Things To Know Before Visiting Hawaii - Travel Guide
In 1864, a Scottish farmer bought the island from the Kingdom of Hawaii. Ownership of the island remains in the hands of her descendants, the Robinson family. Nearly all of the permanent residents are native Hawaiians who live rent-free, with horses and bicycles as the primary form of transportation (there are no paved roads). Locals are known for their lei pūpū: intricate and delicate shell jewelry. Half-day helicopter tours of the island became available in 1987, but contact with locals is forbidden and there are no hotels. For those looking to get a glimpse of a truly insulated place, Ni’ihau is just the ticket.
