Niihau (nēˈhou) [key], island (1990 pop. 230), 70 sq mi (181 sq
km), in Kauai co., Hawaii, W of Kauai island. It is mostly arid
lowland, rising to 1,281 ft (390 m) at Paniau Mt. The island is
suitable for cattle grazing. Niihau, privately owned since 1864
when it was purchased from the Hawaiian kingdom by an American
family, is operated as a ranch. The Columbia Electronic
Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University
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