Hawaii Vacations: Niihau Island Vacations
With your tour guide,
Anne P. Mitchell
| Summary: Looking for a secluded and private Hawaii island tour? A Niihau island tour offers the most exclusive and private Hawaii island tour around! |
Looking for a secluded and private Hawaii island vacation? The island of Niihau (pronounced n’hou), also known as “the forbidden” island, is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, measuring only 70 square miles. Because this island is privately owned, access to certain areas is highly restricted. You won’t find scooter rentals, hotels and unlimited access to most beaches here. But you will find excellent opportunities to scuba dive, whale watch or explore by sailboat or helicopter. You will also find an island rich with history and that stays true to the Hawaiian culture.
The Island of Niihau was purchased for $10,000 from King Kamehameha IV in the late 1800s, by a resident of the Island, Elizabeth Sinclair. Her intention was to preserve the island by protecting it from modern influences as King Kamehameha did. Today, the island is owned and run by descendants of Sinclair, the Robinson Family and it is reportedly worth more than $100 million. Because Niihau is privately owned, touring and chartering companies must request permission from the Robinson family to tour certain parts of the island, as it still remains unspoiled by the outside world.
There is no electricity, although some homes may have generators, no fancy plumbing, no paved roads, telephones, accommodations or tourist attractions. Niihau is one of the last places on earth where the Hawaiian language is spoken almost exclusively. The majority of the islands 200+ residents work on the island and they hunt for or grow their own food. The natives are free to visit and explore the other islands. The closest island, Kauai, is approximately 17 miles away.
Because the island is remote and private, the best ways to see Niihau are with a diving or helicopter tour. While there is wonderful diving, if you’re interested in diving around Niihau keep in mind that diving here is only for highly skilled and advanced divers. If you want to dive in the waters surrounding Niihau, you must be in excellent shape, extremely adventurous and you should train for it, literally. Bubbles Below, Scuba Charters Inc. Kauai Hawaii, offers dive charters to Niihau (May through September only). During the rough two hour journey, divers will come in contact with the Hawaiian Monk Seal, which is classified as an endangered species, a variety of whales such as sperm whales, pilot whales and killer whales, and a variety of dolphins, sharks and other sea life.
Divers will also have the opportunity to navigate through massive underwater caverns and reefs with a marine guide. Dives are typically 3-tank dives (all day) beginning at 6:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The cost is around $260 and the price includes tanks, transportation, lunch, snacks, drinks, computer and guide. Visit www.bubblesbelowkauai.com for further information or reservations.
Another way to explore the island is by helicopter. Helicopter tours are typically half day tours. One popular Hawaii touring company is Niihau Helicopters, Inc. Makaweli, HI. 877-441-3500. Visitors can take an aerial tour of the island and the touring company will arrange for a landing on one of the private beaches (usually North Coast, Nanina) where guests can relax on the beach for a few hours or have lunch. Chances are visitors to the island won’t come in contact with any natives. Helicopter tours are not allowed over Pu’uwai village, which is where the residents live. Tours are offered from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. six days a week for around $250 per person, based on small groups of 4-5 people. For more information visit the Niihau Helicopters, Inc. website at www.niihau.us.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, the most expensive shells in the world can be found on the beaches of Niihau. Don’t expect to obtain access to them though. Selling Niihau shells and shell leis provides a steady source of income to the island as they are the only shells in the world currently classified as gems. You may find Niihau shells and shell leis for sale on nearby Kauai or possibly other Hawaiian islands, but be prepared to pay three to four figures for these lustrous jewels.
If you’re looking for a beautiful Hawaiian island that’s off the beaten path and filled with excitement, history, culture and adventure, Niihau is definitely the island for you.
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