Niihau
Niihau
Niihau

Niihau Tours and Tickets

1,646 reviews

Known as the Forbidden Island, Niʻihau is mostly untouched by outsiders, creating a microcosm of Hawaiian history and culture. Just 17 miles (27 kilometers) off the coast of Kauai, the island’s fewer than 200 residents speak Hawaiian and live without cars, electricity, and modern amenities.

  • Kauai, Hawaii, 96769

Tours and Tickets to Experience Niihau

When are you traveling?
Kauai Categories
Time of Day
Duration
Price
$0
$500+
Rating
Specials

6 results

People Also Ask
Q:Can tourists visit Niihau?
A:No, tourists aren’t permitted to visit Niihau, but there are a few ways it can be done. Options include getting an invite from the Robinson family, who own it, or booking one of the few (and expensive) tours they own—currently only Niihau Helicopters or Niihau Safaris.
Q:How much is Niihau Island?
A:The Sinclair family bought Niihau in 1864 from King Kamehameha for around US$10,000 and a promise to preserve the island for its native residents. Today, the island is thought to be valued at approximately US$88 million, although the owners say the island is not for sale.
Q:How many people live on Niihau in 2023?
A:It’s difficult to say how many people live on Niihau since the island’s natives live a life that’s mostly off the grid. Many online estimates put the number between 130 and 200 residents, although it’s worth noting that the 2020 census officially put Niihau Island’s population at 84.
Q:Does Niihau have electricity?
A:Niihau relies on solar power for its electricity. Taking advantage of the island’s dry climate, the residents use solar panels to generate power and to heat their water. There is also thought to be a photovoltaic power system with battery storage in the school so children can learn computer skills.
Q:What families live on Niihau?
A:Not much is known about the families who live on Niihau today, only that they are all Hawaiian and mostly live in the chief village of Puuwai on the west coast. The Robinson family, who own the island, are said to live on the nearby Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Q:What is the nickname of Niihau?
A:Niihau has the self-explanatory nickname of the Forbidden Isle since visits to the island are forbidden to most people. Other popular Hawaii island nicknames include the Gathering Place for Oahu, the Garden Isle for Kauai, the Valley Isle for Maui, and the Pineapple Isle for Lanai.