"The Forbidden Island"
It is the most remote and secret land of the set of islands that make up Hawaii. Niihau is known as the "Forbidden Island". During the last century, the world's greatest fortunes and even the poorest have tried to set foot on this island and the answer they have received has always been a “no”. Singers like Mick Jagger, politicians, kings and even people who wanted to visit this virgin paradise before they died were turned away.
Niihau is owned by the Robinson family today, who have kept a promise to keep the island pristine ever since Elizabeth Sinclair, a Scottish widow, purchased it from Hawaiian King Kamehameha V for $10,000 in gold.
Before closing this purchase (which today would be valued at about $ 200,000), Sinclair ruled out other land such as Pearl Harbor and Waikiki, two of the most popular destinations in Hawaii. The Niihau Purchase was formalized in 1864 on the condition that “the language, culture and traditions of its inhabitants be maintained”.
This was Kamehameha V's only request. In 1915, Sinclair's grandson, Aubrey Robinson, decided close the island to the public and impose more restrictive measures. Even members of his own family had to apply for special permits if they wanted to visit the place.
Aerial view of Niihau Island
Today, Niihau remains cut off from the world. It is a destination with no roads, no telephones, no cars and there are not even electricity poles: the energy comes from solar panels.
Everything is produced directly in the village through its inhabitants, who have managed let this be the last corner of Hawaii where its culture is preserved with great fidelity to traditions. In fact, thanks to the inhabitants, the Hawaiian dialect of Niihau is kept alive.
The census shows that About 300 people reside there, but the reality is that most families spend their time on Kauai, where there are more resources, while on the island about 30-50 people remain, more the robinson family that is settled in the territory and share blood ties with some of the inhabitants.
Sunset on the island of Kauai with Niihau on the horizon
HOW TO VISIT THE FORBIDDEN ISLAND OF NIIHAU
Without hotels, roads or means of transport (there are only horses), spending the night in Niihau is an absolutely impossible and forbidden mission.
The Robinson family has made u n titanic effort so that the island does not fall into the clutches of the most curious fortunes, fueled by the mysteries surrounding Niihau. Thanks to these efforts, the island has remained intact over the centuries.
The acronym for "forbidden island" was not extended until 1952 , at which time a polio epidemic occurred in the Hawaiian Islands. The Robinson family prohibited the entry of anyone who did not have a medical certificate.
Even those who had one had to remain isolated for 15 days before being able to enter. The blockade turned out to be a complete success, because Niihau managed to avoid the epidemic that so severely affected the sister islands.
Niihau impassive in the background
Tired of constantly receiving requests, the Robinsons decided to allow controlled travel to Hawaii's most pristine island. Now they redirect all the requests that come to them directly to a tour agency.
The price is almost a quarter of what the Robinsons' great-grandmother paid the Hawaiian king: $2,600 for a private flight or $465 per person (but a minimum of 5 members is required) .
However, the journey is fast. Is about a helicopter tour organized by Niihau Helicopters departing from the island of Kauai (located about 28 km from Niihau) and landing on one of the virgin beaches of the destination. The final beach depends on the wind conditions that day.
Map of Niihau, 1904
To be part of this adventure you need to send a request with enough time for it to be processed and confirmed. The helicopter departs from the small town of Kaumakani, near Waimea, Kauai, and takes a historical tour of Niihau, but at no time does it fly over the village where the Niihau natives live.
In this rushed trip you will not be able to come into contact with the inhabitants of the island or with the Robinsons. Before you will be the wildest nature of Hawaii, including many endangered species who have found in Niihau their last hope of survival, as the “monk” seal
You will have at your disposal three and a half hours to snorkel, take a bath and contemplate one of the most isolated corners of the world.
Is about a unique experience, full of pure Hawaiian nature, crystal clear waters and silence. The Robinsons have managed to keep for more than a century and a half the promise their great-grandmother made to the Hawaiian king and This is how it will continue to be for the rest of the generations.
Elizabeth Sinclair, the Scottish widow who bought Niihau