There is a palpable individuality to all shell creations from Ni'ihau. Up to 20 inches $10,000. Original Price $95.00 I am trying to think what "bad" could be. Item #198. mamma, you can get away with spending MUCH less than a couple of grand. Those prices. I talked with her for a bit - very interesting. 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. Not sure why but there seem to be more shells here than anywhere else. Ehu Kanahele is one of the best known and reputable and her little store "Ehu Kai" is now located at Port Allen (used to be in Waimea next to the Shrimp Factory) -- I HIGHLY recommend Ehu -- she is a true ambassador of aloha and her ohana is one of the most highly skilled lei makers. And those were expensive at Maui Hands as well, but I felt the prices overall were a tad better. English translations of these names, used when describing a lei to someone who is not a speaker of Hawaiian, may also vary and include a variety of colorful descriptions such as butterscotch and hot pink.. Choose the options youd like for the order. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. Price tag: $20,000. 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. Poe Poe SSG Pearl Lei strung expertly by a master designer. Ni'ihau shell leimaking is a traditional native Hawaiian art form that produces a highly-treasured form of jewelry. Colors and lengths can vary depending on what is in stock. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. The center is heliconia stitch. You can also find online shops to purchase them. One of only three places in the world where technology has not yet moved in, Niihau Island (if you pronounce it "Nee-ee-how" you'll be pretty close) is a 72 square mile privately owned island just southwest of the island of Kauai. Both 14K yellow gold hooks and sterling silver are available. Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? Earwires are 14K French Hooks. Printed products with designs that resonate with the Forbidden Island make lovely Niaihau souvenirs. Kahelelani is the smallest, most valuable and hardest to prepare. Indeed it is. 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. (b) Except as provided herein, no person shall offer, display, expose for sale, or solicit for sale any product or jewelry item fabricated, processed, or manufactured with seashells, that is described, labeled, or identified using the term "Niihau" or "Niihau", either alone or in conjunction with other words, or in a trade or brand name, unless: (1) One hundred per cent of all shells in the product or jewelry item are Niihau shells; and. Aloha. Niihau is such a unique destination its definitely worth leaving some space in your suitcase to bring home a souvenir. 01:00. This delicate looking 18" lei is comprised of laiki shells and akala colored kahelelani shells. The words of the motto are generally attributed to King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, who reportedly spoke them on July 31, 1843, when sovereignty was restored to the Hawaiian kingdom after a brief British occupation. The seller might still be able to personalize your item. Our price is variable and pieces are made with high test line, and in most cases 14K gold clasp. Sale Price $450.00 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!) 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. In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. The Niihauans have names for all the variations of shell color and pattern. Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. ), Your email address will not be published. 2. Absolutely stunning Niihau shells! Length and clasp can be adjustable. The island has mysteriously been "protected" from outsiders since the 1800s. This Hawaiian quarter, minted in 2008, shows Kamehameha I, the warrior king who united all of the Hawaiian islands, and also includes the State motto. The small shells used in Ni'ihau lei are named after him. (2) The product or jewelry item is fabricated, processed, or manufactured entirely within this State. 24", Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau, .. $500.00. It just means you don't get the fancy, multi-strand long lei. $93.75, $125.00 I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Original Price $69.00 This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. Each earring is unique as there will only be one available at a time. (25% off), Sale Price $34.50 several thousand dollars for a multi-strand ni'ihau shell lei! It's the Hawaiian way. :-). This is a beautiful piece by a legendary stringer. 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. 6-night multi-island adventures, starting from $1,239. There are four species of Ni'ihau shells, or Pupu 'O Ni'ihau. Buy your's now as they may not be available again. 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. Knew they were expensive tho, so not that surprised. Kea Biker Shorts Aloha Mlie $30.95. I would like toknow where to look. Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts. I'd love to check it out! Photo: Drawing by W. Ellis of Ni`ihau and Lehua in 1778 Ni'ihau Shell Lei - a Part of Ni'ihau Culture for Centuries 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. an array of intriguing island finds, like Ni'ihau Shell Leis, Hawaiian collectibles, and local jewelry and gifts. 