Niʻihau and the Robinsons

As stewards of Niʻihau, the Robinsons have upheld Sinclair’s original promise, implementing strong measures to shield the island from outside influences. Tourism and development are severely restricted, allowing the island’s natural flora and fauna to thrive. Niʻihau has no roads, running water or Internet. While the Robinsons import some basic necessities from Kauaʻi, residents still primarily earn their livelihood by hunting, fishing and foraging. Niʻihau is also the only community in the world where the majority of residents still speak native Hawaiian.

The integrity of this way of life has occasionally come under threat. In 1970, Hawaiian governor John Burns launched a failed campaign to acquire Niʻihau and transform it into a state-managed nature preserve. Over time, the rising cost of maintaining the island has forced the family to allow some tourism. A limited number of visitors can now come to Niʻihau via helicopter tours or animal safaris, although they are prohibited from interacting with the inhabitants. Island life has modernized to some degree; many homes now use generators or solar panels to produce electricity, and residents regularly come and go from the island for work or travel. 

The Robinson’s ownership has also sparked controversy over the years. Although residents adjudicate disputes among themselves, the family establishes the island’s regulations, with little input from the community. Major decisions, such as changes to the school’s curriculum, can be subject to the family’s approval. Alcohol and tobacco use is forbidden, and the Robinsons reserve the right to evict any resident. Such strictures have led some critics to argue that the family’s control over community life represents a form of neo-colonialism. 

Even as the Robinsons remain committed to preserving Niʻihau’s unique culture, the future of the island is uncertain. By 2020, according to U.S. census data, Ni’ihau’s population had fallen to 84. While the island’s governance by Westerners is problematic in numerous respects, many observers contend that the status quo is better than allowing the island to become part of Hawaii — only to be absorbed into mainstream society. For the inhabitants of Ni’ihau, continuing to follow their kahiki, which has existed since long before the first settlers arrived on their shores, might be worth the cost to their autonomy.

Contributors: Maha Tazi, Stephen Meyer