Because there are fewer Kahelelani on this piece, the pricing is very affordable at $700 for the necklace, $200 for the bracelet and $75 for the earrings. beautiful shells and lovely work indeed. What makes Ni'ihau so mystifying is that life here has remained mostly frozen in time. Niihau Shell Leis is another exciting book you may bring home with you. Top Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 554,711 traveller reviews and photos of Kauai tourist attractions. The author has first-hand experience (she visited the island twice!) 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. Item# 16H01WR0250. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Passion-4-Fashion Hono Ohala Place, Kapaa . 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 stringing and quality of finish are incredible. Finished with 14K Gold and GEM quality cypraea granulata. The island of Ni'ihau lies 17 mile off the west coast of Kauai. Great! :-), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We currently specialize in Ni'ihau shell lei, Seed lei, and Lauhala Weaving. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. :cool: These tiny, gorgeous shells wash up on the island of Ni'ihau, which is inaccessible to the public. 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. If we were to buy again I'm not sure where we would look first. All have been fully authenticated by makers from Ni`ihau. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. (a) For the purposes of this section, "Niihau shells" means seashells harvested from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches. Thats a business and I understand people need to feed their families but it takes the magic out of it. The songs in this CD will transport you to Hawaiian soil, with the sound of waves of Waikiki and the breathtaking sunrise at Haleakala. 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. Kahelelani are the tiniest and most prized of the shells used to create Hawaiian shell leis. Fill out the requested information. ), Your email address will not be published. Its sad that this is happening. Just the lei is $800 but earrings and bracelet be sold in addition as a full set for $1200. Now I'm sharing that information here. Article Sources Earrings additional $85. I did buy the gorgeous book Totally Hawaiian has on Niihau shell lei, which I highly recommend. You might want to stop at the Trading Post out on the highway just to see the varieties. This classic look first made it's splash when Queen Emmalani wore her Laiki shell lei abroad to meet diplomats in Europe. 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. Located 17 miles off the west coast of Kauai lies the island of Ni'ihau, better known as The Forbidden Isle. Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. It is in excellent condition and very striking to wear and to look at. Using a combination of beautiful Ni'ihau shells and Grade A Tahitian pearls, this longer lei is definitely a showstopper. Happy shelling! Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. Well, it's not Kauai, nor Oahu, but I bought mine at Maui Hands in Paia as I wanted to make certain to get an authentic Niihau shell lei. The center is heliconia stitch. It's the Hawaiian way. About Us Original Price $1,650.00 Length: 24" Materials: Kahelelani 'ele'ele (tiny dark red burgundy shells) kahelelani 'oma'oma 'o (tan tiny shells) Kahelelani 'akala pua (tiny pink shells) Puka shell (white end cap) momi ke'oke'o kua'ula (white shells) 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. Answer 11 of 14: Are there any beaches where visitors can find the beautiful Sunrise shells? Including Sunrise shells & Puka shells. These earrings will not be duplicated in the future. Every Ni'ihau shell creation we offer is made with care and selected for quality and originality. It was an hour before daybreak but some local family were looking for Sunrise shells. The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. The colors here are Akala Pua Waipapipi (hot pink), O'mao O'mao (green), and Ele Ele (dark brown). I will email the photos to you if you don't mind publishing your email address here. 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. Niihau is one of the most untouched of all the inhabited Hawaiian islands. Its certainly pretty when the pieces are shimmering in the sun. Product Code: KFB_N006; Availability: In Stock; $525.00; Qty Add to Cart. This set is a matching combination of white Ke'Oke'O Momi shells and Pink Akala Pua Kahelelani. They arent stones, of course, but TINY SHELLS that are rare and precious. $112.50, $125.00 Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. For experienced, certified scuba divers, Seasport Divers and Fathom Five Divers also visit Lehua. when you sign up for the 101 Things To Do email newsletter! Yes! Ni'ihau shell lei are one of Hawaii's most authentic and sought after treasures. 3864 Iona Road, (808) 634-0101, blu-umi.com 8. Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha by the Mkaha Sons of Niihau is full of traditional Hawaiian tunes. Length and clasp can be adjustable. An ipu pwehe sitting amongst ipu vines. That was NOT in my budget! Niihau shell strands are suspended from stamped . Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. If you opened this thread to learn what I'm talking about, here's some info: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_history.htm, Well, it's not (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our price is variable and pieces are made with high test line, and in most cases 14K gold clasp. The highest elevation on Ni'ihau is 1,280 feet above sea level. 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. There are no ferry services taxiing tourists to Niihau from the other islands, and as you'd expect, no flights to Niihau, either. Every piece you purchase from our Ni'ihau collection comes with the stringer's name and a detailed description of the shells on your lei and their Hawaiian names of color and shell. Kahelelani shells/Niihau - . The shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. Expect to see knockoff s with slightly different labels. Very nice and striking colors in this lei. 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. Sunrise Shell Lei Kauai Kahelelani Shell Lei Hawaii Shells Beach Jewelry Eco-Friendly Collected Rare Shells Island Mermaid Sunrise Shell ad vertisement by KauaiShellsandMore. The 72-square-mile Niihau is everything the major Hawaiian islands Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and its neighbor Kauai are not. If you don't see it, it might be in your junk/spam folder. I would love to hear what you end up buying, with all the details! I know it's a lot, but have no idea what range we are talking aboutI am interested in getting one when I am there in August, but have a feeling I may be out of my league You should be able to get a pikake choker-length for about $125. Understandably, the rare shells are highly valued works of art both on display and for . 