Niihau shell, Heliconia dangle earrings made with vintage, momi ke'oke'o (pure white) shells and Kauai Kahelelani. Required fields are marked *. Kauai. I bought mine from a Spouting Horn vendor about ten years ago. 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. Shelling at Larsens is a wonderful experience. T-shirts have become a popular souvenir in the last decades: they are practical, original, and a clear reminder of where youve been. Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. Its only accessible by driving 20 mins down a dirt track (past the Hyatt and CJM stables.. go to the end, turn right and keep going). The Mkaha Sons are famous for championing traditional Hawaiian music, and their incredible harmonies took them to prestigious places like Carnegie Hall. SECTION 2. Earwires are 14K French Hooks. The kahelelani poe poe blend has all the colors represented in a symmetrical match of width and length. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Bellewoods Art Kilauea 96754 . Can you check the link for me? We enjoy working with both novice enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. When it comes to Niihau souvenirs, Niihau shell leis are one of the most sought-after tokens. Visit Oahu, Kauai, and Maui! Each lei can take up to six months to complete. Up to 20 inches $10,000. 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 ? 01:00. And those were expensive at Maui Hands as well, but I felt the prices overall were a tad better. (25% off), Sale Price $112.50 With all the beauty of nature~, Hi there, thanks for the comment. This is a special order piece and requires 2-3 weeks lead time. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. 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. The value of a lei is also impacted by the availability of certain shells. Have any questions about where to buy Niihau shell leis or other souvenirs from Hawaiis Forbidden Island? In addition to being rare, Kahelelani . 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. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! 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. Ni'ihau Helicopters Office Drive to Port Allen Airport Ni'ihau Shell Heirlooms. Ni'ihau is a private island with a population of 160, mostly of pure Native Hawaiian descent. 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. 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. Stunning. 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). This is a museum quality piece made from several seasons of picking shells. The 1920's explosion in large pearl lariats was based on shell lei worn by Queens of Hawaii while visiting and hosting diplomats. We only know that both volcanoes formed about 6 million years ago. Prices are way up all over. In addition, the people from Niihau also grow their own fruits and vegetables. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling . So you only have two options for setting foot on the island: take a helicopter tour from Kauai or . Photo: Drawing by W. Ellis of Ni`ihau and Lehua in 1778 Ni'ihau Shell Lei - a Part of Ni'ihau Culture for Centuries Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. 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. Add to Cart. What a life! Some antique pieces we carry have been refinished for quality purposes. $450.00, $600.00 The physic It is roughly 18.6 miles long and 6.2 miles wide. There are many books to learn about Niihau, but here are a few that tackle interesting topics. Original Price $1,650.00 Good luck in your hunt for your gorgeous Niihau shell lei, Plumeria! Did you highlight the link and "copy" it and then "paste" it to the web address line? Take a look on Ebay at items from seller butch6868. Earrings are 14K french hooks. Over 80% by count Niihau shells, this piece is a high fashion statement. Shown below are examples of different styles and colors. Is it legal to collect shells in Hawaii? 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! All shells sold as Ni'ihau shells must contain at least 80% Ni'ihau shells and must be made in the State of Hawai'i. 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. Shades of colors are often identified ashiehie(light) orikaika(dark). (Also, I did update your comment for you! Can be sold individually or with earrings. They are often collected by divers and sold for surprising amounts of cash ($30-$2000 a piece!) bjbert--I tried the link you provided, but it tells me "something bad happened" and I can't get to the pics. Though the nickname stuck, luckily visiting the island is no longer forbidden. This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. Without a doubt, Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha should be in any Hawaiian music fans collection. Shells featured are Akala Pua Kahelelani sewn Poe Poe with sections of A Grade South Sea Golden Pearl. There are four species of Ni'ihau shells, or Pupu 'O Ni'ihau. 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. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. 14K strong magnetic clasp for easy removal and safe wear. 3864 Iona Road, (808) 634-0101, blu-umi.com 8. Niihau, Hawaii's "Forbidden Island.". THE FORBIDDEN ISLAND. Kauai Crystal Sanctuary Anahola 96703 . This remote beach is a great shell beach on Kauai. The people of Ni'ihau called . Hawaii is known for many shells found nowhere else on earth. Less than a mile up the Waimea Canyon Drive between mile markers 13 and 14 is the large Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. They come in an amazing array of colors and can be woven into the most beautiful adornments. With powerful tools and services, along with expert support and education, we help creative entrepreneurs start, manage, and scale their businesses. Sizes can be adjusted and pieces can be sold separately. Located on the island of 'Oahu, w e sale primarily at craft fairs, public events, and fundraising events. Buy 2 Get 3rd item FREE - Store only. Article Sources Ni'ihau Shells More Listed on Feb 26, 2023 One favorite Report this item to Etsy . 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. It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. A private island with a population of mostly pure Native Hawaiian descent, Ni'ihau has no rivers running into the ocean. If you want to know about Kauais Top Beaches in general, check out my post on that here. 