The Secret Hawaiian Island You’re Not Allowed to Visit
Ni’ihau is 17 miles off the coast of Kauaʻi, yet it feels like a world away. The place is so isolated and untouched by modern life that it’s been dubbed as “The Forbidden Island.” For over a century, outsiders have not been allowed to visit, and what happens behind its gates is largely a secret. But now, it’s time we demystify one of the most restricted places on earth.
The Robinson Family Legacy
Image via Wikimedia Commons/knudsentrust.org
Niʻihau has been in the hands of the Robinson family since 1864, when it was purchased from the Hawaiian monarchy for $10,000. The island, just 69 square miles, is now owned by Keith Robinson and his brother Bruce, descendants of the original owners. Over the years, the Robinsons have maintained strict control over Niʻihau.
The family has protected the island from the pressures of tourism and development and preserved a way of life that many thought was long gone. But while the Robinsons’ legacy is steeped in family history, their strict rules have earned Niʻihau a reputation as a place frozen in time.
Life on the “Forbidden Island”
The island’s 70 full-time residents live a lifestyle that seems to be from another era. There are no paved roads and no police stations. Instead, they rely on rainwater catchment systems for water, solar panels for electricity, and hunt, fish, and farm for food. And while there are no large stores or formal hospitals, folks here do have access to basic healthcare and supplies through arrangements made with the Robinsons.
The primary language spoken on the island is Hawaiian, and it’s the only place where this ancient language is still used daily. Unlike the rest of Hawaii, where tourism is a driving force, Niʻihau has kept its doors closed to outsiders. English is commonly spoken by some residents, though, particularly the younger generation.
Life on Niʻihau is simple, but strict. The Robinson family enforces rules that align with their Calvinist beliefs; alcohol, drugs, and certain personal freedoms are prohibited. Visitors, even family members, must get the Robinsons’ approval before setting foot on the island.
If you break the rules, you’re out. It’s a level of control that many people find unsettling, but residents embrace the lifestyle.
A Peek Into a Different World
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Christopher P. Becker
While tourism is heavily restricted, there are a few rare ways to catch a glimpse of Niʻihau’s beauty. The Robinson family has begun offering helicopter tours that allow visitors to fly over the island before landing briefly on its pristine beaches. These exclusive tours give you a taste of what life might be like on this private island, but even the most adventurous tourists are kept away from the villages and the heart of the island.
If you’re lucky, you might even score an invite for a hunting safari. The island has an abundance of wild boar and feral sheep, and these hunting trips, though pricey, are a way to manage the island’s population of invasive species.
Question of a Changing Future
Despite its isolation, Niʻihau is not immune to the outside world. Recently, the U.S. military has played an increasingly significant role in the island’s economy, with radar sites and military personnel stationed there to monitor exercises in the nearby waters.
This military presence, alongside the growing number of helicopter and safari tours, hints at a future where the island may become less of a secret. Plus, with the Robinsons aging and the island’s population slowly declining, questions remain about how long this way of life can continue.