Plongée à Niihau — United States

Niihau, Hawaii's privately owned 'Forbidden Island,' offers some of the clearest water in Hawaii with visibility regularly exceeding 40 metres. Access is strictly limited to boat trips from Kauai, keeping the reefs pristine and monk seal encounters common. The price tag is steep, but the exclusivity is unmatched.

Score
66.3
Visibilité
20–50m
Température
22–27°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
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Niihau
United StatesNorth America
66.3

SCORE

21.9000°N

-160.1700°E

Niihau, Hawaii's privately owned 'Forbidden Island,' offers some of the clearest water in Hawaii with visibility regularly exceeding 40 metres. Access is strictly limited to boat trips from Kauai, keeping the reefs pristine and monk seal encounters common. The price tag is steep, but the exclusivity is unmatched.

The Forbidden Island's Pristine Waters

Visibility20–50 m
Temperature22–27°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentstrong
2-Tank Dive$350
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationAdvanced Open WaterAdvanced

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML82.0CH78.0VIS90.0SV55.0TMP78.0DA65.0OP82.0TS35.0GT30.0VAL30.0CRD98.0SP72.0

Marine Life

82.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
72
Megafauna Encounters
85
Reef Fish Abundance
82
Macro Life
55
Endemic Species
92
Marine Life Diversity
82.0
Coral & Reef Health
78.0
Visibility & Conditions
90.0
Dive Site Variety
55.0
Water Temperature
78.0
Depth & Access
65.0
Operator Quality
82.0
Topside Experience
35.0
Getting There
30.0
Value & Cost
30.0
Crowding
98.0
Social Proof
72.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

no landing permitted — boat-only divingLehua Rock seabird viewing

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Niihau is a private island with restricted access

Non-Diver Score

3/10

Dedicated dive destination — not ideal for non-divers.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber60 km — Wilcox Medical Center, Kauai
Nearest Hospital60 km

Return to Kauai for medical; chamber at Wilcox Medical Center or helicopter to Oahu

Skill LevelAdvanced
Current Strengthstrong

Top Operators

Bubbles Below Scuba

PADI

4.9
38 reviewsNITROX