Ni?ihau

Niihau ( German: Niihau ), the "Forbidden Island", is a largely untouched by tourism small island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is located since 1864 in private ownership when it was purchased for ten thousand dollars.

The island covers only 180 square kilometers. With the Halulu Lake, however, Niihau holds the largest lake in the entire archipelago.

Population

On Niihau currently living (as of 2000) around 160 people - predominantly Polynesian. My main occupation is animal husbandry and the cultivation of cane, from which mats are woven. The Niihau Ranch is owned by the families Robinson and Gray.

Population growth from 1850 to 1896:

Census results since 1900:

Sources:

Since Aylmer Robinson was very anxious to get the original Hawaiian lifestyle, entering the island is still not permitted without explicit permission.

Economy and Politics

There is no money in circulation. Liquor or cigarettes are also frowned upon. Who is in debt, paid with shells.

Although the island is officially managed by Kauai from, there are no official representatives of the administration and doctors, priests or police. Nor is a stream network. However, some islanders use generators. There is also a Macintosh computer in the school building, which is powered by solar energy. There is now also a helicopter on the island.

According to an unwritten law may, anyone who has ever left the island, never to return. Meanwhile, however, is the strict isolationism been relaxed somewhat and there are, of Kauai, not just helicopter overflights, but also half- day trips by staying at a secluded beach offered. However, a contact with the villagers seem to be not possible.

Nature

Puukole is a small rock (70 by 35 meters), about 275 meters northwest of the Puukole Point, the northernmost point of the island. 1100 meters before Puukole Point lies the island Lehua. 34.4 km south west of Keelinawi Point on the southwest coast Niihaus lies the island Kaula. The two rocky volcanic islands are bird sanctuaries and may not or only conditionally be entered.

Gallery

Northeastern coastal cliff Niihaus