I would like toknow where to look. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. We enjoy working with both novice enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. This includes both online and at gift shops across Hawaii. My last purchase there was an amazing "sunrise" shell. Aloha. With a Made in Hawaii selection of Aloha shirts and neckties for men, we offer something for everyone! This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. 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. And my "little" one came from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The art of lei-making from Ni'ihau shells is a very closely protected one -- the shells cannot be called "Ni'ihau" shells any longer unless they are actually collected on that island (this law was passed just last year I believe) -- since the kahelelani shells, momi shells and others are also found on other islands, this has been a big problem in the past -- the shells from Ni'ihau have a special luster which gives them that most rare distinction. Shops - Kilohana Plantation Another question for the Kauai locals - Do you think Oahu would be any better or worse to shop for my new lei? This pretty set is sewn crownflower fashion and is a great piece for casual or formal wear. 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. The 1920's explosion in large pearl lariats was based on shell lei worn by Queens of Hawaii while visiting and hosting diplomats. Hypoallergenic 14K gold ear wire. Its certainly pretty when the pieces are shimmering in the sun. Length: 19" Materials: kahelelani 'akala pua (pink tiny shells) kahelel . Sold individually, these earrings come in a number of shapes, styles, colors and sizes. 3864 Iona Road, (808) 634-0101, blu-umi.com 8. Strung Momi Pikake style with breaks of maunaloa strands, this wears long and elegantly. It is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) southwest of Kauai across the Kaulakahi Channel. :-) Report inappropriate content AkamaiNick4SW Maui Any pieces shown here for sale may be slightly different and can be customized to your specifications. The 70-square-mile island (about half the size of Lna'i and twice as large as Kaho'olawe) is the smallest inhabited island in Hawai'i with 84 residents (mostly Native Hawaiian) and 35 houses (DBEDT & Census.) Niihau Shell Lei: Hawaii Travel & Things To Do In Hawaii - Aloha With Love The lei can be connected with the bracelet to make a longer necklace while the earrings make a perfect compliment for any style. This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. . I then saw some in Whaler's Village and others in Lahaina that were significantly more expensive and appeared to be far simpler than what I'd fallen in love with at Many Hands, which also made me worry about pricing! Today, there are only about 130 or so people living on the island where they still speak their own dialect of the Hawaiian language. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. One of my favorite aspects of this art form is that living creatures are never taken for their shells. It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. We only know that both volcanoes formed about 6 million years ago. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Finding a sunrise shell that way is just money. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59045666', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui in January 2013 and saw the lovely ones at Many Hands, but I hadn't researched at all at that time, didn't know if their prices were fair, if the certificate of authenticity were valid or not, etc. Although, Poleho can be picked on Ni'ihau, our Poleho shells are. This is a kipona mixed shell set features green O'mao O'mao kahelelani poe poe sections and 14K gold clasps. I would like toknow where to look. I had looked at Totally Hawaiian at Whalers Village, among other places, and they did have a pretty big selection, and some really gorgeous shell lei, but yikes! Its easy to find pictures of Queen Kapiolani wearing beautiful multi-strand lei as jewelry. Happy shelling! Today, the craft of lei-making with Niihau shells is protected thanks to a law enacted by the Hawaii state legislature in 2004 (source). Another practical souvenir, this printed towel shows the Hawaiian Islands in a vintage-style map. Original Price $600.00 Pamela Dow, a Kekaha retailer of the jewelry, hopes to elevate the art form to . Wait time on a lei of this style is between 3 and 6 weeks generally. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. Ni'ihau is probably most famous for the Ni'ihau shell necklaces or lei, which are handcrafted on-island. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59044606', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai Products store at Kukui Shopping Center. While some shells and shell colors are more common and easy to find, there are other varieties that are extremely rare and a . Free housing is provided by the Robinsons. Theres beach access on both ends of Alamoo and you can usually park on Alealea road. I would love to hear what you end up buying, with all the details! Top Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 554,711 traveller reviews and photos of Kauai tourist attractions. What was your favorite or best purchase in Hawaii? Our main goal is to pair the right piece with it's soul mate. Visit Oahu, Kauai, and Maui! Located 17 miles off the west coast of Kauai lies the island of Ni'ihau, better known as The Forbidden Isle. Article Sources Lava Lava Cafe on the beach. 