Why are NI IHAU shells so expensive?

The value of a Niiahu shell lei is calculated based on its uniqueness, color, type of shell, and how clean the shell is. What makes a Niihau shell lei so valuable? While the physical state of each shell is the biggest contribution to the price, the tedious work put into making the lei is a priceless process.

Where are the NI IHAU shells in Kauai?

The best Beaches to collect Kahelelani:

• Beaches on the North shore of Kauai.
• Anini Beach.
• Tunnels Beach.
• Hanalei Beach.

Are Niihau shells rare?

While the off-white momi shell is extremely common and easy to find, hot-pink and black kahelelani are 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.

What are Momi shells?

❦ Momi (“pearl”) shells from the Island of Niʻihau are used in the beautiful & intricate Niʻihau shell leis. Although some of these shells do wash up on other islands, those from the Island of Niʻihau are superior — and only shells actually collected on Niʻihau Island can legally be labelled as Niʻihau shells or leis.

What shells are in Hawaii?

The Cowrie Shell. This is a beautiful shell, that is home to the sea snail.

Where can I find sunrise shells?

Hawaiian Sunrise Shells are found in remote locations in deep waters off the coast of the garden island of Kauai. While they are found in all of the Hawaiian islands including Maui and Oahu, the Sunrise Shells found on Kauai are thought to be of the best quality and greatest variety of color.

Why are sunrise shells so expensive?

Sunrise shells are a symbol of healing, peace, happiness and joy. What makes one shell more valuable is the condition of the shell, meaning the shell shape is intact. The more consistent in color and even tapering of the color suggest more or less value. Orange to yellow to pink is the most highly valued.

What does Kahelelani mean in Hawaiian?

The word Puka in Hawaiian language means hole and refers to the naturally occurring hole in the middle of the shell. Hawaiian shell leis are frequently finished with cowry shells (family Cypraeidae) or puka shells to the ends of the leis. These shells create a strong, natural, and traditional style clasp.

Is it illegal to take shells from Hawaii?

So while it is not illegal to take shells from Hawaii, you are not likely to find many good ones. 4 reviews. According to the Division of Land and Natural Resources, taking small amounts of sand, dead coral, rocks or other marine deposits for personal, noncommercial use is allowed.

What kind of shells are used for Hawaiian leis?

Kahelelani are the tiniest and most prized of the shells used to create Hawaiian shell leis. They come in an amazing array of colors and can be woven into the most beautiful adornments. They have been used for centuries by the native people of these islands.

Where can you find Aloha Kahelelani in Hawaii?

They are found in greatest numbers on Ni’ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. Kahelelani is the smallest, most valuable and hardest to prepare.

What kind of shells are used on Kauai?

Kauai also has very talented lei makers and the sunrise shell or Langford’s Pecten has become popular as a centerpiece that is combined with the more traditional styles of lei. 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.

Where do Sunrise shells come from in Hawaii?

Sunrise shells are a fascinating member of the scallop or pecten family that live in deep Hawaiian waters. They do wash up on certain beaches when powerful ocean swells move debris from the depths to the shoreline. Although it is not a Ni’ihau tradition to use them as pendants, it became very popular on Kauai starting in the 1970’s.