Copyright text 2019 by Kauai Vacation Rental Advisor. I dont have a photo of one that I took hence the once above, which is also lovely. Great! Tours begin from Koloa, Kauai, and take participants across the often-rough Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua. You can dress long in the flapper fashion, short as a choker, or as a waistband beach accessory. You can also find online shops to purchase them. With powerful tools and services, along with expert support and education, we help creative entrepreneurs start, manage, and scale their businesses. Opihi - a Hawaiian delicacy. (50% off), Sale Price $85.50 The leimaker is well into her 50's and has been working with shells since the age of 7. Left in photo is poe poe kipona, center is crownflower and right is heliconia stitch. 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. -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 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. Niihau is one of the most untouched of all the inhabited Hawaiian islands. 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. Enjoy the combinations of Kahelelani, momi, and sunrise shells displayed on my site. Each earring is unique as there will only be one available at a time. The art of Ni'ihau shell lei making is a precious cultural gift -- if you own a lei you can tell people who made it, where the shells were collected, what types of shells, and the generations of the family that made it passing down this knowledge makes this a true treasure. 2569. Kahelelani shells/Niihau - . Inquire for photos of different sets. 2. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Ni'ihau is probably most famous for the Ni'ihau shell necklaces or lei, which are handcrafted on-island. Printed products with designs that resonate with the Forbidden Island make lovely Niaihau souvenirs. The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. (Also, I did update your comment for you! 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 ? 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. The lei can be connected with the bracelet to make a longer necklace while the earrings make a perfect compliment for any style. When taken to the highest level, they are undoubtedly fine art. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. Very nice and striking colors in this lei. The seller might still be able to personalize your item. (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".". Hypoallergenic 14K gold ear wire. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. Made of precious pupu o Niihau shells, no lei is the same, showing the versatile craft of each Hawaiaan Leimaker. Aloha! [3] Ni'ihau is located 17.5 miles southwest of Kauai. What I'm seeking is an actual person or two who've purchased from someone on Kauai if it was a positive experience. Pamela Dow, a Kekaha retailer of the jewelry, hopes to elevate the art form to . 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. Over the years I have helped thousands of people find the perfect place to stay on Kauai whilst also advising on everything from places to propose to the best Na Pali boat ride. But if you are patient! The towel is a perfect size to carry around when you need it for laying out on a beach day. :-). Big Blue Princeville 96722 . This is a sample of the lei varieties that we create and curate as heirlooms. Purchasing a CD might sound outdated with Spotify or iTunes today. Buy your's now as they may not be available again. We only know that both volcanoes formed about 6 million years ago. These are kahelelani. swmarket: thanks for the Na Mea rec; it was on the Oahu recommended list, too and I really love that shop! A beautiful lei adorned with Gem quality Hawaiian Honey Cowry that also can be worn as a centerpiece. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. $112.50, $125.00 My last purchase there was an amazing "sunrise" shell. This topic was brought up on the Europe board and it helped me greatly during my Med cruise last October. (SD1). 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. Great for little kids to look for tiny fish and cucumber fish and shells. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. 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. The wedding leis of Niihau are often made with "laiki" or "rice" shells. Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! As she said best shell beach on the island. It has just over 100 year-round residents, and they live completely off the grid in a self-sustaining ecosystem. Every Ni'ihau shell creation we offer is made with care and selected for quality and originality. Kahelelani is the smallest, most valuable and hardest to prepare. Find modern apparel, prints by local artists and jewelry made from hard-to-find Ni'ihau and sunrise shells. This is a beautiful piece by a legendary stringer. Most of the tiny shells used are all three species: kahelelani, momi, and laiki. They are also the most difficult to collect in usable quantities. (10% off), Sale Price $93.75 $34.50, $69.00 Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Check out this Hawaii t-shirt, which features a map design showing Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, and Niihau islands. Kea Biker Shorts Aloha Mlie $30.95. Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items. Original Price $125.00 :cool: 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. With an official notary, Niihau shells can be evaluated based on its strain and style of stringing. Come have a peek at island jewelry! Purchased by a wealthy Scottish widow in 1864, the family-owned island of Niihau is committed to preserving its natural and cultural history perhaps at a dangerous cost. 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. Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling . Colors and lengths can vary depending on what is in stock. HEIRLOOMS to many, they are the only shell lei in the world that can be insured. This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. Passion-4-Fashion Hono Ohala Place, Kapaa . Lava Lava Cafe on the beach. 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. Want to know more? Not great swimming beaches (apart from Lydgate) you can find a few shells if you look carefully at the right time of day. Original Price $125.00 Start here. I'd love to check it out! Still, bringing music (in a physical format) from a foreign land is an excellent idea to relive your moments there. These retail for between $350-$600 in shops. Decorated by Leilehua Yuen. I would rec Na Mea on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Allows labeling that indicates percentage of Niihau shell content if item contains at least 80% Niihau shells and is made entirely in State. Mine was handed down to me, so I can't help much eithersorry! 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. Honolulu Academy of Arts Gift Shop, Honolulu, Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art Gallery, Hanalei, JJ Ohana, HanappKauai Museum Gift Shop, Lhue, Maui Hands, Kanapali, Lahaina, Pia, or Makawao. Enjoy your search for the perfect one! Monica Wachman, Leaf Group. Kauai has many beaches and so heres my pick of the best shell beaches on Kauai! For each, is a person who will love and treasure it. When the sun sets over Kauai's Kekaha Beach on an especially clear night, a tall, silhouetted tract of land emerges west of the Hawaiian islands, toward the horizon. Any pieces shown here for sale may be slightly different and can be customized to your specifications. To live in such a beautiful place filled. Aloha~ Rob Arita, These are momi shells. 