The island of Niihau is rarely opened to visitors or the media. But the family that owns it welcomed KHON2 for a series of special reports about its past, present and future.
Little has changed on Niihau since it was purchased by what is now the Robinson family in the 1800s.
That's very much they way they want it.
Niihau is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands.
At about 70 square miles, much is land, and trees, cliffs and beaches. Near its central coast, a village with about 130 people living much the same way for generations.
"To perpetuate it and keep it as it was then to now is very dear to my heart" says Lauae Kanahele, a Native of Niihau.
Privately owned since the 1800s, Niihau was bought for about 10 thousand dollars in gold. the county of kauai values it at more than 64 million dollars today, but even the owners don't measure its value that way.
Just ask co-owner Bruce Robinson.
"Um, i honestly can't tell you, it's not something i keep track of".
"We're dirt farmers that's it. that's all we are. if i'm not in the dirt I'm not happy."
To those from Niihau, it's assets are priceless.
"The beach, the hunting, the shells, picking up, going to a variety of beaches, picking up the Niihau shell ways."
"Of course spiritually,. our going to church is one of our main focus in our family."
The island is owned 50 50 by Bruce and Keith Robinson.
They watch carefully what or even who sets foot on the private island.
"It's got to be that it's beneficial to the residents an the ranch. f it isn't we don't want to do it. it also has to be good to the environment. if it's going to damage what is here, it's not worth it."
