Pronunciation: [nɪhˈə͡ʊə] (IPA) 
The word "nihoa", which refers to a small island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is pronounced /niˈhoʊə/ (nee-HOH-uh). The spelling of this word is based on the Hawaiian language, which has a relatively simple phonetic system with five vowels (a, e, i, o, and u) and seven consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, and w). The double "i" in "nihoa" indicates a long vowel sound, while the "h" at the end of the word is pronounced as a glottal stop.
Nihoa is a Hawaiian term which primarily refers to a remote island located in the northwestern part of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is a small, crescent-shaped island that rises abruptly from the Pacific Ocean and spans about 171 acres of land. Nihoa is also recognized as the sole extant representation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' subregion within the Hawaiian Ridge.
Geographically, Nihoa is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep, barren cliffs dominating its shoreline. The island's vegetation is limited to a few drought-resistant plants such as grasses, ferns, and shrubs. Due to its isolation from mainland Hawaii, Nihoa is home to several unique species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, hence making it a matter of great ecological significance.
Culturally, Nihoa holds immense historical value to native Hawaiians, who consider it a sacred place. Archaeological surveys have revealed the presence of ancient structures, rock art, and burial sites on the island, providing insights into the early Polynesian settlement and the lives of ancient Hawaiians. Today, Nihoa is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a protected area administered by the United States government, aimed at conserving the island's fragile ecosystem and preserving its cultural heritage.
In summary, Nihoa is a remote and distinctive island in the Hawaiian archipelago with unique ecological importance and cultural significance.
The word "Nihoa" has its roots in the Hawaiian language.
The name "Nihoa" means "tooth" or "sharp-pointed" in Hawaiian. It is derived from the words "niho", which means "tooth", and "a", a particle used to indicate a proper noun.
Nihoa is the name of a small, uninhabited island located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and is known for its unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity. The name "Nihoa" was given to the island due to its rugged and jagged appearance, resembling a tooth rising from the ocean.
