Niiahu - The Forbidden Island

Niihau, a.k.a. "The Forbidden Island" lies about 17 miles off of the western coast of Kauai. Is called "The Forbidden Island" because it is privately owned and primarily inhabited by Hawaiian people and it can only be visited by Hawaiians and by invitation only. The diving there actually takes place off its northern coast around a smaller island by the name of Lehua. Lehua itself is a nature preserve so you aren't allowed to set foot on it either without special permission. Fortunately, we don't need special permission to dive around it, just a dive operation willing to take us and show us around.

We chose to make the trip with our friends at Seasport again who, as always, did a fantastic job. Do to the distance and the sometimes rough channel between Niihau and Kauai, I would recommend an operator with a lager boat. It can be a rough crossing at times and smaller operations tend to cancel their trips more often because of sea conditions. Charters for diving are usually only available May through October and only a couple of days a week during the season, so if you want to go, plan and reserve before you get there.

This trip starts early, 6:30am, takes a couple of hours to get there. It's a 3 tank dive with lunch and snacks included, then a couple of hours to get home, usually between 4pm and 5pm, so plan on making a day of it. It is recommended for intermediate to advanced divers only.

It's a lot of fun and in my opinion, some of the best diving anywhere in the Islands, hands down. If you get a chance, I recommend not passing up this adventure!