Puʻuwai, Hawaii

Puʻuwai
Puʻuwai
Location in Hawaii and the United States
Puʻuwai
Puʻuwai (Pacific Ocean)
Coordinates: 21°54′06″N 160°12′14″W / 21.90167°N 160.20389°W / 21.90167; -160.20389
CountryUnited States
StateHawaii
CountyKauaʻi
IslandNiʻihau
Elevation
22 ft (6.7 m)
Population
 • Total
130
Time zoneUTC−10:00 (HST)

Puʻuwai (literally, "heart" in Hawaiian, pronounced [puʔuˈvɐj]) is an unincorporated community in Kauaʻi County, Hawaii, United States, and the only settlement on the island of Niʻihau. It is at the western coast of the small island, and Native Hawaiians who live in this village speak the Niʻihau dialect of the Hawaiian language. Access to the town, as well as the whole island, is limited to Niʻihau residents; only official visitors and invited guests are permitted. Puʻuwai has a one-room schoolhouse.

Niʻihau is located about 29 km (18 mi; 16 nmi) west of Kauaʻi.

Puʻuwai is the westernmost community in the principal Hawaiian Islands.