Ni'ihau Shells | Niihau Heritage Cultural Foundation
Gallery of shells found on the tiny Forbidden Island of Ni`ihau used in making fine shell lei, a Hawaiian folk art.
The Shells of Ni‘ihau - Maui Hands
A private island with a small population of mostly pure Native Hawaiian descent, Ni‘ihau has no rivers running into the ocean. The surrounding coral beds remain unspoiled and untouched by outside influences, allowing the tiny shells – pūpū ‘o Ni‘ihau – …
Niihau shells - ShellsHawaii.com
The Kahelelani shells are the smallest shells used in Niihau shell jewelry. They are therefore the most difficult to collect, pierce, and string. The rarest color of Kahelelani shell is black!
Where to Buy In Hawaii - NI'IHAU SHELL PROJECT
Explore cultural centers, jewelry stores and tourist shops to find authentic Ni'ihau & Hawaiian shell jewelry. Not all sellers are listed and some may have changed their inventory since they were added.
Ni'ihau shells - Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts
Ni'ihau shells are a variety of endemic species of sea creatures whose shells are picked off the shores of the island of Ni'ihau. 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.
Ni'ihau Shell Guide - Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts
This guide will show you all of the commonly known styles that Ni’ihau shells are strung into and descriptions of each type of shell that is used in the Ni’ihau shell lei making process.
Shell Lei History | Niihau Heritage Cultural Foundation
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. Photo: Drawing by W. Ellis of Ni`ihau and Lehua in 1778.
Shell Lei Authenticity | Niihau Heritage Cultural Foundation
Shells used to make the Ni‘ihau shell lei are found abundantly only on the shores of Ni‘ihau, and this legislation was intended to protect the integrity of one of the few sources of income available to the Ni‘ihau people.
Ni‘ihau Shells: the “Diamonds” of Hawaii | Moon Travel Guides
Diamonds and platinum may be a sign of luxury in the U.S. Mainland, but in Hawaii it’s Ni‘ihau shell jewelry.
Niihau Shells: Hawaii’s Seashell Gemstones
On Niihau, winter swells wash shells onto the island’s shoreline. The types of Niihau shells are kahelelani, laiki, momi, and kamoa. Hot-pink and black kahelelani shells are the most rare and valuable, while white momi shells are the most common.