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. Inquire for wholesale pricing. This type of data sharing may be considered a sale of information under California privacy laws. By Kevin Whitton, author of Moon Hawaii. Item #196 Length8 inches Value$1,200 [ made to order ] Inquire Because these shells have a variety of colors and markings, Niihau artisans use descriptive terms to differentiate them. Over 80% by count Niihau shells, this piece is a high fashion statement. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. There are no cars, running water, or telephones on Ni'ihau. Some of the technologies we use are necessary for critical functions like security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and to make the site work correctly for browsing and transactions. We only know that both volcanoes formed about 6 million years ago. Ni'ihau shells are one of the most priced art forms of the Hawaiian culture because the practice has been done for hundreds of years dating pre-western contact. Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. Still, bringing music (in a physical format) from a foreign land is an excellent idea to relive your moments there. This 5 strand lei features the rarest colors of kahelelani. It's actually far more interesting a piece than the higher quality ones simply because of it's varied coloration. One of the most expensive items HNN came across was a three-strand Ni'ihau shell lei. The Kahelelani is also the most colorful shell used in Niihau and Kauaian shell leis. 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. Theres beach access on both ends of Alamoo and you can usually park on Alealea road. I bought a beautiful pair of Ni'ihau Kahelelani Shell earrings at this shop. 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 . These shells are very unique, and they are found only on the island of Ni'ihau. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. When it comes to Niihau souvenirs, Niihau shell leis are one of the most sought-after tokens. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. (sunrise shells are sold for quite a bit) . This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. If you are a history buff or have someone back home who is, Beekmans book is one of the best Niihau gifts. Sunrise ( quite rare) Shells you won't find: Ni'ihau. Made only on Niihau, a private island off Kauais west side, the lei are known as one of Polynesias finest ART FORMS . It is the most incredible form of recycling that I have found. Stretching only some 18 miles long and about six miles wide, the arid island is located approximately 17 miles off the west coast of Kaua'i. Try using a different browser or disabling ad blockers. Tours begin from Koloa, Kauai, and take participants across the often-rough Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua. Also the gift shop at the Kaua'i Museum is another reputable place to purchase these lei. My latest one was purchased from a Spouting Horn vendor and it came with a certificate of authenticity. Kauai. Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. Thats a business and I understand people need to feed their families but it takes the magic out of it. 00:00. Visit Oahu, Kauai, and Maui! Established in 2013, its mission is to design clothing for Hawaiians, by Hawaiians, from a modern studio in Kaimuki, near the lower slopes of Diamond Head, the island's legendary extinct volcano.. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling . The 1920's explosion in large pearl lariats was based on shell lei worn by Queens of Hawaii while visiting and hosting diplomats. This stunning set can come in any color or style in varied lengths. Inquire to choose your very own sunrise shell for this design. Went to the vendor at SH and what a beautiful display! A few other terms includekahakaha(striped),nikiniki(spotted),puupuu(bumpy), and evenwaha ulaula(red mouth). Can be sold individually or with earrings. Inquire for bulk or re-sale pricing. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Understandably, the rare shells are highly valued works of art both on display and for . Niihau shell, Heliconia dangle earrings made with vintage, momi ke'oke'o (pure white) shells and Kauai Kahelelani. Cowrie - all different varieties. We bought my wife's lei at least a dozen years ago at the Lawai Hawaiian Trading Post. With a Made in Hawaii selection of Aloha shirts and neckties for men, we offer something for everyone! An ipu pwehe sitting amongst ipu vines. We happily supply curated items to galleries with educational materials. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. I have found many different shells at Larsens but the gifts of the shells fade into the background compared to the peace and joy of just sitting and sifting or walking along Kaakaaniu beach. I so wanted a necklace but couldn't afford it :( I did end up getting some earrings. Sunrise Shell Lei Kauai Kahelelani Shell Lei Hawaii Shells Beach Jewelry Eco-Friendly Collected Rare Shells Island Mermaid Sunrise Shell ad vertisement by KauaiShellsandMore. pzp--that's encouraging, as I doubt I could really afford the thousands range! The smallest of the populated Hawaiian Islands, Niihau has an area of 70 square miles (180 square km). 