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. Be aware not all shells are Ni'ihau shells. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. They have some beautiful pieces. But the other end and in between, you may come across some finds. 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. Another question for the Kauai locals - Do you think Oahu would be any better or worse to shop for my new lei? The 1920's explosion in large pearl lariats was based on shell lei worn by Queens of Hawaii while visiting and hosting diplomats. Price tag: $20,000. Our options for clasps are boundless and our collection of gem quality cowry are fabulous. It is certifiable with 85% Niihau Shells and features a sunrise shell Centerpiece and sterling silver adjustable length clasp. 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.. 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. One of my favorite aspects of this art form is that living creatures are never taken for their shells. New statutory material is underscored. swmarket: thanks for the Na Mea rec; it was on the Oahu recommended list, too and I really love that shop! After logging in you can close it and return to this page. I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items. This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. 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. This is the beach right in front of Alamoo road, thats the dirt track road which is just north of the Hanalei Colony Resort. These are our Ni'ihau shell post earrings. mammaI checked and I can pull the photos up. Want to know more? Does shopping on Etsy help support small businesses? Printed products with designs that resonate with the Forbidden Island make lovely Niaihau souvenirs. They come in a wide range of colors. 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. In addition, the people from Niihau also grow their own fruits and vegetables. (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. Turning off the personalized advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. Shown below are examples of different styles and colors. Although it is not a Ni'ihau tradition to use them as pendants, it became very popular on Kauai starting in the 1970's. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Bill of sale with detailed information on your lei. Among things prohibited are alcohol, drugs, guns, beards, long hair, tattoos, and piercings. A Sunrise Shell on Kauai looks like a Sunrise.a half moon of yellows and oranges and reds with the shape above. One Niihau shell lei can run from a hundred dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the shell type, color and design. [3] In addition to being rare, Kahelelani . Please check your email for a link to verify your email address. It's actually far more interesting a piece than the higher quality ones simply because of it's varied coloration. It's known as "The Forbidden Island" in Hawaii, and the nickname isn't an exaggeration. Be sure you're getting authentic Ni`ihau shells. big store at the corner of Lawaii Road and 580. Went to the vendor at SH and what a beautiful display! This completely unique strand is incredibly long and features 3 different styles of sewing Kahelelani and Momi. Things go up from there. Just 17 miles from the coastline of Kauai, Hawaii boasts a historic restricted area: the small, 70-square-mile island of Niihau . (25% off), Sale Price $67.50 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Glass Beach Jewelry Designs 96714 . In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the K Hawaii Paeina (Hawaiian Kingdom) people. Find modern apparel, prints by local artists and jewelry made from hard-to-find Ni'ihau and sunrise shells. magical! It is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) southwest of Kauai across the Kaulakahi Channel. For generations, the people of Ni'ihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. In addition is a description and history of the craft with leimakers name and an artist statement. Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. Custom Shell Jewelry. Utterly fantastic workmanship and quality of shells. [1] Kahelelani came from the royal Kaulamakaula line ("the red bloodline"). 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!) (10% off), Sale Price $44.10 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). Hawaiian is their first language, English is second. Kauai & Niihau Airplane Tours. Much like shells are the diamonds to any surfer girl, Niihau shells - found only on the island of Niihau are valued like a one-of-a-kind diamond encrusted necklace. 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. Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. Jun 14, 2014 - All about ni'ihau shells. Collected from the beaches of the forbidden island and painstakingly cleaned and sewn together is a legacy unique to it's culture. 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 Add to Cart. Post Office Box 348 You will check in at the Ni'ihau Helicopters sales office on Kaumualii Highway in Kaumakani, on the south shore of Kaua'i. It's next to the post office in the same shopping plaza as Aloha Sweet Delights, whose pink and yellow sign you can't miss from the road. Francesca. For each, is a person who will love and treasure it. 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.) This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The only job available on Niihau is at the Robinson family ranch, where the majority of the population works raising cattle. The square mileage of Ni'ihau is roughly 70 square miles. 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. Did you highlight the link and "copy" it and then "paste" it to the web address line? I also have purchased one from a shop at Kilhana (which I'm not sure is still there). $1,350.00, $1,800.00 Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. The necklaces can sell for an average of $125 to $25,000, and state law protects the Niihau label. Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. Length: 19" Materials: kahelelani 'akala pua (pink tiny shells) kahelel . The stretch of beaches from Wailua to Kapaa 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 its a couple of years old now!) Taro K Chip Factory The bestand freshesttaro chips in the state, period. Kahelelani is the smallest, most valuable and hardest to prepare. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! Tours begin from Koloa, Kauai, and take participants across the often-rough Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua. Each earring is unique as there will only be one available at a time. She advised looking and investigating very carefully.it seems that there are what appear to be " knock offs " out there. It's our 25th wedding anniversary gift and I could not be more excited! Finding a sunrise shell that way is just money. This piece features nearly every color of Kahelelani and Momi. They are often collected by divers and sold for surprising amounts of cash ($30-$2000 a piece!) Photos taken through glass along with bright light reflectance blurred and obscrubed much detail (plus my shaky hands did not help). The value of a lei is also impacted by the availability of certain shells. But dont let that story deter you. Inquire to choose your very own sunrise shell for this design. Beautiful! To live in such a beautiful place filled. Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! 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-59043927', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Oahu forum, as we'll be a week at each this August. 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. Enjoy the combinations of Kahelelani, momi, and sunrise shells displayed on my site. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. They have been used for centuries by the native people of these islands. The island lacks basic municipal infrastructure. Gorgeous 7 mile beach, stunning pointed cliffs and miles of ocean. Designs by Teresa Kapaa 96746 . 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. 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. Cowrie - all different varieties. (I'm looking at this purchase as I'd do a diamond, a little research goes a long way!). 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. They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. The best shell beach on Kauai! 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. All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Legally, this term refers only to shells actually gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. Come have a peek at island jewelry! Can be sold individually or with earrings. 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! (2) The product or jewelry item is fabricated, processed, or manufactured entirely within this State. Thank you for all of your replys.Sounds like the place to look is The Trading Post, and expect at least a couple grand? Kea Biker Shorts Aloha Mlie $30.95. Barbara and 22kauai - thanks for Spouting Horn, it's now on the list! Finish is a Freshwater 14K Gold Pearl safety clasp. I bought mine from a Spouting Horn vendor about ten years ago. Ni'ihau is probably most famous for the Ni'ihau shell necklaces or lei, which are handcrafted on-island. One of a kind handmade jewelry including Ni'ihau shell and Sunrise Shell necklaces, earrings and bracelets all locally made at great prices. Choose the options youd like for the order. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. 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. He spent 3 days doing that and came out with just under half a small glass jar. The tiny shells wash up already vacant from the snails that they once housed. 3940 Hanapp Road, (808) 335-5586 This piece can be worn several ways. 20 . I would like toknow where to look. This piece is 24" and is one of the most treasured favorites in our collection. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. I ended up with a really lovely 2 strand white momi, with matching earrings. They get food from the ranch as well. We bought my wife's lei at least a dozen years ago at the Lawai Hawaiian Trading Post. Its on the best shell beaches on Kauai. 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. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. Check out this Hawaii t-shirt, which features a map design showing Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, and Niihau islands. what puzzles me is that they can only be found on ni'ihau. But it's not exactly simple. For most of the state's residents, that's the only way to see the island of Niihau. Some of the kinds of shells you'll find. And be especially careful up on the rocks on the north end of the beach. Sizes can be adjusted and pieces can be sold separately. The average size of Kahelelani shells will . (10% off), Sale Price $254.99 Kauai Tourism Kauai Hotels Kauai Guest House Kauai Holiday Homes Kauai Holiday Packages Kauai Flights Kauai Restaurants Kauai Attractions Kauai Travel Forum Kauai Photos Just a word of caution when identifying Niihau shells. They do wash up on certain beaches when powerful ocean swells move debris from the depths to the shoreline. 0 . 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. Decorated by Leilehua Yuen. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "486- Niihau shells; representing content. This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. The color and size matching, plus the graduated thickness of the lei is really superb. 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). From the time we are children, its something we all want to do! The Big Island - Red - Lehua flower First, The Big Island is red for the fire goddess Pele who lives there, lava is also red. (10% off), Sale Price $1,350.00 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. We chose to finish these with 14K stunning Cypraea Helvolla Cowry hook and eye. From beach cover-ups and sundresses to Kauai logo tees and the all-popular Kauai Rooster cap. 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! Not even enough for one necklace. Original Price $49.00 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. I bought a beautiful pair of Ni'ihau Kahelelani Shell earrings at this shop. Apparently there used to be a dump there many years ago and this is where the glass came from. Their display of vintage lei is quite interesting, too. It is finished with granulated cowries and a n 18k clasp. 1. The seller might still be able to personalize your item. Matching earrings are 14K gold wire. In fact, the Hawaiian language is spoken almost . Earrings are 14K french hooks. As she said best shell beach on the island. Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. 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!. They can also be found on Kaua`i and Moloka`i, but those lack the luster of the authentic ones.