Aerial view of Ni’ihau Island

Forbidden Fruit Is Always Sweeter: Here’s Why You Should Journey to Niihau – the Forbidden Island in Hawaii

It might be called the Forbidden Isle, but one thing is for sure – you can visit the island of Niʻihau.

This mysteriously exquisite island not only has a rich history but also offers rich memories that you will cherish forever. So, if you are visiting Hawaii, here’s why you must journey to Niʻihau as well.

Travel Back in Time

Time stands still on Niʻihau because this island that stretches over 18 miles in length and six miles in width, is inhabited by merely 200 people, or perhaps fewer.

Here, you will not see any paved roads or commercial buildings let alone luxurious beach resorts. But the place exudes natural beauty and is a wonder to behold despite its simplicity.

Niihau Tour
A group of villagers at Puʻuwai Beach settlement, Niʻihau in 1885. Photograph taken by Francis Sinclair, son of Elizabeth McHutchison Sinclair. (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Explore the Mysteries

Niʻihau offers you an experience of a lifetime because it features tourists attractions that are rarely seen elsewhere. In fact, the artisan trade of Niʻihau jewelry practiced by the natives is truly unique to this tropical locale.

Because the island is mostly untouched by human activity, wildlife continues to thrive and flourish in Niʻihau. You are likely to observe reef sharks swimming freely, as well as Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles surfing the waves.

Niʻihau Airplane Tour
View of the rugged cliffs of windward Niʻihau (the northeastern shore) – Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Niihau Airplane Tour – For Moments that are Worthwhile

The only way you can set foot on Niʻihau is if you are invited by one of the two brothers (descendants of Sinclair’s) who currently own the island – but wait, that’s not all.

Times have changed. Although the rule still applies, there are some avenues through which you can witness the splendor of this island in person.

First, you can book an airplane tour around Niʻihau that provides an aerial view of the island. It is included with Ali’i Air Tours Kauai Air Tour. The Pilot narrates the entire tour which educates you about the history and sacred myths of the Forbidden Island. You will experience the majestic sea cliffs on the western shoreline as well as the salt ponds on the east and not to forget the “Blue Lagoons” on the southern shore. There are less than 200 people that live on this special little island in the Pacific.

Alternately, you can book a boat trip from Kauaʻi for a closer look at the isolated beauty. Not only is this less costly, but is also includes scuba diving and snorkeling at the pristine beaches.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab this golden opportunity to visit Niʻihau – the forbidden land now!

Click to book our Niihau Airplane Tour.

Back To Top