cultural integrity.
Conclusion
Niihau is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Kauai in Hawaii. The island is owned by the Robinsons, a wealthy family who have kept it closed to outsiders for generations. However, there are a few companies that offer tours of the island, which give visitors a rare glimpse into this unique place.
The Niihau Forbidden Island Tour takes visitors on a boat ride from Kauai to Niihau, where they can see the island’s native plants and animals up close. They also get to visit the Robinson family’s private beach and see their famous pearl farm.