Priya Srivastava, TIMESOFINDIA.COM, TRAVEL TRENDS, HAWAII Updated : Sep 2, 2021, 23:12 IST
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Exploring Niihau: the forbidden island in Hawaii
Niihau, also known as the Forbidden Isle, is a beautiful small island in Hawaii spread across 180 sq km. The island is off-limits to outsiders and only the Robinson family, their relatives, invited guests, government officials and US Navy personnel are allowed here. The island looks like a beautiful dream you don’t want to wake up from.
Let’s find out more about this unexplored Hawaiian island:
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History of Niihau
The island was purchased by Elizabeth Sinclair in 1864 for $10000 from the Kingdom of Hawaii. Later, the ownership of the island was passed on to her descendants, the Robinsons. As per history books, the island was the site of an incident during World War II, wherein a Japanese navy fighter pilot crashed.
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Present
Today, the island is inhabited by only 70 full-time residents. The island has no roads, no hospitals, no police stations or grocery stores. Residents on the island are completely dependent on rainwater for water. But because of all this, the island still has an unspoiled ecosystem. A number of endangered species can be found here.
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Tourism
From 1987 onwards, the family owning the island allowed tourism on the beach and a number of limited supervised activity tours and hunting safaris opened to tourists gradually. At present, the island is managed by two brothers Bruce and Keith Robinson. Islanders of Niihau are known for their gemlike shell lei craftsmanship.
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Language
Quite amazingly, Niihau is the only place in the world where people still speak Hawaiian as their primary language. The residents have their own dialect called Olelo Kanaka Niihau.
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Lifestyle
Because the island is cut off from the rest of the world, employment opportunities are scarce here. People generally do fishing and farming on the island and use solar panels for electricity and heating purposes. Recently, the family has opened a part of the island for tourism purposes but rules will be applied.
Certainly! Exploring Niihau, also known as the Forbidden Isle, unveils a captivating tale of exclusivity and unique preservation. As someone deeply immersed in travel and cultural exploration, I'm well-versed in the intriguing facets of this hidden Hawaiian gem.
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Isolation and Exclusive Access: Niihau's allure stems from its restricted access, limited to the Robinson family, select invitees, government officials, and US Navy personnel. This exclusivity, rooted in historical purchase, renders it off-limits to outsiders, a fact that contributes significantly to its mysterious aura.
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Historical Acquisition: Elizabeth Sinclair's acquisition of Niihau in 1864 for $10,000 from the Kingdom of Hawaii marked the island's transition to the Robinson family's ownership, a lineage that endures today. The island's history further interlaces with World War II, evidenced by an incident involving a Japanese navy fighter pilot's crash.
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Sparse Population and Minimal Infrastructure: Presently, Niihau shelters a mere 70 full-time inhabitants, devoid of essential infrastructure like roads, hospitals, police stations, or grocery stores. The residents rely entirely on rainwater for sustenance, contributing to the island's unspoiled ecosystem and the preservation of endangered species.
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Tourism and Controlled Access: From 1987, a gradual opening for tourism emerged, allowing limited supervised activities and hunting safaris, meticulously managed by Bruce and Keith Robinson, the current custodians. Notably, the islanders' renowned craftsmanship in gemlike shell lei adds to its cultural significance.
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Unique Language and Lifestyle: Niihau stands as the singular place globally where Hawaiian remains the primary language, embodied in the residents' dialect, Olelo Kanaka Niihau. The islanders' lifestyle revolves around fishing, farming, and sustainable practices, harnessing solar power for their energy needs.
The allure of Niihau resides in its enigmatic seclusion, preserving a distinct culture and ecosystem. Its story encapsulates a harmonious blend of historical legacy, environmental conservation, and cultural resilience, making it an unparalleled destination for those seeking rare and authentic experiences.
