The Case:
History Detectives’ first ever Hawaii story takes us to the island of Ni’ihau, the backdrop for a fascinating tale often overshadowed by the enormity of the raid on Pearl Harbor.
This investigation hinges on two engine parts. Our contributor got the parts from his father who served as an army mechanic in Hawaii during World War II. His father said the parts came from a Japanese fighter plane that crash-landed on Ni’ihau during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The pilot survived, but held island residents hostage, setting the stage for a drama of terror and heroism.
History Detectives gains unprecedented access to the “Forbidden Island” to conduct this extraordinary investigation.
More Information
Pacific Aviation Museum
319 Lexington Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96818-5004
(808) 441-1000
Ni'ihua Naval Report
Read an excerpt of the Naval report from 1942 that describes the crash of the Japanese plane on the island of Ni'ihua and subsequent events.
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Mark Twain's Watch
Was this watch a gift from noted author American author Mark Twain?
-
Also in Season 9
Florida Map
How did this faded map help unlock the riches of the New World?
-
Also in Season 9
St Valentine's Day Massacre
Was this weapon fired in one of the nation's most infamous crimes?
-
Related Investigation
Carson Family Secrets
Is this book a Carson family heirloom?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
World War II Leaflets
How did this scrap of paper help change the course of World War II?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Manhattan Project Patent
Was this drawing part of America's secret plans to fuel the atomic bomb?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.