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. 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. 20 . Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Including Sunrise shells & Puka shells. Here are two photos of Niihau shell necklaces in a collection at Hawaiian Trading Post at Kalaheo. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. Finding a sunrise shell that way is just money. Jun 14, 2014 - All about ni'ihau shells. Those prices. Their prices tend to be high, although I bought a lei there many years ago. That was NOT in my budget! At 17.5 miles from Kauai, Niihau is the 7th largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands. Inquire to have photos sent to you of most current inventory since we often have incredible lei that are not yet posted online. what puzzles me is that they can only be found on ni'ihau. Captcha failed to load. 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. Studio Hours. Ni'ihau is located 17.5 miles southwest of Kauai. 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) 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. Pamela Dow, a Kekaha retailer of the jewelry, hopes to elevate the art form to . Niihau is one of the most untouched of all the inhabited Hawaiian islands. Ever since I learned about Niihau on my last trip to Hawaii, Ive been eager to plan a trip to this remote island. Let me know in the comments! But it's not exactly simple. beautiful shells and lovely work indeed. 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. It is the smallest and therefore the most difficult to collect and string. An ipu pwehe sitting amongst ipu vines. They get food from the ranch as well. At Ali'i Kauai Tours and Charters, we offer one better: A two-for-one air experience. For generations, the people of Niihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. Its on the best shell beaches on Kauai. Inquire for photos of different sets. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. For experienced, certified scuba divers, Seasport Divers and Fathom Five Divers also visit Lehua. Still want to check it out! I dont have a photo of one that I took hence the once above, which is also lovely. Traditionally worn at weddings but stunning for any occasion is this 10 strand Laiki or Rice shell lei measuring in at 36". The island lacks basic municipal infrastructure. Kahelelani (born in the late 17th century) was the first ali'i of the island of Niihau, Hawaii; he was the son of High Chief Kanehuanui and High Chiefess Kaluahineloa. The island of Niihau encompasses 70 square miles and it is located 18 miles northwest of Kauai. Another practical souvenir, this printed towel shows the Hawaiian Islands in a vintage-style map. Cowrie - all different varieties. Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. We are a Hawaiia n owned, local business that specializes in unique, hand-crafted products that are made in Hawaii. While you can find these rare shells on the shores of the Forbidden Island only, you wont be able to travel and find these souvenirs in Niihau. 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. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. If you want to learn about Niihaus history, Niihau: The Last Hawaiian Island by Ruth M. Tabrah is a great way to start. Niihau is such a unique destination its definitely worth leaving some space in your suitcase to bring home a souvenir. 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! Ni'ihau is probably most famous for the Ni'ihau shell necklaces or lei, which are handcrafted on-island. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. this style is inspired by the treasures of the ocean and how well they work together. Original Price $69.00 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.. 2569. A jaw dropping array of all colors of Momi and Kahelelani are visible but the ultimate prize is incredible construction and consistency of stringing. I feel blessed to live in such a magical, beautiful place. Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Ni'ihau shell leis and jewelry. In fact, the Hawaiian language is spoken almost . It just means you don't get the fancy, multi-strand long lei. With a Made in Hawaii selection of Aloha shirts and neckties for men, we offer something for everyone! I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Also the gift shop at the Kaua'i Museum is another reputable place to purchase these lei. Heres where you can purchase authentic Niihau shell leis: Each of these locations offers Niihau shell leis that should be documented and authentic. We did receive a letter of authenticity, but it has long since been lost. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. This gorgeous 3 strand kahelelani necklace in the poepoe style required over 1200 shells to complete.finished with a solid 18k clasp! It hardly ever rains at Polihale so you can do that; nothing like looking at the canopy of the stars. 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). Original Price $90.00 Kahelelani, momi or laiki gathered from other islands are not authentic "Ni'ihau" shells per Hawaii State Law H.B. They can also be found on Kaua`i and Moloka`i, but those lack the luster of the authentic ones. I talked with her for a bit - very interesting. Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. Beautiful works of art. Youll see some people use it as decoration due to its vibrant colors and large size. Mine was handed down to me, so I can't help much eithersorry! 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. (I'm looking at this purchase as I'd do a diamond, a little research goes a long way!). A lot depends on the shells, the pattern and how skilled the maker was. 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. 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 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 ? Diamonds and platinum may be a sign of luxury in the U.S. Mainland, but in Hawaii it's Ni'ihau shell jewelry. Beautiful! New statutory material is underscored. Original Price $600.00 This is a sample of the lei varieties that we create and curate as heirlooms. Printed products with designs that resonate with the Forbidden Island make lovely Niaihau souvenirs. Read. $93.75, $125.00 Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. You might want to stop at the Trading Post out on the highway just to see the varieties. Buy your's now as they may not be available again. Both 14K yellow gold hooks and sterling silver are available. 