Niihau ( Hawaiian: [niihw] ), anglicized as Niihau ( / ni ( i) ha / NEE- (ee-)how ), is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii. We provide certificates of authenticity with every Ni'ihau creation and in some cases an appraisal free of charge. Visit Oahu, Kauai, and Maui! My latest one was purchased from a Spouting Horn vendor and it came with a certificate of authenticity. What a life! 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. 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). It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. There are no ferry services taxiing tourists to Niihau from the other islands, and as you'd expect, no flights to Niihau, either. Enjoy your search for the perfect one! Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. If we were to buy again I'm not sure where we would look first. Now I'm sharing that information here. Finished with a 14K hook and eye clasp and granulated cowry, this is a spectacularly traditional lei. The art of lei-making is unique to Niihaus culture and has been alive since before the arrival of European settlers. . This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. Kahelelani are the tiniest and most prized of the shells used to create Hawaiian shell leis. Choose the options youd like for the order. Kauai Tourism Kauai Hotels Kauai Guest House Kauai Holiday Homes Kauai Holiday Packages Kauai Flights Kauai Restaurants Kauai Attractions Kauai Travel Forum Kauai Photos (SD1). With all the beauty of nature~, Hi there, thanks for the comment. 14K magnet closure is strong and connects to the bracelet for an extended necklace. Made only on Ni'ihau, a private island off Kaua'i's west side, the lei are known as one of Polynesia's finest ART FORMS . Original Price $1,800.00 [3] Be sure you're getting authentic Ni`ihau shells. $1,485.00, $1,650.00 Just the lei is $800 but earrings and bracelet be sold in addition as a full set for $1200. See more ideas about niihau shells, niihau, shells. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling . (50% off), Sale Price $85.50 Kauai has many beaches and so heres my pick of the best shell beaches on Kauai! Aloha~ Rob Arita, These are momi shells. The kahelelani poe poe blend has all the colors represented in a symmetrical match of width and length. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-7221950', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Anini Beach -- you can look at them closely and see how weathered they are and how many pukas (holes) they have in them. Things go up from there. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. 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. The tiny shells wash up already vacant from the snails that they once housed. 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. SECTION 3. It is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) southwest of Kauai across the Kaulakahi Channel. You'll also usually pay more for a traditional cowry clasp than for a gold one. 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. Including Sunrise shells & Puka shells. Absolutely stunning Niihau 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 . Start here. Still want to check it out! $112.50, $125.00 I feel blessed to live in such a magical, beautiful place. Did you highlight the link and "copy" it and then "paste" it to the web address line? big store at the corner of Lawaii Road and 580. They get food from the ranch as well. Once we receive an email from you, we will respond in a detailed and timely manner. I bought a beautiful pair of Ni'ihau Kahelelani Shell earrings at this shop. 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. These earrings will not be duplicated in the future. 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! I am trying to think what "bad" could be. Legally, this term refers only to shells actuallygathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. When combined with kahelelani and sunrise shells, you can get stunning results! The color and size matching, plus the graduated thickness of the lei is really superb. Niihau shell, Heliconia dangle earrings made with vintage, momi ke'oke'o (pure white) shells and Kauai Kahelelani. This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves. 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) 2569. Don't expect to find the valuable tiny Niihau shells that comprised the jewelry of Hawaiian royalty - they only wash ashore on Niihau, the Forbidden Island. 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. Jun 14, 2014 - All about ni'ihau shells. 20 . The Kahelelani is also the most colorful shell used in Niihau and Kauaian shell leis. Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. I would like toknow where to look. Original Price $125.00 There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. The songs in this CD will transport you to Hawaiian soil, with the sound of waves of Waikiki and the breathtaking sunrise at Haleakala. several thousand dollars for a multi-strand ni'ihau shell lei! It hardly ever rains at Polihale so you can do that; nothing like looking at the canopy of the stars. 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. what a prize when we find one! From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Item #195, Ni'ihau Designer Tahitian Pearl Bracelet sewn with high quality Akala Pua Kahelelani and A Grade Tahitian Pearls. Expect to see knockoff s with slightly different labels. Niihau shell leis are one of the most prized souvenirs you can bring home from Hawaii; the queens and princesses of Hawaii are often depicted wearing leis made of the three different types of tiny, precious pupu o Niihau shells (source). Ni'ihau is the westernmost inhabited island in Hawaii. Legally, this term refers only to shells actually gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. Splash about in puddles on the beach and look for shells and oh! This particular piece is from an estate collection and was well cared for. This design was inspired by Victoria Feinberg. Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? You can also find online shops to purchase them. Enjoy the combinations of Kahelelani, momi, and sunrise shells displayed on my site. (25% off), Sale Price $1,485.00 Left in photo is poe poe kipona, center is crownflower and right is heliconia stitch. And shells! 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 ? Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. 