On Niihau, nothingness is everything

By Jade Eckardt / Special to the Star-Advertiser

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 09, 2012

~~<p>The clouds cleared and Niihau's cliffs burst into view as we hovered over the nearly 4,000-foot-deep Kaulakahi Channel looking for whales. A red light on the helicopter's control panel flashed and beeped, only adding to my excitement for exploring the not entirely "forbidden island."</p>
<p>Niihau's reputation as a place for residents only is slightly misleading. Contrary to popular belief, Niihau's pristine waters, beaches and interior can be enjoyed by outsiders wanting to relax on empty beaches and snorkel in waters bursting with sea life.</p>
<table width="50%" align="right" class="infoboxright_table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>NIIHAU HELICOPTERS AND NIIHAU SAFARIS</h4>
<strong>» Tours:</strong> Half-day excursions are $385 per person with a minimum of five per tour. Group, special tours and charter rates also are available.
~~

The clouds cleared and Niihau's cliffs burst into view as we hovered over the nearly 4,000-foot-deep Kaulakahi Channel looking for whales. A red light on the helicopter's control panel flashed and beeped, only adding to my excitement for exploring the not entirely "forbidden island."

Niihau's reputation as a place for residents only is slightly misleading. Contrary to popular belief, Niihau's pristine waters, beaches and interior can be enjoyed by outsiders wanting to relax on empty beaches and snorkel in waters bursting with sea life. NIIHAU HELICOPTERS AND NIIHAU SAFARIS » Tours: Half-day excursions are $385 per person with a minimum of five per tour. Group, special tours and charter rates also are available. Login for more...