Ni’ihau: Hawaii’s ‘Forbidden Island’

For most people, Hawaii is associated with white sandy beaches, luaus, tan surfers, and a laidback lifestyle. But outside of the popular tourist destinations like Honolulu, Oahu, and Maui, there is an island that most people don’t even know exists.

Located 17 miles off the west coast of Kauai lies the island of Ni’ihau, better known as The Forbidden Isle. The island has mysteriously been “protected” from outsiders since the 1800s. Read on to find out what they are hiding, and to learn about Ni’ihau’s fascinating history.

Ni’ihau Is An Island Stuck In Time

Stuck In Time

The island of Ni’ihau might have the same beautiful, sandy shores as Hawaii but you will never get to touch them. The island has had little to no contact with the outside world and today, it looks as though it is stuck in time. The islanders there live the same as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago, hunting and fishing to survive.

The only reason it has become preserved is thanks to a woman named Elizabeth McHutchenson and a strange deal made in the 1800s.