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. 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 . Kauai Rainbow Connection 96714 . mammaI checked and I can pull the photos up. (10% off), Sale Price $44.10 The 72-square-mile Niihau is everything the major Hawaiian islands Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and its neighbor Kauai are not. There . 3864 Iona Road, (808) 634-0101, blu-umi.com 8. In addition, the people from Niihau also grow their own fruits and vegetables. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59045746', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui. Wait time on a lei of this style is between 3 and 6 weeks generally. Precious Diamond 808 Detailing Anahola 96703 . Sunnys grow in deep water and rarely wash to the shore. 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. You might want to stop at the Trading Post out on the highway just to see the varieties. This piece is 24" and is one of the most treasured favorites in our collection. Niihau, Hawaiian Ni'ihau, volcanic island, Kauai county, Hawaii, U.S. Niihau lies 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Kauai island. The small shells used in Ni'ihau lei are named after him. Add to Cart. Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. Look for them at shops around the island. 2. Thats a business and I understand people need to feed their families but it takes the magic out of it. Pink, Burgundy, Kamoa yellow in heliconia or crownflower stitch for the same cost. These earrings represent a beautiful PoePoe weave and can be ordered with any color of Ni'ihau Kahelelani. Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii 96741-0348 Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 1. The island was purchased almost 125 years ago by the Robinson family, who also own a large portion of Kauai. What was your favorite or best purchase in Hawaii? Stunning craftsmanship by an expert leimaker. Please. We are a Hawaiia n owned, local business that specializes in unique, hand-crafted products that are made in Hawaii. This pretty set is sewn crownflower fashion and is a great piece for casual or formal wear. Want to know more? Niihau Shell Leis is another exciting book you may bring home with you. I would rec Na Mea on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Required fields are marked *. For each, is a person who will love and treasure it. 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. Both snorkel tours combine Niihau with Kauai's Na Pali Coast and range from $250 to $285 per person for a seven-hour excursion. They come in a wide range of colors. Let me know in the comments! (15% off). The bright red flower growing in the tropical forests on Hawaii island is the Lehua. A beautiful lei adorned with Gem quality Hawaiian Honey Cowry that also can be worn as a centerpiece. Polihale is one of the best shell beaches on Kauai and an amazing experience! With an official notary, Niihau shells can be evaluated based on its strain and style of stringing. Sale Price $450.00 HEIRLOOMS to many, they are the only shell lei in the world that can be insured. Each earring is unique as there will only be one available at a time. Up to 20 inches $10,000. You walk right into the production kitchen to buy a bag (or three). Some antique pieces we carry have been refinished for quality purposes. The Kahelelani shell is the most sought after of the rare Niihau and Kauaian shells. mamma, you can get away with spending MUCH less than a couple of grand. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. 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 These tiny, gorgeous shells wash up on the island of Ni'ihau, which is inaccessible to the public. Take a look on Ebay at items from seller butch6868. $1,350.00, $1,800.00 this style is inspired by the treasures of the ocean and how well they work together. The author has first-hand experience (she visited the island twice!) Please log in again. The Mkaha Sons are famous for championing traditional Hawaiian music, and their incredible harmonies took them to prestigious places like Carnegie Hall. It has remained popular and is a cornerstone of almost every Niihau collection. bjbert--I tried the link you provided, but it tells me "something bad happened" and I can't get to the pics. Copyright text 2019 by Kauai Vacation Rental Advisor. Available by order only. I dont have a photo of one that I took hence the once above, which is also lovely. Item #198. We only know that both volcanoes formed about 6 million years ago. 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. A Sunrise Shell on Kauai looks like a Sunrise.a half moon of yellows and oranges and reds with the shape above. There are no cars, running water, or telephones on Ni'ihau. I paid $20 for it and the gal down the walk "wired" it for me for $15! beautiful shells and lovely work indeed. Hawaiian is their first language, English is second. Hand crafted Kapono style Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. It's the Hawaiian way. The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. A Ni'ihau shell lei currently located in the British Museum and most likely collected by Cook during one of his several visits to the island of Ni'ihau is made mostly of kahelelani shells. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Teal Tiare Lotus & Lime $49.95. 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. This piece features nearly every color of Kahelelani and Momi. They can also be found on Kaua`i and Moloka`i, but those lack the luster of the authentic ones. Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. I'd love to check it out! She advised looking and investigating very carefully.it seems that there are what appear to be " knock offs " out there. an array of intriguing island finds, like Ni'ihau Shell Leis, Hawaiian collectibles, and local jewelry and gifts. Shelling at Larsens is a wonderful experience. So you only have two options for setting foot on the island: take a helicopter tour from Kauai or . There may be variations, however, in the names that other lei makers commonly use. Read. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Because these shells have a variety of colors and markings, Niihau artisans use descriptive terms to differentiate them. 