Question

Forbidden Hawaii


When we think of the Hawaiian Islands, they often bring to mind a thriving tourist destination with white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. However, on one of the most northern islands, you will not find any tourists or holiday activities. The island of Niihau is 180 km2 in size with an extinct volcano, a delicate wetland and thriving forests. It is also the home to various endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal. The island belongs to the Robinson family who bought it from the King of Hawaii back in 1864 with the promise to preserve the traditional Hawaiian culture and language of the natives living there. In order to keep this promise, the family over time began to limit visitors to the island. Today, contact with the native Niihauans on the island is forbidden except by invitation. Therefore, until recently, the natives knew very little about the outside world.


A walk through the main village of the island shows how Niihau appears to be frozen in time. There are no cars, shops, restaurants or police. The only means of transport are horses and bicycles. There is no running water, power or telephone lines. All of the 130 permanent residents are native Hawaiians and speak Hawaiian as their first language. They don’t pay rent and live by fishing and farming. It’s a lifestyle far different from residents on the other Hawaiian islands.


The children of Niihau may not have TV or electronics like other children, but they do attend a small school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. The school is one of the few schools in the USA that is completely solar powered. The school teaches the Hawaiian traditions and values of living off the land and ocean, and at the same time offers the children the opportunity to learn how to use computers and connect with the outside world.


One way outsiders can connect with Niihau is to purchase the islanders’ handicrafts such as their shell jewellery. These products are on sale in other islands. During the winter months, unusual tiny shells wash up onto the beaches of the island. Talented artists make unique jewellery from these shells, which are popular with tourists. Although few have the chance to visit this forbidden land, its mystery continues to fascinate tourists.


1 What is the purpose of the text? Answer


A to promote Hawaiian culture

B to describe an unusual place and people

C to explain the problems a community faces

D to recommend a holiday destination


2 Why are tourists not allowed to visit Niihau? Answer


A in order to protect the lifestyle of the people there

B in order to protect the island’s sensitive ecosystem

C because the owners of the island don’t like outsiders

D because the natives are afraid of visitors


3 What is the writer trying to show in the second paragraph? Answer


A how difficult it is to live on the island

B how unique the islanders’ way of life is

C how cheap it is to live on the island

D how the islanders don’t care about being on time


4 What does the writer say about education on the island? Answer


A It focuses only on Hawaiian traditions.

B It teaches about solar energy and the environment.

C It tries to balance tradition with technology.

D It tries to prepare students for life away from the island.


5 What might the writer tell a visitor to Niihau? Answer


A Be prepared for a difficult stay.

B Enjoy this rare opportunity.

C Make sure to buy handicrafts there.

D Don’t expect the natives to be welcoming.

Answer 1

1. B to describe an unusual place and people
2. A in order to protect the lifestyle of the people there
3. B how unique the islanders' way of life is
4. C It tries to balance tradition with technology.
5. B Enjoy this rare opportunity.