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!. One of the most expensive items HNN came across was a three-strand Ni'ihau shell lei. 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. Although it is not a Ni'ihau tradition to use them as pendants, it became very popular on Kauai starting in the 1970's. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. This shell . If you want to buy jewelry or leis made with pupu o Niihau, you can ask any shop to provide documentation that the work is authentic. Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! 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. They are unisex and come in different colors and sizes. :D. HEIRLOOMS to many, they are the only shell lei in the world that can be insured. Today, there are only about 130 or so people living on the island where they still speak their own dialect of the Hawaiian language. an array of intriguing island finds, like Ni'ihau Shell Leis, Hawaiian collectibles, and local jewelry and gifts. Other places that I would recommend for purchasing Ni'ihau shell lei (or Pu'pu Ni'ihau) is the "tourist trap" by Lawai -- I think it is called Hawaiian Trading Post -- has a large collection of Ni'ihau shell leis -- both for exhibition and for sale -- they always buy from well known Ni'ihau ohana and are a safe bet. swmarket: thanks for the Na Mea rec; it was on the Oahu recommended list, too and I really love that shop! Ni'ihau is estimated to be 4.9-6 million years old. These Niihau shell leis are gorgeous and truly "made in Hawaii.". Bellewoods Art Kilauea 96754 . Ni'ihau is a private island with a population of 160, mostly of pure Native Hawaiian descent. Only In Your State. Designs by Teresa Kapaa 96746 . Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Purchasing a CD might sound outdated with Spotify or iTunes today. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. They are also the most difficult to collect in usable quantities. She advised looking and investigating very carefully.it seems that there are what appear to be " knock offs " out there. Any items in this set can be sold separately. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Sunrise shells are a fascinating member of the scallop or pecten family that live in deep Hawaiian waters. 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. And shells! The Trading Post did used to have a much bigger selection, and there used to be more vendors at Spouting Horn. This 5 strand lei features the rarest colors of kahelelani. Aloha. Kauai Advisor ~ Francesca Azuremare ~ has lived on Kauai for 22 years. Indeed it is. He spent 3 days doing that and came out with just under half a small glass jar. For most of the state's residents, that's the only way to see the island of Niihau. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Bird of Paradise in Cream/Navy Lotus & Lime $49.95. The island of Niihau encompasses 70 square miles and it is located 18 miles northwest of Kauai. Niihau is one of the most untouched of all the inhabited Hawaiian islands. Niihau ( Hawaiian: [niihw] ), anglicized as Niihau ( / ni ( i) ha / NEE- (ee-)how ), is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii. Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. It was an hour before daybreak but some local family were looking for Sunrise shells. Ni'ihau shell leimaking is a traditional native Hawaiian art form that produces a highly-treasured form of jewelry. 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. Barbara and 22kauai - thanks for Spouting Horn, it's now on the list! Find your treasure or have one made for you. and just poking holes in these tiny shells and stringing them up is soooo labor-intensive! Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Located on the island of 'Oahu, w e sale primarily at craft fairs, public events, and fundraising events. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. Kauai Crystal Sanctuary Anahola 96703 . They come in an amazing array of colors and can be woven into the most beautiful adornments. The seventy-two-square-mile island located off the southwestern tip of Kaua'i is part of Kaua'i County but has been privately owned since 1864, first by the Sinclair and now by the Robinson family. 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. Your email address will not be published. They do wash up on certain beaches when powerful ocean swells move debris from the depths to the shoreline. The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. 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. Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. 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. (25% off), Sale Price $67.50 This includes both online and at gift shops across Hawaii. This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. (10% off), Sale Price $93.75 Both snorkel tours combine Niihau with Kauai's Na Pali Coast and range from $250 to $285 per person for a seven-hour excursion. Original Price $90.00 Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. mammaI checked and I can pull the photos up. Diamonds and platinum may be a sign of luxury in the U.S. Mainland, but in Hawaii it's Ni'ihau shell jewelry. Gorgeous 7 mile beach, stunning pointed cliffs and miles of ocean. With an official notary, Niihau shells can be evaluated based on its strain and style of stringing. 3864 Iona Road, (808) 634-0101, blu-umi.com 8. Original Price $125.00 Photos taken through glass along with bright light reflectance blurred and obscrubed much detail (plus my shaky hands did not help). Shades of colors are often identified ashiehie(light) orikaika(dark). Learn more. Traditionally worn at weddings but stunning for any occasion is this 10 strand Laiki or Rice shell lei measuring in at 36". Over 80% by count Niihau shells, this piece is a high fashion statement. 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 Tourism Kauai Hotels Kauai Guest House Kauai Holiday Homes Kauai Holiday Packages Kauai Flights Kauai Restaurants Kauai Attractions Kauai Travel Forum Kauai Photos Very nice and striking colors in this lei. When it comes to Niihau souvenirs, Niihau shell leis are one of the most sought-after tokens. 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. Also the gift shop at the Kaua'i Museum is another reputable place to purchase these lei. Well it may be a trek to get there even in your 4 x 4.. but its worth it. Is it legal to collect shells in Hawaii? Its not a great swimming beach, theres lots of rocks and stones but theres also lots of pools because of that. The smallest of the populated Hawaiian Islands, Niihau has an area of 70 square miles (180 square km). 