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. There are no cars, running water, or telephones on Ni'ihau. Shells featured are Akala Pua Kahelelani sewn Poe Poe with sections of A Grade South Sea Golden Pearl. Poe Poe SSG Pearl Lei strung expertly by a master designer. Now I'm sharing that information here. I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items.   United States   |   English (US)   |   $ (USD). They are unisex and come in different colors and sizes. Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. Bellewoods Art Kilauea 96754 . Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Kahelelani Shells 3 strands twisted bracelet at the best online prices at eBay! They have been used for centuries by the native people of these islands. We also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! This 5 strand lei features the rarest colors of kahelelani. 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 . Last I checked, multi-strand chokers were going for at least $100/strand, but that may be outdated. 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. 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. The kahelelani poe poe blend has all the colors represented in a symmetrical match of width and length. It is in excellent condition and very striking to wear and to look at. But dont let that story deter you. And you are so right, Barbara, it's not the price. Top Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 554,711 traveller reviews and photos of Kauai tourist attractions. 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. Niihau Island lies 17 miles southwest of Kauai. Price tag: $20,000. Sold separately, these are made to order by a skilled leimaker. Look for them at shops around the island. Here's the website list of Kauai sellers: Waimea Canyon General Store/Forever Kauai (Kekaha). Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. Theres beach access on both ends of Alamoo and you can usually park on Alealea road. $1,485.00, $1,650.00 Absolutely! If you want to learn about Niihaus history, Niihau: The Last Hawaiian Island by Ruth M. Tabrah is a great way to start. Inquire for wholesale pricing. But the other end and in between, you may come across some finds. The one I REALLY loved was $5000! For experienced, certified scuba divers, Seasport Divers and Fathom Five Divers also visit Lehua. 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. (25% off), Sale Price $34.50 Please log in again. 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. It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. 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. Studio Hours. 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. 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. This piece is 24" and is one of the most treasured favorites in our collection. I also have purchased one from a shop at Kilhana (which I'm not sure is still there). Earrings additional $85. One of the most expensive items HNN came across was a three-strand Ni'ihau shell lei. That was NOT in my budget! With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. 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. It has remained popular and is a cornerstone of almost every Niihau collection. From this website, I have a list of approved sellers: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_shells.htm. Niihau, Hawaiian Ni'ihau, volcanic island, Kauai county, Hawaii, U.S. Niihau lies 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Kauai island. Legally, this term refers only to shells actuallygathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. 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.. Some songs feature the voice of the late, great Israel IZ Kamakawiwaole. Not even enough for one necklace. Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. To be honest, I would shop the vendors at Spouting Horn. This classic look first made it's splash when Queen Emmalani wore her Laiki shell lei abroad to meet diplomats in Europe. Nice to know in not the ink hone with that bad habit! Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. Up to 20 inches $10,000. You might want to stop at the Trading Post out on the highway just to see the varieties. The island lacks basic municipal infrastructure. Required fields are marked *. pzp--that's encouraging, as I doubt I could really afford the thousands range! This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. 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) Gorgeous 7 mile beach, stunning pointed cliffs and miles of ocean. It is roughly 18.6 miles long and 6.2 miles wide. This remote beach is a great shell beach on Kauai. Ni'ihau is estimated to be 4.9-6 million years old. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The physic The surrounding coral beds remain unspoiled and untouched by outside influences, allowing the tiny shells . Strung with Niihau Momi and Kahelelani, the colors are Ula Ula (Burgundy) and Akala Pua (Flower Pink) that compliment either side of the pearls for contrast and originality. It was an hour before daybreak but some local family were looking for Sunrise shells. 14K strong magnetic clasp for easy removal and safe wear. You walk right into the production kitchen to buy a bag (or three). Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. 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. Ni'ihau shell jewelry is one of the most Hawaiian art forms represented in Maui Hands. Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. Ni'ihau also goes by the name, The Forbidden Island, because the island is privately owned. Item# 18L10Y0500. If you don't see it, it might be in your junk/spam folder. I forgot to add in my postings about the Nihau shells. Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. 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. 01:00. While some shells and shell colors are more common and easy to find, there are other varieties that are extremely rare and a . This completely unique strand is incredibly long and features 3 different styles of sewing Kahelelani and Momi. $450.00, $600.00 Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? (10% off), Sale Price $44.10 Lava Lava Cafe on the beach. Please check your email for a link to verify your email address. Anyway the photos give an idea what we are discussing. 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. Copyright 101 Things To Do. 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. Each lei can take up to six months to complete. For generations, the people of Ni'ihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. what puzzles me is that they can only be found on ni'ihau. Remembering you arent in Hawaii anymore as soon as you wake, isnt exactly appealing. Captcha failed to load. :-) Report inappropriate content AkamaiNick4SW Maui Ni'ihau Shells More Listed on Feb 26, 2023 One favorite Report this item to Etsy . Ad . 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.