Niihau, Hawaii, has been a privately owned island since 1864. It is only 72 square miles, and is accessible via helicopter from the island of Kauai. (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)
The island requires a special invitation to visit. (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)
Monk seals are an adorable but endangered species. It is illegal to get too close or harass a monk seal. (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)
The island has only about 130 inhabitants. There is no running water, and electricity is produced by the sun or by a generator. (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)
