NIIHAU

volcanic island, Kauai county, Hawaii, U.S. Niihau lies 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Kauai Island. It was sold in 1863 by King Kamehameha IV to Elizabeth Sinclair of Scotland. Her descendants, the Kamaaina (meaning old-timer) Robinson family, continue to live at Makaweli and have attempted to preserve Hawaiian culture on Niihau. Residency on Niihau is restricted to Hawaiians, and tourism is prohibited; in 1959 it was the only island to vote against statehood. Although English is taught, residents prefer to speak the old Hawaiian language. Niihau has an area of 72 square miles (186 square km). The island is mostly arid lowland that supports sheep and cattle ranching. The chief village, Puuwai, is on the west coast. Pop. (1990) 230.