Niihau

The Basics

Throughout the centuries, Niʻihau’s picturesque beaches, valleys, and mountains have remained largely unexplored. The Sinclair/Robinson family bought the island in 1863 for $10,000, promising the ruler at the time, King Kamehameha IV, that they would preserve the island’s culture. The family upholds its promise to this day, restricting outside access and safeguarding the island’s way of life.

The closest visitors can get to the island is on a boat tour or helicopter flight. Boats make the crossing from Kauai to the coast of Niʻihau, where you can snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear water and observe the island’s mysterious shores from a respectful distance. Helicopters depart Kauai and soar over Niʻihau, with some even landing (with owner permission) on a secluded beach far from the island’s inhabitants.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Save money by booking a joint tour of both the Na Pali Coast and Niʻihau.

• The crossing from Kauai to Niʻihau can be rough, so maybe rethink a boat tour if you get seasick.

How to Get There

The only way to see Niʻihau is on a boat or helicopter tour. The island is off-limits to independent travelers, so don’t attempt to go on your own.

When to Get There

Tours to the island run year-round and offer a pleasant escape from Kauai’s crowds (especially during the high seasons).

Where to Go if You Can’t Visit Niʻihau

Restrictions can make it difficult to visit the Forbidden Island; however, numerous more accessible locations off the coast of Kauai offer similar sightseeing opportunities. One option is a boat tour along Kauai’s iconic Na Pali Coast, known for its pristine snorkeling, stunning coastlines, and postcard-perfect beaches.

Can tourists visit Niihau?

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.

How much is Niihau Island?

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.

How many people live on Niihau in 2023?

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.

Does Niihau have electricity?

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.

What families live on Niihau?

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.

What is the nickname of Niihau?

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.

Ways to explore

Niʻihau has been privately owned since the 19th century, and access by outsiders is restricted to safeguard the island’s way of life. The closest you'll get to the island as a tourist is on a boat tour or a helicopter flight. Boats make the crossing from Kauai to the coast of Niʻihau, where you can snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear water and observe the island’s shores from a respectful distance. Helicopters depart Kauai and soar over Niʻihau, with some even landing (with special permission) on a secluded beach far from the island’s inhabitants.

Accessibility

Most boat and helicopter tours covering Niihau are not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Niihau boat and helicopter tours generally have a minimum age requirement; confirm in advance.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, waterproof bag for boat tours

What to wear

Sunscreen, swimsuit, towel for boat tours

Not allowed

Non-residents and those without express permission are not allowed to land on Niihau.

Address

The only way to see Niʻihau is on a boat or helicopter tour. The island is off-limits to independent travelers, so don’t attempt to go on your own.

Driving

Most boat and helicopter tours that include Niihau depart from one of the towns along the southwestern coastline of Kauai, including Hanapepe and Waimea. Take the island’s main highway 50 from Lihue to Hanapepe, then continue along Kaumualii Highway.

Public transportation

Bus route 200 runs from Lihue through Hanapepe and the other towns along the southwestern coast, ending at Kekaha.

Best times to visit

Most boat and helicopter tours set off either in the morning or the afternoon; choose a time that fits your schedule.

Best days to visit

Tours tend to book up on the weekends, so reserve on a weekday for more availability.

Best months to visit

Though boat and helicopter tours run year-round, the weather in winter can be unpredictable. Visit from spring through fall to avoid weather-related cancellations.