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.) Finally, The Niihau Incident: The True Story by Allan Beekman gives detailed insight into how the plane crash of a Japanese fighter pilot on Niihau became one of the darkest episodes of the islands history. . I ended up with a really lovely 2 strand white momi, with matching earrings. Only In Your State. Kahelelani, momi or laiki gathered from other islands are not authentic "Ni'ihau" shells per Hawaii State Law H.B. King Kamehameha IV sold it for $10,000 in 1863 to Elizabeth Sinclair of Scotland. Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion. We are a Hawaiia n owned, local business that specializes in unique, hand-crafted products that are made in Hawaii. I paid $20 for it and the gal down the walk "wired" it for me for $15! Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. While some shells and shell colors are more common and easy to find, there are other varieties that are extremely rare and a . The island of Niihau encompasses 70 square miles and it is located 18 miles northwest of Kauai. The Kahelelani shell is the most sought after of the rare Niihau and Kauaian shells. In fact, the Hawaiian language is spoken almost . Take a look on Ebay at items from seller butch6868. 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. THE FORBIDDEN ISLAND. It . I've saved some excellent information from this forum, thanks to those of you with experience! 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. This set is a feature of Ula Ula Burgundy shell accents in a strong base of Pikake strung Momi shells. Kauai Tourism Kauai Hotels Kauai Bed and Breakfast Kauai Vacation Rentals Kauai Packages Flights to Kauai Kauai Restaurants Kauai Attractions Kauai Travel Forum Kauai Photos (10% off), Sale Price $93.75 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. They come in a wide range of colors. Still want to check it out! Wait time on a lei of this style is between 3 and 6 weeks generally. 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 ? A good necklace should be well-matched for color and well-graded small to large from the clasp down to the center. 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. Please log in again. They arent stones, of course, but TINY SHELLS that are rare and precious. Apparently there used to be a dump there many years ago and this is where the glass came from. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Ad . Ni'ihau is probably most famous for the Ni'ihau shell necklaces or lei, which are handcrafted on-island. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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. Be sure you're getting authentic Ni`ihau shells. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. 3940 Hanapp Road, (808) 335-5586 This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. The author has first-hand experience (she visited the island twice!) Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. $112.50, $125.00 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!) Good news! With such a fascinating history, anyone would love to learn about Niihaus culture, the settlers, and how it came to be such a secluded place. 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! Aloha~ Rob Arita, These are momi shells. With an official notary, Niihau shells can be evaluated based on its strain and style of stringing. It is finished with granulated cowries and a n 18k clasp. It is because of the efforts of the Ni'ihau people that Ni'ihau shells. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Item# 18L10Y0500. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. The only job available on Niihau is at the Robinson family ranch, where the majority of the population works raising cattle. We have many types of earrings, also silver hooks available at reduced cost. Kahelelani shells/Niihau - . Great for little kids to look for tiny fish and cucumber fish and shells. Another practical souvenir, this printed towel shows the Hawaiian Islands in a vintage-style map. It is the smallest and therefore the most difficult to collect and string. 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. Most of the tiny shells used are all three species: kahelelani, momi, and laiki. Its sad that this is happening. Our main goal is to pair the right piece with it's soul mate. Anyway, your opinions matter to me! The Trading Post did used to have a much bigger selection, and there used to be more vendors at Spouting Horn. Original Price $1,800.00 T-shirts have become a popular souvenir in the last decades: they are practical, original, and a clear reminder of where youve been. I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items. The highest elevation on Ni'ihau is 1,280 feet above sea level. The physic These pieces were designed to have a gentle contrast between Kahelelani and Momi and were made together but sold separately. Strung with Niihau Momi and Kahelelani, the colors are Ula Ula (Burgundy) and Akala Pua (Flower Pink) that compliment either side of the pearls for contrast and originality. The most prized are the deep reds, hot pinks, and the dark chocolate colored ones. The native iron compounds in the earth possibly reacted with tannins in the gourd, creating black and dark reddish-brown patterns. Stunning craftsmanship by an expert leimaker. Finished in 14K with 14K spacers. The people of Ni'ihau called . Finished with 14K Gold and GEM quality cypraea granulata. SECTION 3. Ni'ihau is estimated to be 4.9-6 million years old.