Necker Island

Necker Island is a rocky island with steep cliffs in the northwest Hawaiian chain, spanning roughly 45 acres and rising well over a hundred meters above the sea. The surface is rough and shaped by strong Pacific winds, making conditions there demanding.

The island was a settlement site for Hawaiians over many centuries before European contact transformed the island chain. After annexation by the United States in the late 1890s, it was registered as a historic location and placed under protection.

The island contains remains of temples and agricultural terraces that show how early Hawaiians lived and worshipped here. These archaeological traces tell the story of their daily work and religious practices at this remote location.

A visit requires special permits from authorities since the island is protected and visitors are rarely allowed ashore. Weather on the open ocean is unpredictable, making day trips unsafe, so planning well in advance is necessary.

During nesting season, the cliffs and rocky crevices are crowded with tens of thousands of seabirds that arrive to breed. This massive yearly arrival makes it one of the Pacific's most important bird sanctuaries.