Niʻihau
Niʻihau is a private Hawaiian island known as the Forbidden Isle — accessible only by special arrangements and preserved as a private native reserve.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Pacific |
| Subregion | Hawaiʻi |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Kauai County |
| District | Niʻihau district |
| City | Niʻihau |
| Timezone | PacificHonolulu |
| Latitude | 21.9 |
| Longitude | -159.583 |
| Maps |
4:14 PM LOCAL TIMENiʻihau sits about 17 miles northwest of Kauaʻi in the Hawaiian Islands and covers approximately 72 km². Often called the Forbidden Isle, it remains largely untouched by tourism; access is tightly controlled by the island's private landowners. The island's residents speak ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian) as their first language, and traditional practices like fishing and subsistence farming continue. Visitors are generally limited to guided tours or services arranged in advance, and overnight stays are rare and typically restricted to residents and approved visitors. The landscape features dry, sagebrush-dominated terrain transitioning towards more lush, volcanic rainforests near the coastal areas—think steep bluffs, isolated beaches, and clear shallow bays. _______ nearby settlements are absent; the island is navigated primarily via boat or helicopter. Travelers keen on cultural immersion and remote landscapes should seek guided experiences and respect local access policies.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM