Nicknamed "the Forbidden Island," Niihau is largely off-limits to visitors; it is completely owned by the Robinson family, who purchased it from King Kamehameha IV in the 1860s. The island is home to about 200 native Hawaiians who live a very traditional lifestyle. The economic mainstays are raising cattle, kiawe-wood charcoal and making Niihau-shell leis (a beautiful, if expensive, alternative to a flower lei).
Unless you have a special invitation from a resident, there's only one way to set foot on the island—by taking Niihau Helicopters' tour that departs from Kauai. It allows you to view many parts of the island from the air and makes a stop on the northern end (well away from where Niihauans live—contact between residents and visitors is not encouraged). The entire tour lasts almost four hours. Private hunting expeditions are also offered. For more information, call 877-441-3500 or visit http://www.niihau.us. There are also fishing and dive tours from Kauai that approach the shores of the island but don't make landfall. We recommend visiting Niihau only if you've seen all of the other parts of Hawaii or have a personal invitation. Given the restrictions, you'll only get a very superficial look at the island.