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. This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves. My biggest issue is to get an authentic one, not a knock-off. Sold individually, these earrings come in a number of shapes, styles, colors and sizes. 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. It's the Hawaiian way. Anyway the photos give an idea what we are discussing. I am trying to think what "bad" could be. and just poking holes in these tiny shells and stringing them up is soooo labor-intensive! Kahelelani shells/Niihau - . Clasp is fixed currently with a granulated cowry but can be doubled and worn as a shorter 20 strand look. From this website, I have a list of approved sellers: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_shells.htm. 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. Designs by Teresa Kapaa 96746 . Read more in my Privacy Policy. 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. This piece is 24" and is one of the most treasured favorites in our collection. 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 . Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. Please check your email for a link to verify your email address. About Us This perfect Heleconia Lei has a fine detailed blend of Akala Pua Pink and Ula Ula Burgundy shells. Polihale is one of the best shell beaches on Kauai and an amazing experience! 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. We provide certificates of authenticity with every Ni'ihau creation and in some cases an appraisal free of charge. Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? These earrings will be a limited stock, so get yours today. 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. A beautiful lei adorned with Gem quality Hawaiian Honey Cowry that also can be worn as a centerpiece. My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. Theres beach access on both ends of Alamoo and you can usually park on Alealea road. People get around on horseback, cook on kerosene stoves, and use outhouses. 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 . In fairness, the one I really loved was the much rarer pink shells. Precious Diamond 808 Detailing Anahola 96703 . Another question for the Kauai locals - Do you think Oahu would be any better or worse to shop for my new lei? There are no ferry services taxiing tourists to Niihau from the other islands, and as you'd expect, no flights to Niihau, either. This piece features nearly every color of Kahelelani and Momi. The shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. This pretty set is sewn crownflower fashion and is a great piece for casual or formal wear. (50% off), Sale Price $85.50 I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items. This set is a matching combination of white Ke'Oke'O Momi shells and Pink Akala Pua Kahelelani. However, I find that when I fall in love with an item, it's always the most expensive in the case! We currently specialize in Ni'ihau shell lei, Seed lei, and Lauhala Weaving. A few other terms includekahakaha(striped),nikiniki(spotted),puupuu(bumpy), and evenwaha ulaula(red mouth). ), Your email address will not be published. Not great swimming beaches (apart from Lydgate) you can find a few shells if you look carefully at the right time of day. These shells are very unique, and they are found only on the island of Ni'ihau. This is a beautiful piece by a legendary stringer. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. of Niihaus history and surroundings. Thank you for all of your replys.Sounds like the place to look is The Trading Post, and expect at least a couple grand? And my "little" one came from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Free housing is provided by the Robinsons. The highest elevation on Ni'ihau is 1,280 feet above sea level. Legally, this term refers only to shells actually gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. One of the most expensive items HNN came across was a three-strand Ni'ihau shell lei. 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. They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. For generations, the people of Ni'ihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. 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. These are kahelelani. Niihau shell strands are suspended from stamped . Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the K Hawaii Paeina (Hawaiian Kingdom) people. Niihau, Hawaiian Ni'ihau, volcanic island, Kauai county, Hawaii, U.S. Niihau lies 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Kauai island. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Item #198. Although, Poleho can be picked on Ni'ihau, our Poleho shells are. I'm also asking on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? King Kamehameha IV sold it for $10,000 in 1863 to Elizabeth Sinclair of Scotland. 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. Finish is a Freshwater 14K Gold Pearl safety clasp. Nice to know in not the ink hone with that bad habit! 00:00. For us back then it was a rather extravagant purchase. Niihau Island & Lehua Crater. The best shell beach on Kauai! I had drooled over Niihau shell lei for my previous two trips to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ni'ihau Designer Tahitian Pearl Bracelet sewn with high quality Akala Pua Kahelelani and A Grade Tahitian Pearls. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Ni'ihau is estimated to be 4.9-6 million years old. 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. But the other end and in between, you may come across some finds. Collected from the beaches of the forbidden island and painstakingly cleaned and sewn together is a legacy unique to it's culture. . In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. Last I checked, multi-strand chokers were going for at least $100/strand, but that may be outdated. The land was purchased in 1864 from King Kamehameha V and is in many ways a time capsule of life in early Hawaii. We happily supply curated items to galleries with educational materials. My last purchase there was an amazing "sunrise" shell. -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. If you browse through my site, you will see some excellent examples of more traditional styles as well as some of the more modern Kauai ones.