Located far west on the chain of Hawaiian islands, Niihau is the smallest inhabited Hawaiian island and has a unique history to match its nickname as Hawaiis Forbidden Island. Very few people visit each year (though visiting is certainly possible), despite the allure of exploring a place that seems almost untouched by the passing of time especially as its within the United States! Sunrise shells are a fascinating member of the scallop or pecten family that live in deep Hawaiian waters. Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. While some shells and shell colors are more common and easy to find, there are other varieties that are extremely rare and a . 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. 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.. Niihau Island lies 17 miles southwest of Kauai. Original Price $125.00 He spent 3 days doing that and came out with just under half a small glass jar. Thank you for all of your replys.Sounds like the place to look is The Trading Post, and expect at least a couple grand? Tours begin from Koloa, Kauai, and take participants across the often-rough Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. This gorgeous 3 strand kahelelani necklace in the poepoe style required over 1200 shells to complete.finished with a solid 18k clasp! Finish is a Freshwater 14K Gold Pearl safety clasp. Once we receive an email from you, we will respond in a detailed and timely manner. The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. 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. However, the term generally refers to three different shells that are commonly used to make Niihau shell lei:kahelelani,momi, andliki, as well as a fourth one,kmoa, which is frequently used to add contrasting color. These earrings will not be duplicated in the future. Product Code: KFB_N006; Availability: In Stock; $525.00; Qty Add to Cart. Do you mind if I ask how much the Nihau leis cost? And my "little" one came from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Niihau Shell Leis is another exciting book you may bring home with you. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. The necklaces can sell for an average of $125 to $25,000, and state law protects the Niihau label. I bought mine from a Spouting Horn vendor about ten years ago. If the person is not knowledgeable about these things, be very concerned -- especially if they are asking what seems to be a very good price in comparison to other leis. i tried this and me and my eyes gave up. Kauai, with its close proximity to Niihau, has an abundant choice of these UNUSUAL AND HANDCRAFTED shell lei. It is in excellent condition and very striking to wear and to look at. 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!) Kauai. Legally, this term refers only to shells actually gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. Please check your email for a link to verify your email address. In addition to being rare, Kahelelani . Kea Biker Shorts Aloha Mlie $30.95. The value of a lei is also impacted by the availability of certain shells. 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. Inquire to choose your very own sunrise shell for this design. 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. Stunning. . Theres something timeless about walking along a beach looking for shells isnt there? $112.50, $125.00 I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items. 1. [3] Also the gift shop at the Kaua'i Museum is another reputable place to purchase these lei. The small shells used in Ni'ihau lei are named after him. Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion. [1] Kahelelani came from the royal Kaulamakaula line ("the red bloodline"). Good news! Printed products with designs that resonate with the Forbidden Island make lovely Niaihau souvenirs. T-shirts have become a popular souvenir in the last decades: they are practical, original, and a clear reminder of where youve been. What more could you ask! Be aware not all shells are Ni'ihau shells. Yes! Niihau is one of the most untouched of all the inhabited Hawaiian islands. Have any questions about where to buy Niihau shell leis or other souvenirs from Hawaiis Forbidden Island? Youll see some people use it as decoration due to its vibrant colors and large size. 24", Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau, .. $500.00. 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. This is a beautiful piece by a legendary stringer. Available by order only. Buy 2 Get 3rd item FREE - Store only. Original Price $1,650.00 Some of the kinds of shells you'll find. For generations, the people of Niihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. Another question for the Kauai locals - Do you think Oahu would be any better or worse to shop for my new lei? Its easy to find pictures of Queen Kapiolani wearing beautiful multi-strand lei as jewelry. Pamela Dow, a Kekaha retailer of the jewelry, hopes to elevate the art form to . Original Price $1,800.00 This is a special order piece and requires 2-3 weeks lead time. magical! (c) Any product or jewelry item that consists of at least eighty per cent Niihau shells, by count, and that meets the requirement of subsection (b)(2), may be described, labeled, or identified using the term "contains", followed immediately by the nearest whole number representing the percentage of Niihau shells, by count, contained in the product or jewelry item, followed by the term, "% Niihau shells" or "% Niihau shells".". 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. beautiful shells and lovely work indeed. They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. In fairness, the one I really loved was the much rarer pink shells. Though the nickname stuck, luckily visiting the island is no longer forbidden. :-), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The colors here are Akala Pua Waipapipi (hot pink), O'mao O'mao (green), and Ele Ele (dark brown). Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Some songs feature the voice of the late, great Israel IZ Kamakawiwaole. 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 (2) The product or jewelry item is fabricated, processed, or manufactured entirely within this State. I bought a beautiful pair of Ni'ihau Kahelelani Shell earrings at this shop. This is a sample of the lei varieties that we create and curate as heirlooms. I've bought from him at SH. One of a kind handmade jewelry including Ni'ihau shell and Sunrise Shell necklaces, earrings and bracelets all locally made at great prices. Visit Oahu, Kauai, and Maui! 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. 6-night multi-island adventures, starting from $1,239. It has just over 100 year-round residents, and they live completely off the grid in a self-sustaining ecosystem. Very nice and striking colors in this lei. 