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. Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. Wait time on a lei of this style is between 3 and 6 weeks generally. pzp--that's encouraging, as I doubt I could really afford the thousands range! Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. Dont see this option? there aren't many tools needed either, just stringing line and lots of time! They arent stones, of course, but TINY SHELLS that are rare and precious. It is certifiable with 85% Niihau Shells and features a sunrise shell Centerpiece and sterling silver adjustable length clasp. And my "little" one came from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The people of Ni'ihau called . I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. At 17.5 miles from Kauai, Niihau is the 7th largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands. Not even enough for one necklace. Clasp is fixed currently with a granulated cowry but can be doubled and worn as a shorter 20 strand look. Lava Lava Cafe on the beach. One of a kind handmade jewelry including Ni'ihau shell and Sunrise Shell necklaces, earrings and bracelets all locally made at great prices. Kauai. And those were expensive at Maui Hands as well, but I felt the prices overall were a tad better. This piece can be worn several ways. And you are so right, Barbara, it's not the price. Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion. The one I REALLY loved was $5000! When combined with kahelelani, momi, and kamoa, the variations are endless. Ni'ihau is probably most famous for the Ni'ihau shell necklaces or lei, which are handcrafted on-island. Great for little kids to look for tiny fish and cucumber fish and shells. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Original Price $1,800.00 $254.99, $299.99 It is roughly 18.6 miles long and 6.2 miles wide. i tried this and me and my eyes gave up. There are no cars, running water, or telephones on Ni'ihau. Earwires are 14K French Hooks. Strung Momi Pikake style with breaks of maunaloa strands, this wears long and elegantly. 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. Good luck in your hunt for your gorgeous Niihau shell lei, Plumeria! "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Black/Bronze Lotus & Lime $49.95. Ahhh Polihale. Sunrise Shell Lei Kauai Kahelelani Shell Lei Hawaii Shells Beach Jewelry Eco-Friendly Collected Rare Shells Island Mermaid Sunrise Shell ad vertisement by KauaiShellsandMore. Original Price $69.00 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!) Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Ni'ihau shell leis and jewelry. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII: SECTION 1. Kauai & Niihau Airplane Tours. Ever since I learned about Niihau on my last trip to Hawaii, Ive been eager to plan a trip to this remote island. Niihau, Hawaii's "Forbidden Island.". Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Niihau shell leis and jewelry. Thank you for all of your replys.Sounds like the place to look is The Trading Post, and expect at least a couple grand? Niihau, Hawaiian Ni'ihau, volcanic island, Kauai county, Hawaii, U.S. Niihau lies 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Kauai island. The surrounding coral beds remain unspoiled and untouched by outside influences, allowing the tiny shells . Colors and lengths can vary depending on what is in stock. Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts. Most, if not all . 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Jun 14, 2014 - All about ni'ihau shells. You can dress long in the flapper fashion, short as a choker, or as a waistband beach accessory. These are our Ni'ihau shell post earrings. Answer 11 of 14: Are there any beaches where visitors can find the beautiful Sunrise shells? Any pieces shown here for sale may be slightly different and can be customized to your specifications. The Mkaha Sons are famous for championing traditional Hawaiian music, and their incredible harmonies took them to prestigious places like Carnegie Hall. Youll see some people use it as decoration due to its vibrant colors and large size. This is an excellent start, I appreciate your help. Read more in my Privacy Policy. Kauai also has very talented lei makers and the sunrise shell or Langford's Pecten has become popular as a centerpiece that is combined with the more traditional styles of lei. Inquire for bulk or re-sale pricing. Post Office Box 348 Another question for the Kauai locals - Do you think Oahu would be any better or worse to shop for my new lei? You walk right into the production kitchen to buy a bag (or three). The island lacks basic municipal infrastructure. I so wanted a necklace but couldn't afford it :( I did end up getting some earrings. . Sometimes "quality" is in the eye of the beholder so buy what you love! The shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. What more could you ask! 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. You might want to stop at the Trading Post out on the highway just to see the varieties. 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. I bought mine from a Spouting Horn vendor about ten years ago. It is a bottlebrush- blossom. A private island with a population of mostly pure Native Hawaiian descent, Ni'ihau has no rivers running into the ocean. It is the most incredible form of recycling that I have found. Its certainly pretty when the pieces are shimmering in the sun. The seller might still be able to personalize your item. 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. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. Come have a peek at island jewelry! Ni'ihau Designer Tahitian Pearl Bracelet sewn with high quality Akala Pua Kahelelani and A Grade Tahitian Pearls. Still, Coffee lovers wont find a better way to sip their morning coffee than this Niihau coffee mug. 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. (10% off), Sale Price $254.99 Custom Shell Jewelry. This topic was brought up on the Europe board and it helped me greatly during my Med cruise last October. Our famous Alice in Hulaland T-Shirts made on the softest T-shirts we can find and handmade Alice Dresses and Alice T-Shirt Cut-Ups only found in our store. Although some common shells can be found on other islands, the shells from Ni'ihau have a characteristic luster not found in the other shells. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Theres not much variety of lei styles; however, leis are one-of-a-kind in design and come in different price ranges according to the type of shell, its uniqueness, and color. Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. 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. 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. Passion-4-Fashion Hono Ohala Place, Kapaa . It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. Finish is a Freshwater 14K Gold Pearl safety clasp. The kahelelani poe poe blend has all the colors represented in a symmetrical match of width and length. -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. The Shells of Niihau. I dont have a photo of one that I took hence the once above, which is also lovely. Finished with a 14K hook and eye clasp and granulated cowry, this is a spectacularly traditional lei. Etsys 100% renewable electricity commitment includes the electricity used by the data centers that host Etsy.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsys global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US. Finding a sunrise shell when its just a gift from the ocean ah thats special. Please log in again. It's the Hawaiian way. Let me know in the comments! Decorated by Leilehua Yuen. Website by: Emagine, gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. 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.) I've saved some excellent information from this forum, thanks to those of you with experience! Today, the craft of lei-making with Niihau shells is protected thanks to a law enacted by the Hawaii state legislature in 2004 (source). 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. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Although, Poleho can be picked on Ni'ihau, our Poleho shells are. Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. 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 the tiny shells used are all three species: kahelelani, momi, and laiki. Printed products with designs that resonate with the Forbidden Island make lovely Niaihau souvenirs. The shells used to create NIIHAU SHELL LEI are akin to precious gemstones. A good necklace should be well-matched for color and well-graded small to large from the clasp down to the center. There are also some souvenirs that you can order online which will allow you to experience Niihau at home whether youre still planning a trip or thinking back fondly on yours. SECTION 2. 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. $85.50, $95.00 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. Add to Cart. But it's not exactly simple. New statutory material is underscored. 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 . When combined with kahelelani and sunrise shells, you can get stunning results! The lei can be connected with the bracelet to make a longer necklace while the earrings make a perfect compliment for any style. I bought a beautiful pair of Ni'ihau Kahelelani Shell earrings at this shop. Niihau Island, known as the "Forbidden Island," is one of the most mysterious of all the Hawaiian Islands, with a unique history and long-standing independence. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Kahelelani Shells 3 strands twisted bracelet at the best online prices at eBay! I would rec Na Mea on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A beautiful lei adorned with Gem quality Hawaiian Honey Cowry that also can be worn as a centerpiece. The most prized are the deep reds, hot pinks, and the dark chocolate colored ones. Ni'ihau shell necklace Rare colors AlohaMeraki (4) $549.00 FREE shipping 20 1/2 inches Niihau momi shell necklace and bracelet with kahelelani shells from Hawaii DuangchindaOfHawaii (159) $850.00 Gorgeous Kahelelani Shell necklace Made in Hawaii USA Gold fill thin dainty delicate chain Ni'ihau Niihau like Island Ocean Beach Jewelry From beach cover-ups and sundresses to Kauai logo tees and the all-popular Kauai Rooster cap. remembering account, browser, and regional preferences, remembering privacy and security settings, personalized search, content, and recommendations, helping sellers understand their audience, showing relevant, targeted ads on and off Etsy. $112.50, $125.00 Their display of vintage lei is quite interesting, too. To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These earrings will be a limited stock, so get yours today. several thousand dollars for a multi-strand ni'ihau shell lei! Aloha! These earrings represent a beautiful PoePoe weave and can be ordered with any color of Ni'ihau Kahelelani. MF Silver, Kealia . $44.10, $49.00 Absolutely! There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. 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. The gem-like shells can be as tiny as the head of a pin and can be found on the beaches of Hawaii's private island. This is a museum quality piece made from several seasons of picking shells. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. Choose the options youd like for the order. Not great swimming beaches (apart from Lydgate) you can find a few shells if you look carefully at the right time of day. I feel blessed to live in such a magical, beautiful place. when you sign up for the 101 Things To Do email newsletter! Including Sunrise shells & Puka shells. Niihau shell, Heliconia dangle earrings made with vintage, momi ke'oke'o (pure white) shells and Kauai Kahelelani. About Us Less than a mile up the Waimea Canyon Drive between mile markers 13 and 14 is the large Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. [3] Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. 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). Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. The native iron compounds in the earth possibly reacted with tannins in the gourd, creating black and dark reddish-brown patterns. They are also the most difficult to collect in usable quantities. We only know that both volcanoes formed about 6 million years ago. Remembering you arent in Hawaii anymore as soon as you wake, isnt exactly appealing. Item #196 Length8 inches Value$1,200 [ made to order ] Inquire Another practical souvenir, this printed towel shows the Hawaiian Islands in a vintage-style map. Precious Diamond 808 Detailing Anahola 96703 . Apparently there used to be a dump there many years ago and this is where the glass came from. When taken to the highest level, they are undoubtedly fine art. They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. It hardly ever rains at Polihale so you can do that; nothing like looking at the canopy of the stars. Tours begin from Koloa, Kauai, and take participants across the often-rough Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua.