Niihau or Nihue Hawaii
History of Niihau
Niihau Island Hawaii
Nihauu has an interesting history. In 1778, Captain Cook stepped onto the sandy shores of Nihauu only two weeks after discovering Hawaii. According to Captain Cook's log, the island was sparsely populated and barren. When Captain Cook left Nihauu, he also left behind two goats which came to devastate the natural flora and fauna. His men also left behind remnants of Western Society that was completely undesirable. Syphilis.
Later Nihauu was purchased by a Scottish Widow, Elizabeth Sinclair, in 1864. The island was purchased from King Kamehameha V for $10,000. Elizabeth Sinclairs donation to the island were New Zealand sheep.
Geography of Niihau
Niihau is smallest inhabited island in Hawaii. The island is 18 miles long and six miles wide and its closest inhabited neighbour is Kauai. Niihau is home to the largest lake in Hawaii, Halalii Lake.
The main settlement on Niihau is Puuwai which has around 230 residents. One of the natural features of the island are the shells or pupu which can be found washed up on the beaches of Niihau. These provide the residents of Niihau with an income as the shells are turned into Niihau Shell Leis which are handcrafted and are the most sought after Leis in Hawaii.
General Information of Niihau
Niihau is nicknamed the "Forbidden Island" as it was closed to outsiders for many years. Niihau is a step back in time with no paved roads, airport, electriciy or telephones. Niihau is a native Hawaiian preserve and the primary language is still Hawaiian. Although Niihau was closed to the outside world, the current owners of the island now provide helicopter tours and safaris to the island. Nihauu, The Forbidden Island.Climate in Niihau
Niihau is a fairly arid island as it does not have the height to capture the Trade Winds rainfall. This causes Niihau to suffer from periods of drought which can force the inhabitants to the nearby islands.
The weather in Niihau today is: