A Glimpse Inside Hawaii's 'Forbidden Island' - HuffPost Very nice and striking colors in this lei. And shells. Kahelelani are the most rare variety of Ni'ihau shells. Ni'ihau Shell Heirlooms. Among things prohibited are alcohol, drugs, guns, beards, long hair, tattoos, and piercings. An ipu pwehe sitting amongst ipu vines. Pikake stitch graduates to long double Mauna Loa strands of high luster. The author has first-hand experience (she visited the island twice!) It has just over 100 year-round residents, and they live completely off the grid in a self-sustaining ecosystem. We have many types of earrings, also silver hooks available at reduced cost. 00:00. 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! The necklaces can sell for an average of $125 to $25,000, and state law protects the Niihau label. Sunrise Shell Lei Kauai Kahelelani Shell Lei Hawaii Shells Beach Jewelry Eco-Friendly Collected Rare Shells Island Mermaid Sunrise Shell ad vertisement by KauaiShellsandMore. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. The land was purchased in 1864 from King Kamehameha V and is in many ways a time capsule of life in early Hawaii. 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. 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. 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. All have been fully authenticated by makers from Ni`ihau. This stunning set can come in any color or style in varied lengths. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? 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 . In addition to being rare, Kahelelani . 3 Sizes Available. To live in such a beautiful place filled. They get food from the ranch as well. These earrings will be a limited stock, so get yours today. This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. Niihau is such a unique destination its definitely worth leaving some space in your suitcase to bring home a souvenir. That was NOT in my budget! Original Price $125.00 Niihau shell strands are suspended from stamped . Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Bill of sale with detailed information on your lei. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. 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 ? Any items in this set can be sold separately. Original Price $69.00 more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Colors and lengths can vary depending on what is in stock. The average size of Kahelelani shells will . Its easy to find pictures of Queen Kapiolani wearing beautiful multi-strand lei as jewelry. How to Visit Ni'ihau: Hawai'i's Forbidden Island N I ' I H A U - S H E L L S - Coco's Trading Post Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. Item #196 Length8 inches Value$1,200 [ made to order ] Inquire The Niihauans have names for all the variations of shell color and pattern. The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. 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. It is certifiable with 85% Niihau Shells and features a sunrise shell Centerpiece and sterling silver adjustable length clasp. Inquire for bulk or re-sale pricing. The songs in this CD will transport you to Hawaiian soil, with the sound of waves of Waikiki and the breathtaking sunrise at Haleakala. Just 17 miles from the coastline of Kauai, Hawaii boasts a historic restricted area: the small, 70-square-mile island of Niihau . Earrings are 14K french hooks. Want to know more? Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Niihau Lookout Information, Directions & More - Hawaii Guide big store at the corner of Lawaii Road and 580. Kauai. Absolutely stunning Niihau shells! They are valued like a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace. There may be variations, however, in the names that other lei makers commonly use. I'd love to check it out! HEIRLOOMS to many, they are the only shell lei in the world that can be insured. Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. Barbara and 22kauai - thanks for Spouting Horn, it's now on the list! And shells! Find your treasure or have one made for you. The lei can be connected with the bracelet to make a longer necklace while the earrings make a perfect compliment for any style. Ni'ihau Shell Lei | The Flowers of Ni'ihau Hawai'i 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. Good news! Answer 11 of 14: Are there any beaches where visitors can find the beautiful Sunrise shells? Item# 18D01LK0085. Glass Beach Jewelry Designs 96714 . Ni'ihau shell lei makers to repair leis in Honolulu This remote beach is a great shell beach on Kauai. Nice to know in not the ink hone with that bad habit! Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. About Us When taken to the highest level, they are undoubtedly fine art. [3] Mine was handed down to me, so I can't help much eithersorry! Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? (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".". Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! All rights reserved. Shell Lei History | Niihau Heritage Cultural Foundation 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. what puzzles me is that they can only be found on ni'ihau. When it comes to Niihau souvenirs, Niihau shell leis are one of the most sought-after tokens. At 17.5 miles from Kauai, Niihau is the 7th largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands. This is an excellent start, I appreciate your help. 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). Niihau Shell Jewelry - Etsy Still want to check it out! You can also find online shops to purchase them. Photos taken through glass along with bright light reflectance blurred and obscrubed much detail (plus my shaky hands did not help). In fairness, the one I really loved was the much rarer pink shells. Your Walking Guide to Hanapp, Kauai - Hawaii Magazine The center is heliconia stitch. (2) The product or jewelry item is fabricated, processed, or manufactured entirely within this State. Post Office Box 348 From beach cover-ups and sundresses to Kauai logo tees and the all-popular Kauai Rooster cap. Remembering you arent in Hawaii anymore as soon as you wake, isnt exactly appealing. 