Who Owns A Hawaiian Island

Ever dreamed of owning your own island? Well, grab a cup of coffee and let's chat about one of Hawaii's islands, Niihau, because its story might just surprise you!

Niihau: The Forgotten Island

Niihau, known as the "Forgotten Island," is the westernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. It's a tiny speck in the vast Pacific, about 17 miles long and 6 miles wide. You might think it's a bustling tourist spot, but no, Niihau is different. It's private, and it's been that way for over a century.

Imagine having a secret hideaway, where time seems to stand still. That's Niihau for you. It's like that cozy corner in your home, where you can escape the world's noise and just be. But who gets to enjoy this slice of paradise?

Meet the Robinsons

In 1864, King Kamehameha IV gifted Niihau to Scottish businessman Scott Alexander. Fast forward to 1880, Alexander sold the island to a man named Aubrey Robinson. And here's where it gets interesting - the Robinsons have owned Niihau ever since!

Now, Aubrey's great-grandson, Bruce Robinson, and his family are the current caretakers. They're not some distant, unapproachable bunch. They're just like you and me, except they live on an island. Bruce even runs a small store on Niihau, selling supplies to the island's residents. Talk about a unique family business!

Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, "That's nice, but why should I care about who owns Niihau?" Well, let me tell you, it's not just about ownership. It's about preservation, culture, and a unique way of life.

Niihau is a living museum of old Hawaii. It's one of the few places where the Hawaiian language is still spoken daily. The island's residents live traditionally, using ancient fishing techniques and growing their own food. It's like stepping back in time, and that's something worth preserving.

Maps of the Big Island of Hawaii – Hawaiian Isle Real Estate

Think about your favorite childhood toy. Remember how it was special because it was yours, and yours alone? Niihau is like that toy for the Robinsons. They've taken care of it for generations, and they want to keep it that way. They're not looking to turn it into a tourist hotspot or a real estate goldmine. They just want to keep Niihau as it is - a place where Hawaiian culture can thrive, untouched by the modern world.

Can You Visit Niihau?

Now, you might be wondering if you can visit Niihau. The answer is yes, but with a twist. The Robinsons welcome visitors, but they ask that you respect their way of life. You can't just drop by unannounced. You need to arrange a visit through the Niihau Island Resort, and even then, you'll need to follow their guidelines.

It's like being invited to a friend's house for dinner. You wouldn't just show up without calling first, would you? And once you're there, you'd respect their home and their rules. That's what visiting Niihau is like. It's a privilege, not a right.

Why We Should Care

So, why should we care who owns Niihau? Because it's a story of preservation, of respecting the past, and of letting a unique culture thrive. It's a reminder that not everything needs to be developed, not everything needs to change. Sometimes, it's okay to let things be.

Next time you're feeling stressed, imagine Niihau. Imagine a place where time moves slower, where people live simply, and where the past is still very much alive. That's why we should care about Niihau. Because it's a beacon of what we could have, if only we let things be.