How to Find Hotels in Niihau, Hawaii
Niihau is one of Hawaii's lesser-known islands--and for good reason. Niihau is the "Forbidden Island" that, until recenty, has been completely and intentionally shut off from the outside world. Intently focused on preserving traditional Hawaiian culture, residents did not permit uninvited visitors to the island and there are no hotel accommodations. Recently, however, a small number of tours to the island have been permitted on a limited basis.
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Instructions
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Discover Facts About Niihau
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Check a map. Niihau is located at the end of the chain of Hawaiian islands, off the eastern coast of Kauai.
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Watch your step. Of the eight inhabited islands in Hawaii, Niihau is the smallest. It is only 69.9 square miles in land mass.
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Meet the locals. According to the 2000 census, there are only 160 residents in Niihau, Hawaii. Almost all of those residents are native Hawaiians who primarily speak the Hawaiian language. Resident accommodations are typically modest.
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Learn some history. Niihau is privately owned by the Robinson family, an American family who bought the island in 1864 and operated a ranch on it until 1999. Most of the residents of the island worked on the ranch.
Visit Niihau
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Scuba dive around Niihau. "Bubbles Below Scuba Charters" offers dive charters to Niihau from May to September (which is the only time the conditions are safe). This all-day trip (no accommodations) is for experienced divers because of the tough conditions and costs $275 per person (see resources).
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See Niihau from the waters. One way to get a peek at this "Forbidden Island" is on a snorkel cruise. Though you may not land on the shore, you can enjoy the views of the undeveloped island from a boat and snorkel just off the shore. The price of such an activity is around $175.
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Visit Niihau via helicopter. Helicopter tours will fly you over the island and, if conditions are acceptable, you may be able to land on one of the secluded beaches for a brief swim and some sunbathing.
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Hunt in Niihau. Hunting safaris have recently been allowed on Niihau. For upwards of $1,650, a hunter can visit the island from Kauai and try to bag some game. The main game is wild polynesian boar and hybrid sheep. Transportation, food and various hunting assistance is included, although accommodations on Kauai are not.
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Tips & Warnings
Ocean conditions make the boat crossing from Kauai to Niihau very rough.
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Comments
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Hawaiian808
Dec 04, 2008
Ni'ihau is the last place in the world that still somewhat live in the old Hawaiian way. It's not an island you should go to, plus, you aren't allowed to past the beaches. Majority of Hawaiians do not receive the honor of visiting Ni'ihau, do not be disrespectful by going to the island just for vacation. Ni'ihau is a extremely special place, don't take advantage of it. Mahalo. -
Hawaiian808
Dec 04, 2008
Ni'ihau is the last place in the world that still somewhat live in the old Hawaiian way. It's not an island you should go to, plus, you aren't allowed to past the beaches. Majority of Hawaiians do not receive the honor of visiting Ni'ihau, do not be disrespectful by going to the island just for vacation. Ni'ihau is a extremely special place, don't take advantage of it. Mahalo.
