No one is allowed to land on Niihau unless you are a resident of the island, a member of the Robinson family, or an invited guest. The Robinson family permits helicopter tours, but contact between the visitors and natives is not allowed. Fishermen and sailors may visit the island by sea, but are not able to land.

Yes, there is an island in Hawaii that is generally restricted to Native Hawaiians and is not open to the general public. It’s called Niihau (often called “The Forbidden Isle”).

Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Niihau: The Forbidden Isle

• Ownership: The island is privately owned by the Robinson family (descendants of the Sinclair/Robinson family who purchased it from the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1864).
• Access Policy: Access is extremely limited. The primary residents are Native Hawaiians, and the island is maintained to preserve Hawaiian language and culture. There are no public facilities, hotels, or paved roads.
• Who Can Go:
  1. Full-time residents, who are almost exclusively of Native Hawaiian ancestry.
  2. Invited guests of the owners or residents (such as family members, US Navy personnel, or selected researchers).
  3. Participants in very limited, supervised tours. These are typically half-day helicopter or hunting tours that land on a remote beach or the shoreline. Tourists are not allowed to interact with the village or residents without explicit permission.

So, while it’s not accurate to say only Hawaiians can go, it is a place where access is controlled to protect the privacy and lifestyle of its Native Hawaiian community. The general public, including non-Native Hawaiian residents of Hawaii and tourists, cannot freely visit or settle there.

Important Cultural Note: Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians)

When discussing access, it’s crucial to distinguish: Hawaiians: This can refer to any resident of the State of Hawaii.