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. This piece can be worn several ways. If you bought a Ni'ihau shell lei, where did you purchase? - Kauai Inquire for bulk or re-sale pricing. Kahelelani are the tiniest and most prized of the shells used to create Hawaiian shell leis. DonsBambooArt $10,000.00 FREE shipping 7 1/2 inches Niihau momi shell bracelet with kahelelani shells from Hawaii DuangchindaOfHawaii (164) $175.00 Handmade Genuine Ni'ihau shell dangle earrings, Kipona style, Aesthetic jewelry # 137. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. :D. Kahelelani Shells 3 strands twisted bracelet | eBay Best Shell beaches on Kauai - Kauai Advisor Shells,Sunrise, Puka, Cowrie Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii 96741-0348 Photos taken through glass along with bright light reflectance blurred and obscrubed much detail (plus my shaky hands did not help). Our price is variable and pieces are made with high test line, and in most cases 14K gold clasp. Over the last several years I have not been as impressed with the quality of leis being sold at the Trading Post, they might have a couple of high end ones but I remember them having a much bigger collection than they do now. Ni'ihau shell lei are one of Hawaii's most authentic and sought after treasures. We did receive a letter of authenticity, but it has long since been lost. http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bjbert38@sbcglobal.net/album/576460762401505316. Niihau is one of the most untouched of all the inhabited Hawaiian islands. Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. The songs in this CD will transport you to Hawaiian soil, with the sound of waves of Waikiki and the breathtaking sunrise at Haleakala. . what a prize when we find one! 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!) The seller might still be able to personalize your item. are highly sought after and valued as such. Ni'ihau Shells | Niihau Heritage Cultural Foundation I paid $20 for it and the gal down the walk "wired" it for me for $15! The best shell beach on Kauai! Be very cautious when purchasing these leis -- the person who sells them to you should be able to answer these questions: identify the family that made them, what types of shells are used in the lei, what the stringing technique is called, etc. This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves. New statutory material is underscored. The Mkaha Sons are famous for championing traditional Hawaiian music, and their incredible harmonies took them to prestigious places like Carnegie Hall. Because these shells have a variety of colors and markings, Niihau artisans use descriptive terms to differentiate them. I remember a couple of years ago being impressed by the small collection of leis at the ukulele store in Koloa town, but I don't think that collection exists anymore. :cool: If you don't see it, it might be in your junk/spam folder. There are four species of Ni'ihau shells, or Pupu 'O Ni'ihau. Aloha Kahelelani - The Finest Quality Hawaiian Shell Jewelry Copyright text 2019 by Kauai Vacation Rental Advisor. Every Ni'ihau shell creation we offer is made with care and selected for quality and originality. Among things prohibited are alcohol, drugs, guns, beards, long hair, tattoos, and piercings. I'm also asking on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These are the only shell in the world insurable as a gemstone but more importantly, a signature of the beauty and labor of each unique Hawaiian Leimaker. Dont see this option? 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. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. 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. Although it is not a Ni'ihau tradition to use them as pendants, it became very popular on Kauai starting in the 1970's. 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. They come in a wide range of colors. Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts - Home The tiny shells wash up already vacant from the snails that they once housed. Niihau Lookout Information, Directions & More - Hawaii Guide Niihau Shell Leis is another exciting book you may bring home with you. A Glimpse Inside Hawaii's 'Forbidden Island' - HuffPost I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. With large 7-10mm A grade Tahitian pearls this represents a certifiable Niihau shell lei with the fashionable compliment of pearls. Look for them at shops around the island. 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. Prices are way up all over. Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. $1,485.00, $1,650.00 Kauai & Niihau Air Tour - Alii Kauai Air Tours & Charters To live in such a beautiful place filled. This piece is 24" and is one of the most treasured favorites in our collection. Mahalepu is my favorite South Shore beach; it has a wonderful hike on the north side above the ocean and some beautiful views and great shade in amongst the pine trees and shrubs. mamma, you can get away with spending MUCH less than a couple of grand. Find modern apparel, prints by local artists and jewelry made from hard-to-find Ni'ihau and sunrise shells. Went to the vendor at SH and what a beautiful display! I forgot to add in my postings about the Nihau shells. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. ALICE IN HULALAND - 40 Photos & 62 Reviews - Yelp We bought my wife's lei at least a dozen years ago at the Lawai Hawaiian Trading Post. I dont have a photo of one that I took hence the once above, which is also lovely. Each lei can take up to six months to complete. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59044165', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Oahu, and I'm sure Jebett, KoloaGirl, and others here on the Kauai forum will have more ideas for you. Kahelelani is the smallest, most valuable and hardest to prepare. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-7221950', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Anini Beach -- you can look at them closely and see how weathered they are and how many pukas (holes) they have in them. Here's Where to Find the Best Handmade Crafts on Oahu, From - Leisure "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. They can also be found on Kaua`i and Moloka`i, but those lack the luster of the authentic ones. The most prized are the deep reds, hot pinks, and the dark chocolate colored ones. In addition is a description and history of the craft with leimakers name and an artist statement. 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! We currently specialize in Ni'ihau shell lei, Seed lei, and Lauhala Weaving. Original Price $69.00 By Kevin Whitton, author of Moon Hawaii. Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts. For generations, the people of Ni'ihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. Polihale is one of the best shell beaches on Kauai and an amazing experience! Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion. Things go up from there. This piece is finished with a traditional gem grade single cowry clasp. The stringing and quality of finish are incredible. 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. 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. The people of Ni'ihau called . While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. The shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. Have any questions about where to buy Niihau shell leis or other souvenirs from Hawaiis Forbidden Island? Thanks in advance for your replies. 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. Kauai Crystal Sanctuary Anahola 96703 . Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Niihau shell leis and jewelry. Original Price $1,800.00 I will email the photos to you if you don't mind publishing your email address here. The only job available on Niihau is at the Robinson family ranch, where the majority of the population works raising cattle. Niihau, Hawaii: How To Visit Hawaii's "Forbidden Island" - Matador Network Nice to know in not the ink hone with that bad habit! Kahelelani are the most rare variety of Ni'ihau shells. Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha by the Mkaha Sons of Niihau is full of traditional Hawaiian tunes. Good luck in your hunt for your gorgeous Niihau shell lei, Plumeria! Captcha failed to load. 3 Sizes Available. Kahelelani - Wikipedia "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Black/Bronze Lotus & Lime $49.95. Take a look on Ebay at items from seller butch6868. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. I'd love to check it out! Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. Finished with 14K Gold and GEM quality cypraea granulata. Understandably, the rare shells are highly valued works of art both on display and for . This classic look first made it's splash when Queen Emmalani wore her Laiki shell lei abroad to meet diplomats in Europe. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. You will see lots of "Ni'ihau" shell leis or bracelets from smaller crafters on the island, but usually they are the ones from down at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But if you are patient! Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Shades of colors are often identified ashiehie(light) orikaika(dark). Ni'ihau Lei Pp | Images of Old Hawaii I recall a few years ago camping with some friends down the end and one of the group spending hours sifting through the sand looking for (and finding the much sought after Niihau shells those tiny pink and red mini shells that are made into the famous Niihau Leis (necklaces). The smallest of the populated Hawaiian Islands, Niihau has an area of 70 square miles (180 square km). Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59045746', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui. Ad . 0 . This gorgeous 3 strand kahelelani necklace in the poepoe style required over 1200 shells to complete.finished with a solid 18k clasp! This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. About Us When combined with kahelelani, momi, and kamoa, the variations are endless. Some antique pieces we carry have been refinished for quality purposes. 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. Learn more. Kauai has some outstandingly beautiful beaches; these are just some of the best shell beaches on Kauai! The island has mysteriously been "protected" from outsiders since the 1800s. They have some beautiful pieces. Fill out the requested information. Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? this style is inspired by the treasures of the ocean and how well they work together. Niihau is such a unique destination its definitely worth leaving some space in your suitcase to bring home a souvenir. 