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. several thousand dollars for a multi-strand ni'ihau shell lei! Hawaiian is their first language, English is second. Kahelelani, momi or laiki gathered from other islands are not authentic "Ni'ihau" shells per Hawaii State Law H.B. Ni'ihau Helicopters Office Drive to Port Allen Airport 3940 Hanapp Road, (808) 335-5586 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. Ni'ihau Designer Tahitian Pearl Bracelet sewn with high quality Akala Pua Kahelelani and A Grade Tahitian Pearls. Niihau shell strands are suspended from stamped . This is the beach right in front of Alamoo road, thats the dirt track road which is just north of the Hanalei Colony Resort. You can dress long in the flapper fashion, short as a choker, or as a waistband beach accessory. Item# 18L10Y0500. (15% off). With powerful tools and services, along with expert support and education, we help creative entrepreneurs start, manage, and scale their businesses. Most, if not all . $85.50, $95.00 . They are also the most difficult to collect in usable quantities. Kahelelani shells/Niihau - . (10% off), Sale Price $44.10 Well it may be a trek to get there even in your 4 x 4.. but its worth it. (25% off), Sale Price $1,485.00 This remote beach is a great shell beach on Kauai. You might want to stop at the Trading Post out on the highway just to see the varieties. It's the Hawaiian way. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59045746', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui. $93.75, $125.00 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. 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.. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII: SECTION 1. If you are a history buff or have someone back home who is, Beekmans book is one of the best Niihau gifts. It just means you don't get the fancy, multi-strand long lei. 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 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. Niihau shell, Heliconia dangle earrings made with vintage, momi ke'oke'o (pure white) shells and Kauai Kahelelani. Both 14K yellow gold hooks and sterling silver are available. They are also the most difficult to collect in usable quantities. Original Price $600.00 Not great swimming beaches (apart from Lydgate) you can find a few shells if you look carefully at the right time of day. 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 jaw dropping array of all colors of Momi and Kahelelani are visible but the ultimate prize is incredible construction and consistency of stringing. 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. Free housing is provided by the Robinsons. What was your favorite or best purchase in Hawaii? 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. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. Absolutely stunning Niihau shells! Those prices. (a) For the purposes of this section, "Niihau shells" means seashells harvested from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches. Taro K Chip Factory The bestand freshesttaro chips in the state, period. 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. Just a word of caution when identifying Niihau shells. Earrings are 14K french hooks. Be sure you're getting authentic Ni`ihau shells. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. From this website, I have a list of approved sellers: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_shells.htm. Remembering you arent in Hawaii anymore as soon as you wake, isnt exactly appealing. However, books about the Forbidden Island are some of the best Niihau souvenirs. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Matching earrings are 14K gold wire. When combined with kahelelani, momi, and kamoa, the variations are endless. Utterly fantastic workmanship and quality of shells. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. there aren't many tools needed either, just stringing line and lots of time! $67.50, $90.00 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. The shells used to create NIIHAU SHELL LEI are akin to precious gemstones. The center is heliconia stitch. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I know this isn't bargain hunting, but I also wonder if Oahu might have a bigger mark-up on them (you know, big city prices!). Shades of colors are often identified ashiehie(light) orikaika(dark). Dont see this option? These shells are very unique, and they are found only on the island of Ni'ihau. Still want to check it out! Ni'ihau shell leimaking is a traditional native Hawaiian art form that produces a highly-treasured form of jewelry. when you sign up for the 101 Things To Do email newsletter! I would love to hear what you end up buying, with all the details! See more ideas about niihau shells, niihau, shells. This perfect Heleconia Lei has a fine detailed blend of Akala Pua Pink and Ula Ula Burgundy shells. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59044001', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');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. They have been used for centuries by the native people of these islands. The Trading Post did used to have a much bigger selection, and there used to be more vendors at Spouting Horn. 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. A private island with a population of mostly pure Native Hawaiian descent, Ni'ihau has no rivers running into the ocean. They have some beautiful pieces. Palazzo Pant & Kimono Set - Tattoo in Royal & Black Lotus & Lime $121.95. Apparently there used to be a dump there many years ago and this is where the glass came from. Still, Coffee lovers wont find a better way to sip their morning coffee than this Niihau coffee mug. By Kevin Whitton, author of Moon Hawaii. Can you check the link for me? Want to know more? This set is a feature of Ula Ula Burgundy shell accents in a strong base of Pikake strung Momi shells. Clasp is fixed currently with a granulated cowry but can be doubled and worn as a shorter 20 strand look. Poe Poe SSG Pearl Lei strung expertly by a master designer. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. With an official notary, Niihau shells can be evaluated based on its strain and style of stringing. You will see lots of "Ni'ihau" shell leis or bracelets from smaller crafters on the island, but usually they are the ones from down at Anini Beach -- you can look at them closely and see how weathered they are and how many pukas (holes) they have in them. (SD1). Kauai has many beaches and so heres my pick of the best shell beaches on Kauai! Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?   United States   |   English (US)   |   $ (USD). And shells! Happy shelling! 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. 