Kentucky Christian University's Virtual Vacation to Hawaii

Ni'ihau

Niʻihau anglicized as Niihau is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii. It is 17.5 miles southwest of Kauaʻi across the Kaulakahi Channel. A privately owned island with an estimated 170 residents, Niihau, commonly referred to as Hawaii’s “Forbidden Island,” is an invite-only destination that tantalizes travelers from across the globe due to its extreme exclusivity.

Situated approximately 18 miles northwest of Kauai, Niihau extends five miles and has been privately owned for more than 150 years. While Hawaii’s Forbidden Island remains closed to the public, the reasons why might come as a surprise. A hint: It’s not because you have to be rich and famous to visit the island. Quite the contrary, Niihau's owners are upholding a promise made to a former Hawaiian king to protect the island from the outside world and to maintain the island’s beloved Hawaiian heritage. 

While some may consider it a modern-day nightmare and others view it as a peaceful utopian society, Niihau has rejected the use of today’s technologies and survives without electricity, running water, internet, shops, restaurants, paved roads, cars, or hotels.

Electricity on the Forbidden Island is produced by the sun or a generator, as opposed to an electric utility. There are few to no cars on the island, and most people get around by bike or on foot.