I'd love to check it out! Those prices. We bought my wife's lei at least a dozen years ago at the Lawai Hawaiian Trading Post. Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. Big Island, Kauai & Maui 6-night multi-island adventure, from $1,459. Stunning. In the gaps between the shells, Ive been gifted with more than a few big cowrie shells among others. Glass Beach Jewelry Designs 96714 . Niihau ( Hawaiian: [niihw] ), anglicized as Niihau ( / ni ( i) ha / NEE- (ee-)how ), is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii. 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. What makes Ni'ihau so mystifying is that life here has remained mostly frozen in time. 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 do wash up on certain beaches when powerful ocean swells move debris from the depths to the shoreline. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would love to hear what you end up buying, with all the details! This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. The value of a lei is also impacted by the availability of certain shells. Available by order only. The physic bjbert--I tried the link you provided, but it tells me "something bad happened" and I can't get to the pics. It is the smallest and therefore the most difficult to collect and string. Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! This stunning set can come in any color or style in varied lengths. At 17.5 miles from Kauai, Niihau is the 7th largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands. This pretty Heleconia Lei has a fine detailed blend of Akala Pua Pink and Ula Ula Burgundy shells with O'mao O'mao Green and Ele Ele Brown. To live in such a beautiful place filled. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 2. Answer 11 of 14: Are there any beaches where visitors can find the beautiful Sunrise shells? This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. 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. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. We enjoy working with both novice enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. 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. 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 (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. We chose to finish these with 14K stunning Cypraea Helvolla Cowry hook and eye. 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. What was your favorite or best purchase in Hawaii? Anyway the photos give an idea what we are discussing. $1,485.00, $1,650.00 . beautiful shells and lovely work indeed. 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. 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. She advised looking and investigating very carefully.it seems that there are what appear to be " knock offs " out there. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Black/Bronze Lotus & Lime $49.95. Prices are way up all over. Want to know more? The finish is a large filigree pearl clasp and the balance of colors graduating from pink to burgundy to dark brown provide a great aesthetic while complimenting the marriage of shell and pearl. There is a palpable individuality to all shell creations from Ni'ihau. I have one from the Black Pearl (?) $44.10, $49.00 Today, the craft of lei-making with Niihau shells is protected thanks to a law enacted by the Hawaii state legislature in 2004 (source). Sometimes "quality" is in the eye of the beholder so buy what you love! Ad . The surrounding coral beds remain unspoiled and untouched by outside influences, allowing the tiny shells . 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 . There are no cars, running water, or telephones on Ni'ihau. Item# 18D01LK0085. Some antique pieces we carry have been refinished for quality purposes. Buy 2 Get 3rd item FREE - Store only. Consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped orders on time, and replied quickly to messages, Looks like you already have an account! Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. The kahelelani poe poe blend has all the colors represented in a symmetrical match of width and length. Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. 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. :D. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. big store at the corner of Lawaii Road and 580. (SD1). (I'm looking at this purchase as I'd do a diamond, a little research goes a long way!). 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. The Mkaha Sons are famous for championing traditional Hawaiian music, and their incredible harmonies took them to prestigious places like Carnegie Hall. Absolutely stunning Niihau shells! We happily supply curated items to galleries with educational materials. Please. And shells. I also have purchased one from a shop at Kilhana (which I'm not sure is still there). Niihau, Hawaiian Ni'ihau, volcanic island, Kauai county, Hawaii, U.S. Niihau lies 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Kauai island. 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. Kea Biker Shorts Aloha Mlie $30.95. $1,350.00, $1,800.00 Original Price $69.00 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 one I REALLY loved was $5000! While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. It is finished with granulated cowries and a n 18k clasp. Ni'ihau is probably most famous for the Ni'ihau shell necklaces or lei, which are handcrafted on-island. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Bill of sale with detailed information on your lei. Barbara and 22kauai - thanks for Spouting Horn, it's now on the list! These Niihau shell leis are gorgeous and truly "made in Hawaii.". Earrings additional $85. 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. This completely unique strand is incredibly long and features 3 different styles of sewing Kahelelani and Momi. Yikes! what puzzles me is that they can only be found on ni'ihau. Kauai Crystal Sanctuary Anahola 96703 . Good luck in your hunt for your gorgeous Niihau shell lei, Plumeria! A Sunrise Shell on Kauai looks like a Sunrise.a half moon of yellows and oranges and reds with the shape above. The island was purchased almost 125 years ago by the Robinson family, who also own a large portion of Kauai. 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. 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. They are unisex and come in different colors and sizes. There are four species of Ni'ihau shells, or Pupu 'O Ni'ihau. 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. (50% off), Sale Price $85.50 The seller might still be able to personalize your item. Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources allows you to collect seashells for personal use but not for resale. They come in a wide range of colors. This piece features nearly every color of Kahelelani and Momi. The Niihauans have names for all the variations of shell color and pattern. Is it legal to collect shells in Hawaii? And my "little" one came from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Finding a sunrise shell that way is just money. Ni'ihau is a private island with a population of 160, mostly of pure Native Hawaiian descent. Top Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 554,711 traveller reviews and photos of Kauai tourist attractions. Length and clasp can be adjustable. Ahhh Polihale. 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. there aren't many tools needed either, just stringing line and lots of time! This delicate looking 18" lei is comprised of laiki shells and akala colored kahelelani shells. Ni'ihau is estimated to be 4.9-6 million years old. When combined with kahelelani, momi, and kamoa, the variations are endless. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. 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. Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Niihau shell leis and jewelry. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. HEIRLOOMS to many, they are the only shell lei in the world that can be insured. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Bird of Paradise in Cream/Navy Lotus & Lime $49.95. :-). The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. My biggest issue is to get an authentic one, not a knock-off. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. It is a bottlebrush- blossom. Went to the vendor at SH and what a beautiful display! The best shell beach on Kauai! $34.50, $69.00 (15% off). Visit Oahu, Kauai, and Maui! Niihau is one of the most untouched of all the inhabited Hawaiian islands. 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. Because these shells have a variety of colors and markings, Niihau artisans use descriptive terms to differentiate them. Not sure why but there seem to be more shells here than anywhere else. The highest elevation on Ni'ihau is 1,280 feet above sea level. In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the K Hawaii Paeina (Hawaiian Kingdom) people. Aloha. The towel is a perfect size to carry around when you need it for laying out on a beach day. With a Made in Hawaii selection of Aloha shirts and neckties for men, we offer something for everyone! Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Just 17 miles from the coastline of Kauai, Hawaii boasts a historic restricted area: the small, 70-square-mile island of Niihau . Inquire to choose your very own sunrise shell for this design. The stringing and quality of finish are incredible. 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. 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. People get around on horseback, cook on kerosene stoves, and use outhouses. For generations, the people of Niihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. But it's not exactly simple. 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. pzp--that's encouraging, as I doubt I could really afford the thousands range! What a life! (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. Inquire to see our sunrise or cowry collection and have one of these beauties made just for you. With large 7-10mm A grade Tahitian pearls this represents a certifiable Niihau shell lei with the fashionable compliment of pearls. 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. 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 . We did receive a letter of authenticity, but it has long since been lost. this style is inspired by the treasures of the ocean and how well they work together. However, I find that when I fall in love with an item, it's always the most expensive in the case! I then saw some in Whaler's Village and others in Lahaina that were significantly more expensive and appeared to be far simpler than what I'd fallen in love with at Many Hands, which also made me worry about pricing! Lava Lava Cafe on the beach. If you are a history buff or have someone back home who is, Beekmans book is one of the best Niihau gifts. Located 17 miles off the west coast of Kauai lies the island of Ni'ihau, better known as The Forbidden Isle. Kahelelani are the tiniest and most prized of the shells used to create Hawaiian shell leis. Original Price $95.00 Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. Utterly fantastic workmanship and quality of shells. The small shells used in Ni'ihau lei are named after him. This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves. 24", Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau, .. $500.00. The Big Island - Red - Lehua flower First, The Big Island is red for the fire goddess Pele who lives there, lava is also red. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 1. These earrings represent a beautiful PoePoe weave and can be ordered with any color of Ni'ihau Kahelelani. The leimaker is well into her 50's and has been working with shells since the age of 7. Today, there are only about 130 or so people living on the island where they still speak their own dialect of the Hawaiian language. This topic was brought up on the Europe board and it helped me greatly during my Med cruise last October. Ni'ihau is located 17.5 miles southwest of Kauai. Things go up from there. While some shells and shell colors are more common and easy to find, there are other varieties that are extremely rare and a . Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha by the Mkaha Sons of Niihau is full of traditional Hawaiian tunes. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. Read more in my Privacy Policy. Ni'ihau shell jewelry is one of the most Hawaiian art forms represented in Maui Hands. They come in an amazing array of colors and can be woven into the most beautiful adornments. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59045666', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui in January 2013 and saw the lovely ones at Many Hands, but I hadn't researched at all at that time, didn't know if their prices were fair, if the certificate of authenticity were valid or not, etc. Using a combination of beautiful Ni'ihau shells and Grade A Tahitian pearls, this longer lei is definitely a showstopper. Its on the best shell beaches on Kauai. magical! Be sure you're getting authentic Ni`ihau shells. Sale Price $450.00 They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. mamma, you can get away with spending MUCH less than a couple of grand. Understandably, the rare shells are highly valued works of art both on display and for . Mine was handed down to me, so I can't help much eithersorry! 