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. I dont have a photo of one that I took hence the once above, which is also lovely. (Also, I did update your comment for you! For experienced, certified scuba divers, Seasport Divers and Fathom Five Divers also visit Lehua. The island was purchased almost 125 years ago by the Robinson family, who also own a large portion of Kauai. 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. MauiPuaLani (26) $95.00 FREE shipping SECTION 1. 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. 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. Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. Sold separately, these are made to order by a skilled leimaker. It is the most incredible form of recycling that I have found. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 1. The lei can be connected with the bracelet to make a longer necklace while the earrings make a perfect compliment for any style. As she said best shell beach on the island. Lava Lava Cafe on the beach. 01:00. I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items. Without a doubt, Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha should be in any Hawaiian music fans collection. Ni'ihau shell jewelry is one of the most Hawaiian art forms represented in Maui Hands. Here are two photos of Niihau shell necklaces in a collection at Hawaiian Trading Post at Kalaheo. Among things prohibited are alcohol, drugs, guns, beards, long hair, tattoos, and piercings. 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. The tiny shells wash up already vacant from the snails that they once housed. Pink, Burgundy, Kamoa yellow in heliconia or crownflower stitch for the same cost. (25% off), Sale Price $112.50 Shelling at Larsens is a wonderful experience. Photos taken through glass along with bright light reflectance blurred and obscrubed much detail (plus my shaky hands did not help). We also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. It is roughly 18.6 miles long and 6.2 miles wide. This piece can be worn several ways. The leimaker is well into her 50's and has been working with shells since the age of 7. :cool: Please. big store at the corner of Lawaii Road and 580. Shown below are examples of different styles and colors. 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. With 14K strong magnet clasp it attaches to bracelet to wear long, or can be worn as 3 pieces. These earrings will be a limited stock, so get yours today. 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. The most prized are the deep reds, hot pinks, and the dark chocolate colored ones. Mine was handed down to me, so I can't help much eithersorry! You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. When I first learned about the shells, the makers from Ni'ihau never used sunrise shells in their work, but it was more common on Kauai. 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. 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. Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. 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. I had "rat-holed" birthday and Christmas money for a year or so, and had nice sum to spend, but NOTHING like $5000. 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). They get food from the ranch as well. We only know that both volcanoes formed about 6 million years ago. $1,350.00, $1,800.00 Using a combination of beautiful Ni'ihau shells and Grade A Tahitian pearls, this longer lei is definitely a showstopper. Yikes! The wedding leis of Niihau are often made with "laiki" or "rice" shells. Our main goal is to pair the right piece with it's soul mate. Inquire to have photos sent to you of most current inventory since we often have incredible lei that are not yet posted online. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. 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. This set is a matching combination of white Ke'Oke'O Momi shells and Pink Akala Pua Kahelelani. It is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) southwest of Kauai across the Kaulakahi Channel. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Captcha failed to load. I ended up with a really lovely 2 strand white momi, with matching earrings. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Bird of Paradise in Cream/Navy Lotus & Lime $49.95. These are our Ni'ihau shell post earrings. Each lei can take up to six months to complete. Read more in my Privacy Policy. Traditionally worn at weddings but stunning for any occasion is this 10 strand Laiki or Rice shell lei measuring in at 36". A lot depends on the shells, the pattern and how skilled the maker was. 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 Free shipping for many products! Read. Can be sold individually or with earrings. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 2. 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. The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. A beautiful lei adorned with Gem quality Hawaiian Honey Cowry that also can be worn as a centerpiece. Here's the website list of Kauai sellers: Waimea Canyon General Store/Forever Kauai (Kekaha). People get around on horseback, cook on kerosene stoves, and use outhouses. We provide certificates of authenticity with every Ni'ihau creation and in some cases an appraisal free of charge. There are no ferry services taxiing tourists to Niihau from the other islands, and as you'd expect, no flights to Niihau, either. On Ni'ihau, after the designs were carved into the skin, the gourds were said to have been buried in black mud. Understandably, the rare shells are highly valued works of art both on display and for . The rare and highly valued shells ( kahelelani, laiki, momi, and kamoa ), are found on the beaches of Ni'ihau and crafted by the island's residents into various styles of lei, earrings . I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Up to 20 inches $10,000. Stunning craftsmanship by an expert leimaker. Studio Hours. 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. It's our 25th wedding anniversary gift and I could not be more excited! What I'm seeking is an actual person or two who've purchased from someone on Kauai if it was a positive experience. Niihau Island & Lehua Crater. SECTION 3. At Ali'i Kauai Tours and Charters, we offer one better: A two-for-one air experience. what a prize when we find one! At 17.5 miles from Kauai, Niihau is the 7th largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands. 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. Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. Each earring is unique as there will only be one available at a time. A good necklace should be well-matched for color and well-graded small to large from the clasp down to the center. Now YOU can visit Niihau, the Hawaiian "Forbidden Island" - where "time has stood still". This particular piece is from an estate collection and was well cared for. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more.