MONK SEAL   although totally protected, remain one of the most endangered of all seals.  It is estimated that fewer than 1500 Hawaiian monk seals exist today. The Hawaiian monk seal was officially designated endangered November 23, 1976.

 

Kauai, Niihau and Kaula are the eroded emergent portions of three shield volcanoes that stand in 2000 fathoms (12000 feet) of water. The Kaulakahi channel separating Kauai from Niihau is 600 fathoms (3600 ft) in depth. This island is not in the wave shadow of any other large island and thus is exposed to full impact of large ocean swell from all directions.

The island is closed to the public, so there is no recreational visitor industry. Private boats, commercial fishermen and dive charters occasionally visit the reefs, but visitors are not allowed to come ashore. Spectacular dive spots exist in the area around the NW portion of Niihau and Lehua Island. Vertical walls plunge to great depths, with clear water and abundant fish life. Pelagic fish such as tuna can be observed swimming close to the vertical walls. Pinnacles, caves and other features provide interesting places to explore. Black coral is abundant and occurs as shallow as 90-feet off the north end of Niihau. Some excellent diving locations exist at the SE tip of the island, but strong currents can occur in this area.

            

 

 

The population of approximately 230 residents is largely of Hawaiian ancestry. The primary language of the island is Hawaiian. Niihau is the only community that uses the Hawaiian language with an unbroken tradition since before western contact. This core of manaleo (native first language speakers) is a valuable cultural resource, especially since there is renewed interest in reviving the Hawaiian language in communities throughout the state. Leis made locally from "Niihau Shells" are treasured cultural items

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Niihau, June 2005