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. They arent stones, of course, but TINY SHELLS that are rare and precious. . Shhhh. Heres where you can purchase authentic Niihau shell leis: Each of these locations offers Niihau shell leis that should be documented and authentic. As our inventory is changing frequently, please contact us for current inventory not yet posted and custom orders. :-) Report inappropriate content AkamaiNick4SW Maui I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. Original Price $125.00 Well it may be a trek to get there even in your 4 x 4.. but its worth it. You can also find online shops to purchase them. The color and size matching, plus the graduated thickness of the lei is really superb. Take a look on Ebay at items from seller butch6868. Captcha failed to load. They get food from the ranch as well. Ni'ihau shell lei are one of Hawaii's most authentic and sought after treasures. Decorated by Leilehua Yuen. Kauai & Niihau Airplane Tours. Be aware not all shells are Ni'ihau shells. One of my favorite aspects of this art form is that living creatures are never taken for their shells. (Also, I did update your comment for you! Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. Item# 18L10Y0500. This remote beach is a great shell beach on Kauai. 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 ? Courtesy of HTA. Stunning craftsmanship by an expert leimaker. Choose the options youd like for the order. 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. Once we receive an email from you, we will respond in a detailed and timely manner. You can also find online shops to purchase them. SECTION 2. Expect to see knockoff s with slightly different labels. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, Emperors Emporium has the largest selection of island-inspired jewelry, clothing and Red Dirt shirts, gifts. Item #198. Jun 14, 2014 - All about ni'ihau shells. Now YOU can visit Niihau, the Hawaiian "Forbidden Island" - where "time has stood still". Traditionally worn at weddings but stunning for any occasion is this 10 strand Laiki or Rice shell lei measuring in at 36". King Kamehameha IV sold it for $10,000 in 1863 to Elizabeth Sinclair of Scotland. They have been used for centuries by the native people of these islands. 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. There are many books to learn about Niihau, but here are a few that tackle interesting topics. Hypoallergenic 14K gold ear wire. Very nice and striking colors in this lei. Purchasing a CD might sound outdated with Spotify or iTunes today. Precious Diamond 808 Detailing Anahola 96703 . Their prices tend to be high, although I bought a lei there many years ago. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Item #195, Ni'ihau Designer Tahitian Pearl Bracelet sewn with high quality Akala Pua Kahelelani and A Grade Tahitian Pearls. info@niihauheritage.org, All Rights Reserved Copyright 2020 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. Kahelelani are the most rare variety of Ni'ihau shells. Shelling at Larsens is a wonderful experience. The island lacks basic municipal infrastructure. In fact, the Hawaiian language is spoken almost . 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. Not even enough for one necklace. what a prize when we find one! They have some beautiful pieces. 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. Does shopping on Etsy help support small businesses? 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. Our options for clasps are boundless and our collection of gem quality cowry are fabulous. 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. And those were expensive at Maui Hands as well, but I felt the prices overall were a tad better. To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. For most of the state's residents, that's the only way to see the island of Niihau. Made only on Niihau, a private island off Kauais west side, the lei are known as one of Polynesias finest ART FORMS . And shells! MauiPuaLani (26) $95.00 FREE shipping Dont see this option? From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. These are our Ni'ihau shell post earrings. These shells are very unique, and they are found only on the island of Ni'ihau. Website by: Emagine, gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. SECTION 1. Just the lei is $800 but earrings and bracelet be sold in addition as a full set for $1200. It's estimated that around 150 Native Hawaiians inhabit Niihau today. -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. If you want to know about Kauais Top Beaches in general, check out my post on that here. It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. While you can find these rare shells on the shores of the Forbidden Island only, you won't be able to travel and find these souvenirs in Ni'ihau. 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. Among things prohibited are alcohol, drugs, guns, beards, long hair, tattoos, and piercings. Thanks in advance for your replies. He spent 3 days doing that and came out with just under half a small glass jar. Their display of vintage lei is quite interesting, too. Designs by Teresa Kapaa 96746 . So you only have two options for setting foot on the island: take a helicopter tour from Kauai or . Mon-Sat 10:30am . Inquire to have photos sent to you of most current inventory since we often have incredible lei that are not yet posted online. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Tours begin from Koloa, Kauai, and take participants across the often-rough Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua. Happy shelling! Pink, Burgundy, Kamoa yellow in heliconia or crownflower stitch for the same cost. 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. It is in excellent condition and very striking to wear and to look at. (2) The product or jewelry item is fabricated, processed, or manufactured entirely within this State. The island of Niihau encompasses 70 square miles and it is located 18 miles northwest of Kauai. Original Price $49.00 a great shell beach on Kauai! Cowrie - all different varieties. Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. Shells featured are Akala Pua Kahelelani sewn Poe Poe with sections of A Grade South Sea Golden Pearl. Item# 16H01WR0250. Can be sold individually or with earrings. We are a Hawaiia n owned, local business that specializes in unique, hand-crafted products that are made in Hawaii. I've saved some excellent information from this forum, thanks to those of you with experience! They can also be found on Kaua`i and Moloka`i, but those lack the luster of the authentic ones. This gorgeous 3 strand kahelelani necklace in the poepoe style required over 1200 shells to complete.finished with a solid 18k clasp! (10% off), Sale Price $93.75 ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59044606', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai Products store at Kukui Shopping Center.