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. (25% off), Sale Price $34.50 Ipu - Gourds - Kaahele Hawaii Big Blue Princeville 96722 . 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. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. Is it legal to collect shells in Hawaii? (a) For the purposes of this section, "Niihau shells" means seashells harvested from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches. (a) For the purposes of this section, "Niihau shells" means seashells harvested from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches. So you only have two options for setting foot on the island: take a helicopter tour from Kauai or . Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 1. bjbert--I tried the link you provided, but it tells me "something bad happened" and I can't get to the pics. Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. 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. Common colors arekeokeo(white),kala(pink),lenalena(yellow), andmaomao(green). Any items in this set can be sold separately. The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. Be sure you're getting authentic Ni`ihau shells. Start here. This 5 strand lei features the rarest colors of kahelelani. Original Price $90.00 It has been privately owned by one family for over 150 years, they enacted a closed-door policy in order to create a cultural preservation site for . Feel free to contact me via phone or email if you have any questions or are interested in designing a piece! Buy 2 Get 3rd item FREE - Store only. Here are the official colors and flowers of Hawaiian islands from the bottom to the top, Hawaii to Ni'ihau. 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. It is a bottlebrush- blossom. The small shells used in Ni'ihau lei are named after him. We also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! It was an hour before daybreak but some local family were looking for Sunrise shells. This Is Why Ni'ihau Is Called Hawaii's 'Forbidden Island' - MSN $254.99, $299.99 Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. If you are a history buff or have someone back home who is, Beekmans book is one of the best Niihau gifts. The island was purchased almost 125 years ago by the Robinson family, who also own a large portion of Kauai. It . Utterly fantastic workmanship and quality of shells. $450.00, $600.00 when you sign up for the 101 Things To Do email newsletter! Niihau Island & Lehua Crater. 24", Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau, .. $500.00. 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. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. Mon-Sat 10:30am . What makes Ni'ihau so mystifying is that life here has remained mostly frozen in time. Ni'ihau Shells - Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts All rights reserved. The island lacks basic municipal infrastructure. Printed products with designs that resonate with the Forbidden Island make lovely Niaihau souvenirs. His items are good quality and the prices reasonable, though I have to say I'd not dare buy on Ebay where I can't see the piece and try it on. Made famous by artisans on the island of Ni'ihau, they are now known throughout the world as one of the finest types of jewelry. Great! Shelling at Larsens is a wonderful experience. But dont let that story deter you. A couple of years ago I was there camping (more on camping on Kauai here) with the girls and we were sleeping up on the sand dunes (to make sure we wouldnt get run over by big trucks on the beach!) I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Sellers looking to grow their business and reach more interested buyers can use Etsys advertising platform to promote their items. They have a lot of "stuff" but you can tell the quality pieces and I've always found them to be honest in their discussion of their products. MF Silver, Kealia . beautiful shells and lovely work indeed. $93.75, $125.00 Since each sunrise shell pair has a red side and a yellow, we do our best to match a gorgeous color palette together regardless of the color you choose High Quality pure Niihau Shell Lei. I'm heading to Hawaii in May for my first time. -Ni'ihau Shells- Glowing like pearls, the garlands are made of the most precious and almost priceless shell in the world: Pupu O Ni'ihau. Ni'ihau Shell Lei | The Flowers of Ni'ihau Hawai'i Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. Can be sold individually or with earrings. 3940 Hanapp Road, (808) 335-5586 While you are shelling, you may reflect on the beach where the old classic movie South Pacific was filmed and Mitzi Gaynor singing gonna wash that man right out of my hair!. 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. Can you check the link for me? Sunnys grow in deep water and rarely wash to the shore. Custom orders are always welcome. Designs by Teresa Kapaa 96746 . Ni'ihau is a private island with a population of 160, mostly of pure Native Hawaiian descent. $1,350.00, $1,800.00 Where to Buy In Hawaii- NI'IHAU SHELL ARCHIVE One of the most expensive items HNN came across was a three-strand Ni'ihau shell lei. 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. And shells! In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. In fairness, the one I really loved was the much rarer pink shells. Most, if not all . (25% off), Sale Price $1,485.00 Niihau Island lies 17 miles southwest of Kauai. He spent 3 days doing that and came out with just under half a small glass jar.