This Hawaiian Island is a secret place, which acts sanctuary for many rare animal species and houses just 130 local residents. There are no shops or restaurants on the island, no electricity, no paved roads, no cars and no hotels. Now, however, there are a couple options available if you want to visit this secluded Hawaiian island. If you’ve ever visited the Hawaiian islands, you may already know that one of them, Niihau, west of Kauai, is off-limits to outsiders. Scuba diving in Niihau . Today the forbidden island is the only place where native Hawaiian is the most-used language. The name stuck, even after the epidemic was over. Niihau Island, United States: Also known as The Forbidden Island, the only people allowed on Niihau Island are the descendants of Elizabeth Sinclair. Answer Save 13. The following is an article from the newest volume of the Bathroom Reader series, Uncle John's 24-Karat Bathroom Reader. Niihau is also knows as "The Forbidden Island" because non-native Hawaiians are restricted to go there. Weekend Window to Niihau, Hawaii’s ‘Forbidden Island’ The main Hawaiian Islands all have nicknames. Here’s the story of how that came to be, and what life on the island is like today. During this time, no one could visit Niihau. Niihau is privately owned and closed to uninvited visitors. Traveling to Ni’ihau is a full day excursion. But don’t lose hope. Why is Niihau called the Forbidden Island? As a result of its extreme exclusivity, Niihau has attracted the attention of many travelers and celebrities who wish to be among the few to see this mysterious island. One of the requirements of the purchase of Niihau was the promise to preserve native Hawaiian language and Niihau's way of life. Niihau, USA. It has been privately owned by one family for over 150 years, they enacted a closed-door policy in order to create a … 10 Pictures The US Navy does a bit of work there, but nobody is permanently stationed there. 'Niihau Zero: The Unlikely Drama of Hawaii's Forbidden Island Prior to, During, and After the Pearl Harbor Attack. Nicknamed the “Forbidden Island,” it indeed remains mostly closed to outsiders. 11. It’s privately owned by one family. Known as “forbidden island”, there are no paved roads, power lines or running water and it’s off limits. FORBIDDEN ISLAND, USA If you’ve ever visited the Hawaiian islands, you may already know that one of them, Niihau, west of Kauai, is off-limits to outsiders. Honolulu, HI: Heritage Press of Pacific. Doug Perrine, for CNN • Updated 9th June 2016. Niihau Island, known as the “Forbidden Island,” is one of the most mysterious of all the Hawaiian Islands, with a unique history and long-standing independence. For most of the state’s residents, that’s the only way to see the island of Niihau. One of only three places in the world where technology has not yet moved in, Niihau Island (if you pronounce it "Nee-ee-how" you'll be pretty close) is a 72 square mile privately owned island just southwest of the island of Kauai. The story of Niihau With tourists having restricted access, it’s no wonder that this place has been nicknamed the Forbidden island Kipu Kai, forbidden beach. The Island of Niihau was purchased from King Kamehameha V in 1864 by the ancestors of the Robinson family, who now own the island. And the reason why it survived lies in its isolation from mainland Hawaii where the English language began to spread and replaced the native dialects. The Niihau Island stretches for 19 miles. Niihau, Hawaii. Clark, Blake (1942). Now YOU can visit Niihau, the Hawaiian "Forbidden Island" - where "time has stood still". View Gallery. Niihau, forbidden island. The island got this nickname because of a statewide polio outbreak. This is because the Robinsons wanted to be sure that none of the residents of the island got the disease. Niihau is Hawaii’s “forbidden island” Hawaii enjoys a reputation as a famously welcoming and chill place, but it also has its secrets. Hereof, why is the island of Niihau forbidden? ISBN 0-9609132-0-3. Niihau - The Forbidden Island. Niihau , Hawaii’s “forbidden island,” was bought by Elizabeth Sinclair from King Kamehameha V in 1864, and the King had only one resquest for her: To keep the place in good condition for its people. Although Niihau’s nickname sounds mysterious, the reason for it being “forbidden” is not so intriguing: the island is actually privately owned, so its availability to visitors is highly restricted. Niihau has been called the Forbidden Island since the early 1950s. Ni’ihau received the nickname “The Forbidden Island” because of the fact that it is privately owned, and you must be invited on the island to visit. 2 years ago “Our brains and our bodies would like us to take things a lot slower,” says Victoria Ward, author of "The Bucket List: Places to Find Peace and Quiet" (Rizzoli, $35). New York: Modern Age Books. During a polio epidemic in the Hawaiian Islands in 1952, Niihau became known as the “Forbidden Island” since you had to have a doctor's note to visit in order to prevent the spread of polio.. Beside above, can you go to Niihau? Jones, Syd (2014). You can take a helicopter tour of Niihau, which includes a visit to the island's secluded beaches. Ni’ihau has been privately owned by the same family since 1864. Unlike Niihau’s closest neighbor island, Kauai, 17 miles [27 km] to the northeast, Niihau is mostly low-lying and arid. A Private Island Dedicated To Preserving Hawaiian Culture . The self-sufficient residents of the island have no central power plant, no running water, no stores, and no post office. You can explore the other areas of Niihau Island that are equally beautiful. Hawaii's 'forbidden island': Off Ni'ihau, scuba diving is a special delight . Facebook Twitter Email. Located a scant 17 miles off the coast of Kauai, Niihau may be geographically... 2. Here’s the story of how that came to be, and what life on the island is like today. What You Don’t Know About Niihau, the Forbidden Island of Hawaii 1. Niihau is known as Hawaii's “forbidden island,” and with good reason: for years, no one was allowed to visit. Today, there are approximately 250 native Hawaiian residents living on Niihau and their lifestyle has remained the same over all these years. The island of Niihau as seen from Kauai. However, Niihau has a rich history, diverse wildlife, and interesting traditions, so it’s worth a peek if you can find your way there. 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