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! Courtesy of HTA. I have one from the Black Pearl (?) Kea Biker Shorts Aloha Mlie $30.95. Strung Momi Pikake style with breaks of maunaloa strands, this wears long and elegantly. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. Over 80% by count Niihau shells, this piece is a high fashion statement. Shelling at Larsens is a wonderful experience. Shells are generally identified by first indicating the kind of shell, such askahelelani,momi,liki, etc., and then adding any qualifying terms, usually relating to color. 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. With large 7-10mm A grade Tahitian pearls this represents a certifiable Niihau shell lei with the fashionable compliment of pearls. Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! This is an excellent start, I appreciate your help. . "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. The physic Sunrise shells are a fascinating member of the scallop or pecten family that live in deep Hawaiian waters. It's the Hawaiian way. 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. A Sunrise Shell on Kauai looks like a Sunrise.a half moon of yellows and oranges and reds with the shape above. Stunning. So you only have two options for setting foot on the island: take a helicopter tour from Kauai or . Sunnys grow in deep water and rarely wash to the shore. Heres where you can purchase authentic Niihau shell leis: Each of these locations offers Niihau shell leis that should be documented and authentic. 14K strong magnetic clasp for easy removal and safe wear. there aren't many tools needed either, just stringing line and lots of time! I had "rat-holed" birthday and Christmas money for a year or so, and had nice sum to spend, but NOTHING like $5000. Not even enough for one necklace. $254.99, $299.99 This shell . Finding a sunrise shell that way is just money. Sunrise Shell Lei Kauai Kahelelani Shell Lei Hawaii Shells Beach Jewelry Eco-Friendly Collected Rare Shells Island Mermaid Sunrise Shell ad vertisement by KauaiShellsandMore. Pikake stitch graduates to long double Mauna Loa strands of high luster. The people of Ni'ihau called . Kauai, with its close proximity to Niihau, has an abundant choice of these UNUSUAL AND HANDCRAFTED shell lei. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. Copyright 101 Things To Do. . Is it legal to collect shells in Hawaii? There may be variations, however, in the names that other lei makers commonly use. Kauai has some outstandingly beautiful beaches; these are just some of the best shell beaches on Kauai! This piece can be worn several ways. 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. Ni'ihau Helicopters Office Drive to Port Allen Airport These Niihau shell leis are gorgeous and truly "made in Hawaii.". MF Silver, Kealia . Sometimes "quality" is in the eye of the beholder so buy what you love! It's our 25th wedding anniversary gift and I could not be more excited! Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. It . Absolutely! 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. These pieces were designed to have a gentle contrast between Kahelelani and Momi and were made together but sold separately. Free shipping for many products! Utterly fantastic workmanship and quality of shells. Using a combination of beautiful Ni'ihau shells and Grade A Tahitian pearls, this longer lei is definitely a showstopper. when you sign up for the 101 Things To Do email newsletter! magical! Inquire for wholesale pricing. 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. (25% off), Sale Price $112.50 The value of a lei is also impacted by the availability of certain shells. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. It just means you don't get the fancy, multi-strand long lei. Poe Poe SSG Pearl Lei strung expertly by a master designer. This is a sample of the lei varieties that we create and curate as heirlooms. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling . Those prices. Niihau ( Hawaiian: [niihw] ), anglicized as Niihau ( / ni ( i) ha / NEE- (ee-)how ), is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii. Its certainly pretty when the pieces are shimmering in the sun. For experienced, certified scuba divers, Seasport Divers and Fathom Five Divers also visit Lehua. this style is inspired by the treasures of the ocean and how well they work together. T-shirts have become a popular souvenir in the last decades: they are practical, original, and a clear reminder of where youve been. Buy 2 Get 3rd item FREE - Store only. These earrings will be a limited stock, so get yours today. (50% off), Sale Price $85.50 This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. This design was inspired by Victoria Feinberg. Mahalepu is my favorite South Shore beach; it has a wonderful hike on the north side above the ocean and some beautiful views and great shade in amongst the pine trees and shrubs. info@niihauheritage.org, All Rights Reserved Copyright 2020 This topic was brought up on the Europe board and it helped me greatly during my Med cruise last October. Tours begin from Koloa, Kauai, and take participants across the often-rough Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua. :cool: Some Niihau shell leis have been known to be valued for up to $20,000. 3864 Iona Road, (808) 634-0101, blu-umi.com 8. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Since each sunrise shell pair has a red side and a yellow, we do our best to match a gorgeous color palette together regardless of the color you choose High Quality pure Niihau Shell Lei. Beautiful works of art. Captcha failed to load. Finished with a 14K hook and eye clasp and granulated cowry, this is a spectacularly traditional lei. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. What makes Ni'ihau so mystifying is that life here has remained mostly frozen in time. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Bird of Paradise in Cream/Navy Lotus & Lime $49.95. We happily supply curated items to galleries with educational materials. Beautiful! (a) For the purposes of this section, "Niihau shells" means seashells harvested from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches. $112.50, $125.00 I am trying to think what "bad" could be. Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. The families that live and work on Ni'ihau have collected these shells and developed their own lei making techniques over generations for the most part -- many ohana, like the Kanahele's (who I highly recommend) have members that live on Ni'ihau, collect and sew the leis, and then members who live outside Ni'ihau sell them and the money goes back to the ohana. The 70-square-mile island (about half the size of Lna'i and twice as large as Kaho'olawe) is the smallest inhabited island in Hawai'i with 84 residents (mostly Native Hawaiian) and 35 houses (DBEDT & Census.) See more ideas about niihau shells, niihau, shells. Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts. This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. Hypoallergenic 14K gold ear wire. 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. We also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! You can also find online shops to purchase them. All rights reserved. With all the beauty of nature~, Hi there, thanks for the comment. 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. Some antique pieces we carry have been refinished for quality purposes. It is roughly 18.6 miles long and 6.2 miles wide. Opihi - a Hawaiian delicacy. Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59043927', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Oahu forum, as we'll be a week at each this August. :D. Now YOU can visit Niihau, the Hawaiian "Forbidden Island" - where "time has stood still". Kauai & Niihau Airplane Tours. :-), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I so wanted a necklace but couldn't afford it :( I did end up getting some earrings. The Bracelet is an optional extension to the lei or can be worn around the wrist for a flat and delicate compliment to the necklace. (I'm looking at this purchase as I'd do a diamond, a little research goes a long way!). I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Although, Poleho can be picked on Ni'ihau, our Poleho shells are. Without a doubt, Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha should be in any Hawaiian music fans collection. Vintage momi shells were gathered in early 1990's. They are high luster, with sparkling brilliance and glass-like feel and surface textures. 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. One of my favorite aspects of this art form is that living creatures are never taken for their shells. Common colors arekeokeo(white),kala(pink),lenalena(yellow), andmaomao(green). I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. One Niihau shell lei can run from a hundred dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the shell type, color and design. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. 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. In addition to being rare, Kahelelani . Shown below are examples of different styles and colors. $1,485.00, $1,650.00 The island of Niihau encompasses 70 square miles and it is located 18 miles northwest of Kauai. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. 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!) This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. 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. Website by: Emagine, gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. Yikes! several thousand dollars for a multi-strand ni'ihau shell lei! 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.