Story of the Niihau Island

On December 7th, 1941, amidst the chaos of the Pearl Harbor attack, on the tiny Hawaiian island called Niihau Island, a bizarre drama unfolded. Unaware of the wider conflict, its residents welcomed a crash-landed Japanese pilot, Shigenori Nishikaichi, with hospitality. Little did they know, they’d stumbled upon an enemy soldier. As night fell, news of Pearl Harbor shattered their peaceful world. Fear replaced trust, igniting a tense standoff. Nishikaichi, desperate to rejoin his forces, attempted manipulation and violence, culminating in a daring act of resistance by the islanders. This forgotten tale of bravery and unlikely heroes offers a unique perspective on the human cost of war, even on seemingly untouched shores.

Decades of rising tensions fueled the Pearl Harbor attack. Japan’s aggression in China clashed with US interests, leading to sanctions and freezing of assets. As Japan allied with Germany and Italy, the US bolstered China and the Philippines. Negotiations faltered, and by late 1941, Japan prepared a surprise attack to cripple the US Pacific Fleet, opening the door for Pacific domination.

Tucked away northwest of Kauai lies Niihau, a jewel box of an island cloaked in mystery and tradition. With a population hovering around 200, it’s not just the smallest inhabited Hawaiian island, but also one fiercely protective of its privacy, earning it the nickname “The Forbidden Island.”Imagine arid landscapes dotted with verdant oases, echoing with chants under starry skies, and where intricate shell leis tell stories whispered through generations. This is Niihau, a place where isolation has nurtured a unique cultural haven, far removed from the bustling tourist scene. This idyllic setting was the scene of an incident that occurred just after the Pearl Harbor Attack.

On December 7, 1941, a quiet Sunday morning in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, shattered into a day of infamy. Under a shroud of secrecy, the Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise attack, unleashing hellfire on the unsuspecting U.S. Pacific Fleet. Torpedoes ripped through battleships, dive bombers rained destruction, and flames engulfed the base. Pearl Harbor housed the Pacific Fleet, a symbol of American military might, and its neutralization was crucial for Japan’s expansionist ambitions.

But the echoes of Pearl Harbor resonated far beyond the harbor itself. On the tiny island of Niihau, approximately 17 miles southwest of Kauai, life unfolded peacefully, oblivious to the unfolding tragedy. Niihau, known for its isolation and fiercely guarded traditional Hawaiian culture, was a world away from the bustling harbor town. Its roughly 200 inhabitants carried on their daily lives, speaking Hawaiian and tending to their land.

The first indication of the attack arrived not with an explosion, but with a crash. At approximately 1:30 pm local time, a damaged Japanese Zero fighter plane piloted by Shigenori Nishikaichi veered off course and plummeted onto the island’s rugged terrain. Unaware of the wider conflict, the islanders, led by Benjamin “Benny” Kanahele, approached the injured pilot with generosity, offering him food and water. However, their hospitality soon turned to suspicion as news of the Pearl Harbor attack crackled through their radios later that evening.

Nishikaichi, realizing his situation, attempted to manipulate and coerce the islanders. He fabricated stories, threatened violence, and even managed to steal a shotgun. He managed to enlist the assistance of a few local Japanese residents of the Island. Fear gripped the small community, yet their spirit remained resolute. Benny Kanahele, along with several other brave islanders, formulated a plan to overpower the pilot and protect their community. Six men left on a small boat to Kauai to alert authorities. Others stole the weapons and ammunition from the crashed aircraft.

On December 8th, in an attempt to escape capture by the Japanese pilot, an altercation began. In the altercation, Benjamin Kanahele was shot three times. Despite his injuries, Kanahele overpowered Nishikaichi and killed him with the help of his wife. One of Nishikaichi’s accomplices committed suicide with the stolen shotgun. This act of remarkable courage, by a tiny island community facing an armed enemy soldier, demonstrated the unwavering spirit and resourcefulness of the Hawaiian people.

Benjamin Kanahele was awarded for his heroism. The wreck was inspected by military authorities. Nishikaichi’s surviving accomplices were interned and eventually released. The remains of Nishikaichi’s fighter were picked over buy souvenir hunters over the years. What is left of his crashed fighter is currently on display at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum