There are no ferry services taxiing tourists to Niihau from the other islands, and as you'd expect, no flights to Niihau, either. The surrounding coral beds remain unspoiled and untouched by outside influences, allowing the tiny shells . The kahelelani poe poe blend has all the colors represented in a symmetrical match of width and length. The author has first-hand experience (she visited the island twice!) Your email address will not be published. Is it legal to collect shells in Hawaii? The bright red flower growing in the tropical forests on Hawaii island is the Lehua. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. We have many types of earrings, also silver hooks available at reduced cost. Buy your's now as they may not be available again. 2569. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. Kauai. Kauai Crystal Sanctuary Anahola 96703 . I've bought one at the Trading Post, two at Spouting Horn, one at Kaua`i Gold, one at another shop in the Coco Marketplace, now closed, and one on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ni'ihau is a private island with a population of 160, mostly of pure Native Hawaiian descent. Pamela Dow, a Kekaha retailer of the jewelry, hopes to elevate the art form to . Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. One of a kind handmade jewelry including Ni'ihau shell and Sunrise Shell necklaces, earrings and bracelets all locally made at great prices. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 1. An ipu pwehe sitting amongst ipu vines. Among things prohibited are alcohol, drugs, guns, beards, long hair, tattoos, and piercings. I'm heading to Hawaii in May for my first time. Original Price $125.00 Our main goal is to pair the right piece with it's soul mate. Can be sold individually or with earrings. A beautiful lei adorned with Gem quality Hawaiian Honey Cowry that also can be worn as a centerpiece. Polihale is one of the best shell beaches on Kauai and an amazing experience! And my "little" one came from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Knew they were expensive tho, so not that surprised. From the time we are children, its something we all want to do! For most of the state's residents, that's the only way to see the island of Niihau. :-), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Wait time on a lei of this style is between 3 and 6 weeks generally. Niihau Island - Niihau Map, Photos and Hawaii Information Niihau Tour | Boat Tours to Niihau Come have a peek at island jewelry! Up to 20 inches $10,000. Apparently there used to be a dump there many years ago and this is where the glass came from. This remote beach is a great shell beach on Kauai. But if you are patient! Decorated by Leilehua Yuen. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59049737', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui, and had done a little research, and you are right, it is a big decision and one needs to know a bit about what to look for, much like diamond shopping. Things go up from there. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. The one I REALLY loved was $5000! You can also find online shops to purchase them. The art of Ni'ihau shell lei making is a precious cultural gift -- if you own a lei you can tell people who made it, where the shells were collected, what types of shells, and the generations of the family that made it passing down this knowledge makes this a true treasure. Enjoy your search for the perfect one! It is the most incredible form of recycling that I have found. 24", Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau, .. $500.00. The Kahelelani is also the most colorful shell used in Niihau and Kauaian shell leis. Kahelelani - Wikipedia $44.10, $49.00 We also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! Poe Poe SSG Pearl Lei strung expertly by a master designer. HEIRLOOMS to many, they are the only shell lei in the world that can be insured. The Bracelet is an optional extension to the lei or can be worn around the wrist for a flat and delicate compliment to the necklace. How To Store Niihau Shell Leis - BikeHike There are many books to learn about Niihau, but here are a few that tackle interesting topics. http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bjbert38@sbcglobal.net/album/576460762401505316. A Glimpse Inside Hawaii's 'Forbidden Island' - HuffPost Although most of the names given in this website are fairly standard among shell lei makers, the shells pictured here and the descriptive names were all supplied by Kanani, an experienced shell lei artisan. Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! The finish is a large filigree pearl clasp and the balance of colors graduating from pink to burgundy to dark brown provide a great aesthetic while complimenting the marriage of shell and pearl. The color and size matching, plus the graduated thickness of the lei is really superb. I talked with her for a bit - very interesting. Its area is 69.5 square miles (180 km 2 ). There may be variations, however, in the names that other lei makers commonly use. Not even enough for one necklace. Niihau - "The Forbidden Island" of Hawaii As each item made with pupu o Niihau is unique, you may not find many choices but you will certainly find beautiful items across a range of prices. Don't expect to find the valuable tiny Niihau shells that comprised the jewelry of Hawaiian royalty - they only wash ashore on Niihau, the Forbidden Island. Ever since I learned about Niihau on my last trip to Hawaii, Ive been eager to plan a trip to this remote island. It's not of the highest quality because of the variation in coloring but the price reflected that and more people have oo'ed and ah'ed over that piece than you can imagine. Shell Bracelet Kahelelani Shells Hawaiian Beach Jewelry - Etsy They are valued like a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace. $67.50, $90.00 Today, the craft of lei-making with Niihau shells is protected thanks to a law enacted by the Hawaii state legislature in 2004 (source). Aloha~ Rob Arita, These are momi shells. All shells sold as Ni'ihau shells must contain at least 80% Ni'ihau shells and must be made in the State of Hawai'i. Shells are generally identified by first indicating the kind of shell, such askahelelani,momi,liki, etc., and then adding any qualifying terms, usually relating to color. SECTION 2. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. Ni'ihau shell lei are one of Hawaii's most authentic and sought after treasures. Did you highlight the link and "copy" it and then "paste" it to the web address line? Purchased by a wealthy Scottish widow in 1864, the family-owned island of Niihau is committed to preserving its natural and cultural history perhaps at a dangerous cost. All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Ni'ihau probably formed first, since it is farthest west in the chain and volcanoes to the east are younger, but data indicating the exact onset times of the two volcanoes do not exist. Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Ni'ihau shell leis and jewelry. He spent 3 days doing that and came out with just under half a small glass jar. the big truck a few feet from the water and a lady out front with a massive police type light that was lighting up the entire beach but definitely spotlighting the sand. Does shopping on Etsy help support small businesses? 14K strong magnetic clasp for easy removal and safe wear. You'll also usually pay more for a traditional cowry clasp than for a gold one. I'm also asking on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I feel blessed to live in such a magical, beautiful place. They are unisex and come in different colors and sizes. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? a great shell beach on Kauai! Although, Poleho can be picked on Ni'ihau, our Poleho shells are. If you are a history buff or have someone back home who is, Beekmans book is one of the best Niihau gifts. Native Hawaiian Economic Development; Niihau Shells; Protection, Prohibits sale of seashell items w/description or label using term "Niihau" or "Niihau" unless item contains 100% Niihau shells and is made entirely in Hawaii. what a prize when we find one! Some of the kinds of shells you'll find. With large 7-10mm A grade Tahitian pearls this represents a certifiable Niihau shell lei with the fashionable compliment of pearls. Niihau Shells - Etsy Stunning craftsmanship by an expert leimaker. Free shipping for many products! With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. This is a kipona mixed shell set features green O'mao O'mao kahelelani poe poe sections and 14K gold clasps. Purchasing a CD might sound outdated with Spotify or iTunes today. :D. Item #196, Incredible 5 strand Mauna Loa Lei featuring Kahelelani Akala Pua, ke oke o, ula ula, makue, akala pua waipapipi, omao omao, akala ahiehie, with accents of kamoa lenalena. Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. If the person is not knowledgeable about these things, be very concerned -- especially if they are asking what seems to be a very good price in comparison to other leis. What was your favorite or best purchase in Hawaii? Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. Ni'ihau also goes by the name, The Forbidden Island, because the island is privately owned. I would rec Na Mea on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The stretch of beaches from Wailua to Kapa'a encompasses quite a few beaches including the big family beach - Lydgate - and the beach behind the Lanikai Resort and the one in front of the newest (even though it's a couple of years old now!) Find your treasure or have one made for you. Have any questions about where to buy Niihau shell leis or other souvenirs from Hawaiis Forbidden Island? $1,485.00, $1,650.00 Available by order only. However, the term generally refers to three different shells that are commonly used to make Ni'ihau shell lei: kahelelani , momi, and liki, as well as a fourth one, kmoa, which is frequently used to add contrasting color. My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. Website by: Emagine, gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. Both snorkel tours combine Niihau with Kauai's Na Pali Coast and range from $250 to $285 per person for a seven-hour excursion. Ni'ihau - Maui Hands swmarket: thanks for the Na Mea rec; it was on the Oahu recommended list, too and I really love that shop! are highly sought after and valued as such. The families that live and work on Ni'ihau have collected these shells and developed their own lei making techniques over generations for the most part -- many ohana, like the Kanahele's (who I highly recommend) have members that live on Ni'ihau, collect and sew the leis, and then members who live outside Ni'ihau sell them and the money goes back to the ohana. In addition to being rare, Kahelelani . While the off-whitemomishell is extremely common and easy to find, hot-pink and blackkahelelaniare very rare, so a lei which includes these shells will be priced significantly higher than a similar lei made with shells of colors which are readily available. 0 . The center is heliconia stitch. SECTION 1. Anyway, your opinions matter to me! We are a Hawaiia n owned, local business that specializes in unique, hand-crafted products that are made in Hawaii. This particular piece is from an estate collection and was well cared for. Read. I paid $20 for it and the gal down the walk "wired" it for me for $15! They are able to grow, find, and hunt whatever they might need on a day-to-day basis, but living in a very arid climate, the people of Ni'ihau still rely on resources from Kauai to survive. It has just over 100 year-round residents, and they live completely off the grid in a self-sustaining ecosystem. Made of precious pupu o Niihau shells, no lei is the same, showing the versatile craft of each Hawaiaan Leimaker. Expect to see knockoff s with slightly different labels. The shells used to create NIIHAU SHELL LEI are akin to precious gemstones. Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. The most prized are the deep reds, hot pinks, and the dark chocolate colored ones. Prices are way up all over. Its only accessible by driving 20 mins down a dirt track (past the Hyatt and CJM stables.. go to the end, turn right and keep going). This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves. Cones Leopard cone, Hebrew cone, Marble cone, others. Sunrise Shell Lei Kauai Kahelelani Shell Lei Hawaii Shells Beach Jewelry Eco-Friendly Collected Rare Shells Island Mermaid Sunrise Shell ad vertisement by KauaiShellsandMore. This delicate looking 18" lei is comprised of laiki shells and akala colored kahelelani shells. Ni'ihau Designer Tahitian Pearl Bracelet sewn with high quality Akala Pua Kahelelani and A Grade Tahitian Pearls. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Their display of vintage lei is quite interesting, too. 3940 Hanapp Road, (808) 335-5586 Hand crafted Kapono style Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. The art of lei-making is unique to Niihaus culture and has been alive since before the arrival of European settlers. For each, is a person who will love and treasure it. 33 Fascinating Facts About Ni'ihau, Hawaii Valerie & Valise Shown below are examples of different styles and colors. Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? When the sun sets over Kauai's Kekaha Beach on an especially clear night, a tall, silhouetted tract of land emerges west of the Hawaiian islands, toward the horizon. Niihau shell leis are one of the most prized souvenirs you can bring home from Hawaii; the queens and princesses of Hawaii are often depicted wearing leis made of the three different types of tiny, precious pupu o Niihau shells (source). They arent stones, of course, but TINY SHELLS that are rare and precious. Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items. [1] Kahelelani came from the royal Kaulamakaula line ("the red bloodline"). You can dress long in the flapper fashion, short as a choker, or as a waistband beach accessory. Earwires are 14K French Hooks. Aloha! They are lovely and much less expensive than the real thing, but just be aware of what they are and what they aren't. Enjoy the combinations of Kahelelani, momi, and sunrise shells displayed on my site. Original Price $1,650.00 Where to Buy Ni'ihau Shell Leis & Other Ni'ihau Souvenirs About Us You can also find online shops to purchase them. Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts - Home Not sure why but there seem to be more shells here than anywhere else. For a full list of the different varieties of shells considered Ni'ihau shell, visit, Poleho, also named "night cowry", are another type of shell commonly used with Ni'ihau shells. Its not a great swimming beach, theres lots of rocks and stones but theres also lots of pools because of that. Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59043927', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Oahu forum, as we'll be a week at each this August. ALICE IN HULALAND - 40 Photos & 62 Reviews - Yelp It . This lei is a very high luster 3-strand long 34" incredible quality piece made with Kahelelani Akala Pua (flower pink), Makue (burgundy), Ula Ula (red, burgundy), O'mao O'mao (green), LenaLena Kamoa, Ele Ele (dark brown, black) and Momi Ke'Oke'O (white, off white), Onikiniki (black striped), LenaLena (yellow), KahaKaha (deep gold stripe) and UliUli (deep grey). When I first learned about the shells, the makers from Ni'ihau never used sunrise shells in their work, but it was more common on Kauai. Allows labeling that indicates percentage of Niihau shell content if item contains at least 80% Niihau shells and is made entirely in State. Niihau Shell Leis are alo available at Totally Hawaiian in the Whalers Village Shopping Center , Kaanapali , Maui Mahalo nui loa Malama pono i malama kekahi i kekahi Barbara, Thanks for the tip, Barbara! This piece can be doubled and worn as a 2 strand, or worn long over the head with poe poe sections cascading through the center. [3] Do you mind if I ask how much the Nihau leis cost? Length and clasp can be adjustable. Kauai Curators - Ni'ihau Shell Lei | Custom Shell Jewelry | Fine This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. 39 Hawaiian Ni'ihau Shells ideas | niihau shells, niihau, shells Aloha. Both 14K yellow gold hooks and sterling silver are available. The physic (25% off), Sale Price $34.50 This stunning set can come in any color or style in varied lengths. Museum Quality Niihau Shell Necklaces - Aloha Kahelelani They do wash up on certain beaches when powerful ocean swells move debris from the depths to the shoreline. Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion. Shades of colors are often identified ashiehie(light) orikaika(dark). Each lei can take up to six months to complete. Price tag: $20,000. THE FORBIDDEN ISLAND. To make some money from the outside world, locals rely heavily on the tiny Ni'ihauan shell, scattered along the beaches of this small island. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! Honolulu Academy of Arts Gift Shop, Honolulu, Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art Gallery, Hanalei, JJ Ohana, HanappKauai Museum Gift Shop, Lhue, Maui Hands, Kanapali, Lahaina, Pia, or Makawao. Read more in my Privacy Policy. MF Silver, Kealia . They come in a wide range of colors. They have been used for centuries by the native people of these islands. Shelling at Larsens is a wonderful experience. We have had persons informally tell us it is worth at least 3-4x what we originally paid for it, most recently by Dylan Thomas the owner of Havaiki. Most of us refrain from buying books as souvenirs unless the person is a bookworm. Niihau shells - ShellsHawaii.com Beautiful! Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. This includes both online and at gift shops across Hawaii. Thank you for all of your replys.Sounds like the place to look is The Trading Post, and expect at least a couple grand? We happily supply curated items to galleries with educational materials. So there we were asleep and suddenly we were rudely awakened by the sound of an engine revving and bright, bright lights below at the shoreline. To give you a better perspective of how tiny some of these shells are, the different kinds of shells pictured in this section are also shown next to a quarter from the series of quarters minted with designs honoring each of the states. Great! $112.50, $125.00 Hunt For Ni'ihau Shell Lei - Hawaii To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Made only on Ni'ihau, a private island off Kaua'i's west side, the lei are known as one of Polynesia's finest ART FORMS . And you are so right, Barbara, it's not the price. Remembering you arent in Hawaii anymore as soon as you wake, isnt exactly appealing. Within a couple of weeks of arriving on Kauai 19 years ago, a lovely woman told me about this beach, which very soon became (and still is) my favorite beach on Kauai. Opihi - a Hawaiian delicacy. Ni'ihau leis shells - Man And Mollusc For generations, the people of Ni'ihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. Can you check the link for me? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. While you can find these rare shells on the shores of the Forbidden Island only, you won't be able to travel and find these souvenirs in Ni'ihau. i tried this and me and my eyes gave up. They are also the most difficult to collect in usable quantities. Inquire to have photos sent to you of most current inventory since we often have incredible lei that are not yet posted online. Niihau: Hawaii's "Forbidden Island" That's In Dangerous Decline Diamonds and platinum may be a sign of luxury in the U.S. Mainland, but in Hawaii it's Ni'ihau shell jewelry. This perfect Heleconia Lei has a fine detailed blend of Akala Pua Pink and Ula Ula Burgundy shells. Precious Diamond 808 Detailing Anahola 96703 . Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. Still want to check it out! Shops - Kilohana Plantation Some Niihau shell leis have been known to be valued for up to $20,000. The Value of Tradition in Ni'ihau Shell Leis - Hawaii Estate & Jewelry She advised looking and investigating very carefully.it seems that there are what appear to be " knock offs " out there. Sale Price $450.00 Kauai, with its close proximity to Niihau, has an abundant choice of these UNUSUAL AND HANDCRAFTED shell lei. Want to know more? Ni'ihau also goes by the name, The Forbidden Island, because the island is privately owned. Ni'ihau shells are a variety of endemic species of sea creatures whose shells are picked off the shores of the island of Ni'ihau. (15% off). . Designs by Teresa Kapaa 96746 . Sunrise shells are a fascinating member of the scallop or pecten family that live in deep Hawaiian waters. The casual beachcomber's guide to collecting seashells in Hawaii Although it is not a Ni'ihau tradition to use them as pendants, it became very popular on Kauai starting in the 1970's. At Ali'i Kauai Tours and Charters, we offer one better: A two-for-one air experience. Good luck in your hunt for your gorgeous Niihau shell lei, Plumeria! Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources allows you to collect seashells for personal use but not for resale. They get food from the ranch as well. A few other terms includekahakaha(striped),nikiniki(spotted),puupuu(bumpy), and evenwaha ulaula(red mouth). These retail for between $350-$600 in shops. Theres something timeless about walking along a beach looking for shells isnt there? With 14K strong magnet clasp it attaches to bracelet to wear long, or can be worn as 3 pieces. Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. Its on the best shell beaches on Kauai. The real niihau necklaces that I have seen were at the Trading Post on Koloa rd, and hwy 50 on the south shorethose pupies were expensive, and a couple of grand on up but the authentic items. The colors here are Akala Pua Waipapipi (hot pink), O'mao O'mao (green), and Ele Ele (dark brown). Good news! Glass beach is in Hanapepe and here you may find (depending on the tide) tiny pieces of glass that wash back and forth with the tide. Here's Where to Find the Best Handmade Crafts on Oahu, From - Leisure Niihau | island, Hawaii, United States | Britannica