Ni'ihau Lookout, Kauai

Waimea Canyon, West Kauai

The island of Ni'ihau lies 17 mile off the west coast of Kauai. This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep compeltely to themselves. The island is 18 miles long by 5 miles wide - 90 square miles. It is mostly barren with no steams or rivers. The residents work on the cattle and sheep ranch of the Robinsons who own the entire island. On clear days, one of the best views of Ni'ihau is from the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout on Waimea Canyon Drive. Visitors are not permitted on the island, however, special hunting, scuba diving, and helicopter trips are now being offered.

Directions:

To reach Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, take Highway 50 west from Hanapepe to Highway 560 at Mile Marker #23. Turn right on Waimea Canyon Road. The lookout is near Mile Marker #13. Views of Ni'ihau vary with weather conditions.

Useful Information:

Best views are from lookouts along Waimea Canyon Road

General access to the island is prohibited