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. In the gaps between the shells, Ive been gifted with more than a few big cowrie shells among others. And be especially careful up on the rocks on the north end of the beach. . Wait time on a lei of this style is between 3 and 6 weeks generally. Less than a mile up the Waimea Canyon Drive between mile markers 13 and 14 is the large Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. Finding a sunrise shell when its just a gift from the ocean ah thats special. The wedding leis of Niihau are often made with "laiki" or "rice" shells. Thanks in advance for your replies. Stunning. Up to 20 inches $10,000. Today, the craft of lei-making with Niihau shells is protected thanks to a law enacted by the Hawaii state legislature in 2004 (source). It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. Start here. Here are two photos of Niihau shell necklaces in a collection at Hawaiian Trading Post at Kalaheo. Once we receive an email from you, we will respond in a detailed and timely manner. (10% off), Sale Price $44.10 Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. It . To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. I so wanted a necklace but couldn't afford it :( I did end up getting some earrings. The island of Ni'ihau lies 17 mile off the west coast of 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. A good necklace should be well-matched for color and well-graded small to large from the clasp down to the center. 14K strong magnetic clasp for easy removal and safe wear. 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. Can be sold individually or with earrings. This gorgeous 3 strand kahelelani necklace in the poepoe style required over 1200 shells to complete.finished with a solid 18k clasp! Its certainly pretty when the pieces are shimmering in the sun. The one I REALLY loved was $5000! there aren't many tools needed either, just stringing line and lots of time! 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. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 3 - kauaifinds.com This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. This Is Why Ni'ihau Is Called Hawaii's 'Forbidden Island' - MSN 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. I bought a beautiful pair of Ni'ihau Kahelelani Shell earrings at this shop. Absolutely! It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. Captcha failed to load. Hawaiian is their first language, English is second. Length: 19" Materials: kahelelani 'akala pua (pink tiny shells) kahelel . . This 5 strand lei features the rarest colors of kahelelani. Heres where you can purchase authentic Niihau shell leis: Each of these locations offers Niihau shell leis that should be documented and authentic. This is the beach right in front of Alamoo road, thats the dirt track road which is just north of the Hanalei Colony Resort. Youll see some people use it as decoration due to its vibrant colors and large size. Allows labeling that indicates percentage of Niihau shell content if item contains at least 80% Niihau shells and is made entirely in State. They come in an amazing array of colors and can be woven into the most beautiful adornments. It was an hour before daybreak but some local family were looking for Sunrise shells. King Kamehameha IV sold it for $10,000 in 1863 to Elizabeth Sinclair of Scotland. Knew they were expensive tho, so not that surprised. Hunt For Ni'ihau Shell Lei - Hawaii Great for little kids to look for tiny fish and cucumber fish and shells. (sunrise shells are sold for quite a bit) . I love it and consider it one of my most prized jewelry items. Kauai & Niihau Airplane Tours. Sunrise ( quite rare) Shells you won't find: Ni'ihau. Kauai Crystal Sanctuary Anahola 96703 . This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves. Now I'm sharing that information here. This design was inspired by Victoria Feinberg. This perfect Heleconia Lei has a fine detailed blend of Akala Pua Pink and Ula Ula Burgundy shells. Available by order only. There are four species of Ni'ihau shells, or Pupu 'O Ni'ihau. You can also find online shops to purchase them. Why Nihau is Named "The Forbidden Island" - All About Niihau A couple of years ago I was there camping (more on camping on Kauai here) with the girls and we were sleeping up on the sand dunes (to make sure we wouldnt get run over by big trucks on the beach!) 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. swmarket: thanks for the Na Mea rec; it was on the Oahu recommended list, too and I really love that shop! Aloha~ Rob Arita, These are momi 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. Check out this Hawaii t-shirt, which features a map design showing Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, and Niihau islands. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. and just poking holes in these tiny shells and stringing them up is soooo labor-intensive! The Shells of Niihau. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. How To Store Niihau Shell Leis - BikeHike 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. We bought my wife's lei at least a dozen years ago at the Lawai Hawaiian Trading Post. Sold separately, these are made to order by a skilled leimaker. Theres beach access on both ends of Alamoo and you can usually park on Alealea road. Inquire to choose your very own sunrise shell for this design. It is the most incredible form of recycling that I have found. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) southwest of Kauai across the Kaulakahi Channel. Sunnys grow in deep water and rarely wash to the shore. They come in a wide range of colors. The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. Every Ni'ihau shell creation we offer is made with care and selected for quality and originality. This is a sample of the lei varieties that we create and curate as heirlooms. For each, is a person who will love and treasure it. 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 . 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.) Anyway, your opinions matter to me! In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. Niihau Island lies 17 miles southwest of Kauai. People get around on horseback, cook on kerosene stoves, and use outhouses. Beautiful works of art. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Bird of Paradise in Cream/Navy Lotus & Lime $49.95. I talked with her for a bit - very interesting. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 1. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. 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. Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Niihau shell leis and jewelry. 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. With a Made in Hawaii selection of Aloha shirts and neckties for men, we offer something for everyone! Our options for clasps are boundless and our collection of gem quality cowry are fabulous. 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. Kahelelani, momi or laiki gathered from other islands are not authentic "Ni'ihau" shells per Hawaii State Law H.B. 33 Fascinating Facts About Ni'ihau, Hawaii Valerie & Valise Custom Shell Jewelry. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. 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. The login page will open in a new tab. Hypoallergenic 14K gold ear wire. 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.