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[edit] Niihau

Niʻihau is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, having an area of 69.5 square miles (180 km²). Known as the "Forbidden Isle", Niihau lies 17.5 miles (28 km) across the Kaʻulakahi Channel, southwest of Kauaʻi. The island is home to Lake Halulu, the only natural lake of Hawaii.

Owned by Keith Robinson and Bruce Robinson, the island has been privately owned since 1864. As a result, Niʻihau is generally off-limits to all but relatives of the island's owners, U.S. Navy personnel, government officials, and invited guests. The island is famous as the location for the Niihau Incident, in which a Japanese fighter pilot crashed on the island and terrorized its residents during World War II. Commercially, the people of Niihau are known internationally for their gemlike shell lei craftsmanship. _{For the full article, click here.}