Hawaii
Wow!
Niihau is 'Forbidden Island'
Shell out for a lei
Niihau doesn't have flowers like the other Hawaiian islands.
So instead of flower leis, the tradition on Niihau has been leis made of highly prized tiny sea shells.
And they aren't cheap -- from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)
Niihau doesn't have flowers like the other Hawaiian islands.
So instead of flower leis, the tradition on Niihau has been leis made of highly prized tiny sea shells.
And they aren't cheap -- from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)
You've heard of Swiss Family Robinson. Well meet Bruce and Keith Family Robinson, the owners of the entire island. But don't try to meet the people of the island.
That's forbidden. In fact, Niihau is commonly known as "Forbidden Island."
It all started when Robinson ancestors bought Niihau in 1864 for $10,000 after turning down the chance to buy Waikiki.
In 1915, another Robinson decided to close the island to preserve the traditional ways of Hawaii. No outsiders, not even the relatives of the Hawaiians, could visit without permission. Fat chance of getting it.
Today, the 160 or so mostly pure-blooded residents speak Hawaiian as their main language, hunt with knives and ropes, and fish with spears and nets. They get around with horses and bicycles.
Face it, your fanny packs, plaid shorts and black socks would not be a welcome sight. But there is a way to get your fanny over there.
The Robinsons now allow limited helicopter tours that plop you on a beach. Or you can go on a hunting safari. The tour money maintains the helicopter, which was bought for medical emergencies. Boat tours stay offshore.
They islanders are not totally isolated. In times of drought, they are evacuated to Kauai, which is 18 miles away. Some also go to Kauai for health care, work and school. By the way, that's where the Robinsons live.
That's forbidden. In fact, Niihau is commonly known as "Forbidden Island."
It all started when Robinson ancestors bought Niihau in 1864 for $10,000 after turning down the chance to buy Waikiki.
In 1915, another Robinson decided to close the island to preserve the traditional ways of Hawaii. No outsiders, not even the relatives of the Hawaiians, could visit without permission. Fat chance of getting it.
Today, the 160 or so mostly pure-blooded residents speak Hawaiian as their main language, hunt with knives and ropes, and fish with spears and nets. They get around with horses and bicycles.
Face it, your fanny packs, plaid shorts and black socks would not be a welcome sight. But there is a way to get your fanny over there.
The Robinsons now allow limited helicopter tours that plop you on a beach. Or you can go on a hunting safari. The tour money maintains the helicopter, which was bought for medical emergencies. Boat tours stay offshore.
They islanders are not totally isolated. In times of drought, they are evacuated to Kauai, which is 18 miles away. Some also go to Kauai for health care, work and school. By the way, that's where the Robinsons live.
