Mystery Island
There is one Hawaiian island that I’ve never visited, and that I will most likely never step foot on. It’s the same island that you’ve never visited, nor will you probably ever walk on. It’s Ni’ihau, and one reason I’m pretty sure you or I won’t ever find ourselves there is because it’s also called The Forbidden Island.
Ni’ihau is a small island seventeen miles off the Kaua’i coast. It’s spectacular, at least from the boat I was on. So was the snorkeling.
The trip across the Kalakahi Channel is pretty long, but it’s worth it. Even if you don’t snorkel, you’re likely to see dolphins, turtles, and whales (in season) on the way there. You’ll catch an abundant eyeful of fish if you do get into the water just off-shore, and if you’re lucky, the monk seals who live there may give you a swim-by.
Life on the island is reported to be a lot as it was a hundred years ago. Not only are its citizens invited native Hawaiians, but Hawaiian is the everyday language spoken. There are no modern services on the island, and it’s so private that a very large, very serious Hawaiian personally escorts intruders off of the premises–legend has it. Simply because of its mystery, I’m beyond fascinated by what life may be like there. So if you have any sources of information on Ni’ihau, please pass them along. I’m all ears.
Image by Jody Reale
5 Comments
Wow! I had no idea there was a Forbidden Island. It’s fascinating that they are continuing “traditional” Hawaiian life.
I applaud them, and hope people don’t bother them.
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