While the Hawaiian Islands are comprised of countless small islets and atolls stretching more than 1,500 miles, there are eight major islands, six of which are typically easy to visit for both Hawaii residents and tourists alike. Two of those islands, however, are virtually impossible to visit. As a privately owned island, most people will never experience the wondrous beauty that is the island of Niihau — including its spectacular beaches. 

The island of Niihau is not only the westernmost and seventh-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, but it is a place of unmatched natural beauty. Measuring in at just 69 square miles, the island is home to several stunning beaches.
Polihale/Wikipedia
Also known as the “Forbidden Isle,” the island is generally off-limits to everyone but relatives of the island’s owners, United States Navy personnel, government officials, and invited guests.
Polihale/Wikipedia
Because of this, most people will never set foot on any of Niihau’s stunning stretches of fine, white sand. There is one way for the average person to experience the mystery that is this small, dry island, though: a helicopter tour with Niihau Helicopters, Inc.
U.S. Pacific Fleet/Flickr

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The company offers half-day tours departing from Kauai that begin with an aerial tour of Niihau aboard an executive class, Agusta 109A twin-engine helicopter.
Christopher P. Becker/Wikipedia
After an aerial adventure featuring second to none views, guests will land on a secluded beach and enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing with the island’s monk seal residents, beachcombing for shells, and swimming with tropical reef fish in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Michelle/Flickr
The tours are expensive, but if Niihau is on your bucket list, it’s the only way — and wow, oh wow, are those beaches worth it.
Luv Duck/Flickr

For more information about Niihau Helicopters, Inc. and to schedule a tour for yourself, visit their website. Have you ever daydreamed about a visit to the forbidden island of Niihau? For another unique glimpse into the history of this small island, click here to read about what is often referred to as the “Niihau Incident.”

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