Niihau is located in the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific Ocean, west of Kauai. It lies near Lehua Islet and is situated at approximately 21.9000° N latitude and 160.1500° W longitude.
Niihau Location Map
Google Map of Niihau, Hawaii, United States
About Niihau
Niihau is located in the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific Ocean and is part of the U.S. state of Hawaii. The island lies west of Kauai and north of the island of Niihau’s smaller neighbor, Lehua, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Geographically, Niihau is situated at approximately 21.9000° North latitude and 160.1500° West longitude. It is separated from Kauai by the Kaulakahi Channel and has no public ferry service. Nearby locations include Kauai to the east and Lehua Islet to the north, making Niihau one of the most isolated inhabited islands in Hawaii.
According to U.S. Census data, Niihau has a very small population of fewer than 100 residents. The island covers a total land area of about 69.5 square miles (180 square kilometers).
Niihau is best known for its privately owned status, preservation of traditional Hawaiian culture, and limited outside access. The island has remained largely undeveloped, with residents maintaining a subsistence lifestyle and strong cultural traditions.
Niihau Island Facts
| Island Name | Niihau |
| Native Names | Niihau (Hawaiian) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Continent | North America |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Kauai County |
| Location | Pacific Ocean, west of Kauaʻi in the Hawaiian Islands |
| Coordinates | Approx. 21.90° N, 160.15° W |
| Area | Approximately 69.5 sq mi (180 Sq Km) |
| Length | About 18 miles (29 km) |
| Width | About 6 miles (10 km) |
| Highest Point | Mount Paniau - 1,281 ft (390 m) |
| Population | Approx. 70-100 residents |
| Administrative Status | Privately owned island within the State of Hawaii |
| Ownership | Robinson family (private ownership) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Calling / Area Code | 808 |
| ZIP Code | 96752 (Kauaʻi - mail services) |
| Time Zone | Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone - UTC -10 (no daylight saving) |
| Climate | Semi-arid to tropical climate |
| Geography | Low-elevation volcanic island with dry plains and cliffs |
| Famous Landmark | Lehua Crater (nearby volcanic islet) |
| Flora & Fauna | Native seabirds, monk seals, limited vegetation |
| Tourist Activities | Restricted access; limited cultural visits and helicopter tours |
| Access | Private aircraft or boats only (permission required) |
| Famous For | Private ownership, preservation of Hawaiian language and culture |
Attractions in Niihau, Hawaii
- Niihau Beaches - Pristine and largely untouched beaches known for clear waters and natural beauty.
- Traditional Hawaiian Culture - The island is renowned for preserving Hawaiian language, customs, and way of life.
- Niihau Shell Leis - Exquisite, hand-crafted shell leis considered among the most valuable in Hawaii.
- Polihale Channel Views - Coastal viewpoints offering distant sights of Kauai across the channel.
- Native Wildlife Habitats - Undeveloped landscapes supporting seabirds and native species.
- Historic Villages - Small settlements reflecting traditional Hawaiian community living.
- Cultural Stewardship Lands - Privately protected areas emphasizing conservation and heritage preservation.
- Remote Island Scenery - Sweeping plains and volcanic terrain rarely seen by the public.
- Traditional Fishing Grounds - Coastal areas historically used for sustainable Hawaiian fishing practices.
- Undisturbed Night Skies - Exceptionally dark skies ideal for stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
Distance from Niihau to Hawaii Cities
- Puʻuwai, Niihau - 0 km (0 miles)
- Lihue, Kauai - 55 km (34 miles)
- Kapaa, Kauai - 65 km (40 miles)
- Waimea, Kauai - 45 km (28 miles)
- Honolulu, Oahu - 300 km (186 miles)
- Kapolei, Oahu - 315 km (196 miles)
- Kahului, Maui - 365 km (227 miles)
- Wailuku, Maui - 370 km (230 miles)
- Hilo, Hawaii Island - 565 km (351 miles)
- Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island - 520 km (323 miles)
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