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 valued like a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace. Custom Shell Jewelry. This gorgeous 3 strand kahelelani necklace in the poepoe style required over 1200 shells to complete.finished with a solid 18k clasp! This is a kipona mixed shell set features green O'mao O'mao kahelelani poe poe sections and 14K gold clasps. Youll see some people use it as decoration due to its vibrant colors and large size. 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. 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. Thank you for all of your replys.Sounds like the place to look is The Trading Post, and expect at least a couple grand? The Trading Post did used to have a much bigger selection, and there used to be more vendors at Spouting Horn. Went to the vendor at SH and what a beautiful display! Kauai & Niihau Airplane Tours. If you don't see it, it might be in your junk/spam folder. However, books about the Forbidden Island are some of the best Niihau souvenirs. Inquire to see our sunrise or cowry collection and have one of these beauties made just for you. Ni'ihau shell lei are one of Hawaii's most authentic and sought after treasures. 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 ? The most famous and cherished is the Sunrise Shell, aka Sunny. (25% off), Sale Price $112.50 a great shell beach on Kauai! This stunning set can come in any color or style in varied lengths. Big Island, Kauai & Maui 6-night multi-island adventure, from $1,459. Theres something timeless about walking along a beach looking for shells isnt there? Find modern apparel, prints by local artists and jewelry made from hard-to-find Ni'ihau and sunrise shells. 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. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Tattoo in Black/Bronze Lotus & Lime $49.95. Shhhh. 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. Indeed it is. 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. The best shell beach on Kauai! (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. Item# 18L10Y0500. It came with a certificate of authenticity and the name of the artisan that created it. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. 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. All have been fully authenticated by makers from Ni`ihau. It is certifiable with 85% Niihau Shells and features a sunrise shell Centerpiece and sterling silver adjustable length clasp. (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".". Do you mind if I ask how much the Nihau leis cost? With 14K strong magnet clasp it attaches to bracelet to wear long, or can be worn as 3 pieces. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Bill of sale with detailed information on your lei. 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 also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! 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! Can be sold individually or with earrings. Item# 16H01WR0250. For generations, the people of Ni'ihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. This is an excellent start, I appreciate your help. And shells. Kahelelani, momi or laiki gathered from other islands are not authentic "Ni'ihau" shells per Hawaii State Law H.B. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There is a palpable individuality to all shell creations from Ni'ihau. 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. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, Emperors Emporium has the largest selection of island-inspired jewelry, clothing and Red Dirt shirts, gifts. For us back then it was a rather extravagant purchase. From this website, I have a list of approved sellers: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_shells.htm. Although it is not a Ni'ihau tradition to use them as pendants, it became very popular on Kauai starting in the 1970's. However, I find that when I fall in love with an item, it's always the most expensive in the case! We enjoy working with both novice enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. Taro K Chip Factory The bestand freshesttaro chips in the state, period. Kahelelani is the smallest, most valuable and hardest to prepare. In fact, the Hawaiian language is spoken almost . Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 2. SECTION 1. 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. 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. It is because of the efforts of the Ni'ihau people that Ni'ihau shells. A lot depends on the shells, the pattern and how skilled the maker was. Here are two photos of Niihau shell necklaces in a collection at Hawaiian Trading Post at Kalaheo. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. 0 . 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. A good necklace should be well-matched for color and well-graded small to large from the clasp down to the center. As she said best shell beach on the island. However, the term generally refers to three different shells that are commonly used to make Ni'ihau shell lei: kahelelani , momi, and liki, as well as a fourth one, kmoa, which is frequently used to add contrasting color. I've bought from him at SH. Original Price $125.00 Barbara and 22kauai - thanks for Spouting Horn, it's now on the list! Inquire for wholesale pricing. Niihau is such a unique destination its definitely worth leaving some space in your suitcase to bring home a souvenir. Learn more. You can also find online shops to purchase them. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. The island has mysteriously been "protected" from outsiders since the 1800s. All rights reserved. Cones Leopard cone, Hebrew cone, Marble cone, others. This piece is finished with a traditional gem grade single cowry clasp. The art of lei-making from Ni'ihau shells is a very closely protected one -- the shells cannot be called "Ni'ihau" shells any longer unless they are actually collected on that island (this law was passed just last year I believe) -- since the kahelelani shells, momi shells and others are also found on other islands, this has been a big problem in the past -- the shells from Ni'ihau have a special luster which gives them that most rare distinction. I've saved some excellent information from this forum, thanks to those of you with experience! Ni'ihau is a private island with a population of 160, mostly of pure Native Hawaiian descent. Niihau Island lies 17 miles southwest of Kauai. I would love to hear what you end up buying, with all the details! Passion-4-Fashion Hono Ohala Place, Kapaa . Among things prohibited are alcohol, drugs, guns, beards, long hair, tattoos, and piercings.