-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. They come in an amazing array of colors and can be woven into the most beautiful adornments. Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii 96741-0348 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. For generations, the people of Niihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. You might want to stop at the Trading Post out on the highway just to see the varieties. With such a fascinating history, anyone would love to learn about Niihaus culture, the settlers, and how it came to be such a secluded place. The colors here are Akala Pua Waipapipi (hot pink), O'mao O'mao (green), and Ele Ele (dark brown). You can dress long in the flapper fashion, short as a choker, or as a waistband beach accessory. "Must buys" in Hawaii - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community There may be variations, however, in the names that other lei makers commonly use. 6-night multi-island adventures, starting from $1,239. I would like toknow where to look. 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 The smallest of the populated Hawaiian Islands, Niihau has an area of 70 square miles (180 square km). 2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kauai - UPDATED 2023 - Tripadvisor Not great swimming beaches (apart from Lydgate) you can find a few shells if you look carefully at the right time of day. HEIRLOOMS to many, they are the only shell lei in the world that can be insured. But if you are patient! Sunrise shells are a fascinating member of the scallop or pecten family that live in deep Hawaiian waters. This set is a feature of Ula Ula Burgundy shell accents in a strong base of Pikake strung Momi shells. For generations, the people of Ni'ihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. Some of the kinds of shells you'll find. The 72-square-mile Niihau is everything the major Hawaiian islands Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and its neighbor Kauai are not. Its easy to find pictures of Queen Kapiolani wearing beautiful multi-strand lei as jewelry. Types of Seashells in the Pacific Islands of Hawaii | USA Today I would like toknow where to look. Niihau Shells - Etsy Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. Taro K Chip Factory The bestand freshesttaro chips in the state, period. Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. 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. The square mileage of Ni'ihau is roughly 70 square miles. For each, is a person who will love and treasure it. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. Finished with a 14K hook and eye clasp and granulated cowry, this is a spectacularly traditional lei. Theres something timeless about walking along a beach looking for shells isnt there? The Mkaha Sons are famous for championing traditional Hawaiian music, and their incredible harmonies took them to prestigious places like Carnegie Hall. Ahhh Polihale. Some songs feature the voice of the late, great Israel IZ Kamakawiwaole. From this website, I have a list of approved sellers: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_shells.htm. swmarket: thanks for the Na Mea rec; it was on the Oahu recommended list, too and I really love that shop! Kahelelani - Wikipedia Niihau ( Hawaiian: [niihw] ), anglicized as Niihau ( / ni ( i) ha / NEE- (ee-)how ), is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii. 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. All rights reserved. Still, Coffee lovers wont find a better way to sip their morning coffee than this Niihau coffee mug. $67.50, $90.00 The small shells used in Ni'ihau lei are named after him. My last purchase there was an amazing "sunrise" shell. The island has mysteriously been "protected" from outsiders since the 1800s. Ni'ihau Helicopters Office Drive to Port Allen Airport 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. Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Ni'ihau shell leis and jewelry. What makes Ni'ihau so mystifying is that life here has remained mostly frozen in time. Beautiful works of art. It features a delicate design with sea turtles, known as honu in Hawaiian. 33 Fascinating Facts About Ni'ihau, Hawaii Valerie & Valise They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. 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. Learn more. 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. You can also find online shops to purchase them. . The Shells of Niihau. Youll see some people use it as decoration due to its vibrant colors and large size. Kahelelani are the most rare variety of Ni'ihau shells. I will email the photos to you if you don't mind publishing your email address here. Feel free to contact me via phone or email if you have any questions or are interested in designing a piece! The stretch of beaches from Wailua to Kapa'a 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 it's a couple of years old now!) Free housing is provided by the Robinsons. Ni'ihau shell leimaking is a traditional native Hawaiian art form that produces a highly-treasured form of jewelry. Original Price $125.00 (I'm looking at this purchase as I'd do a diamond, a little research goes a long way!). Its only accessible by driving 20 mins down a dirt track (past the Hyatt and CJM stables.. go to the end, turn right and keep going). I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Sellers looking to grow their business and reach more interested buyers can use Etsys advertising platform to promote their items. The Story Behind Ni'ihau: Hawaii's Forbidden Island - Culture Trip Copyright text 2019 by Kauai Vacation Rental Advisor. The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. It's known as "The Forbidden Island" in Hawaii, and the nickname isn't an exaggeration. What a life! We did receive a letter of authenticity, but it has long since been lost. $85.50, $95.00 Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Most of the tiny shells used are all three species: kahelelani, momi, and laiki. 1. Colors and lengths can vary depending on what is in stock. Kapono Ni`ihau Shell Lei 2 - kauaifinds.com The most prized are the deep reds, hot pinks, and the dark chocolate colored ones. 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. Its sad that this is happening. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. 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. This Hawaiian quarter, minted in 2008, shows Kamehameha I, the warrior king who united all of the Hawaiian islands, and also includes the State motto. Niihau, Hawaii: How To Visit Hawaii's "Forbidden Island" - Matador Network In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. It is the most beautiful shell I have seen and it has the most variation in color and patterning in the entire ocean~. When taken to the highest level, they are undoubtedly fine art. $93.75, $125.00 The one I REALLY loved was $5000! Item #196 Length8 inches Value$1,200 [ made to order ] Inquire Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. Find modern apparel, prints by local artists and jewelry made from hard-to-find Ni'ihau and sunrise shells. Remembering you arent in Hawaii anymore as soon as you wake, isnt exactly appealing. The Shell above is not a sunrise shell, though it looks similar. There are no cars, running water, or telephones on Ni'ihau.