The term “Ni’ihau Shells” refer only to shells that have been gathered on the shores of the island of Ni’ihau, one of the main eight Hawaiian Islands. In 2004, the Hawaii State House of Representatives approved H.B. No. 2569 which prohibits the selling of “seashell items” with descriptions or labels using the term “Ni’ihau” unless 100% of the shells come from the island of Ni’ihau and are made in Hawai’i. 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. 

There are three types of shells that are predominantly used when making Ni’ihau shell lei, momi, kahelelani, and lāiki. Each type of shell has different markings and colors associated with them, therefore having many descriptive terms to differentiate them. Shells are identified, first, by which kind of shell it is, such as momi or kahelelani, etc. Then by descriptive terms such as colors or patterns, ‘ākala (pink), ke’oke’o (white), or kahakaha (striped).

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Momi

Momi, meaning “pearl”, is one of the most common and well known Ni’ihau shell. It has an oval shape and shining surface, as its namesake. Momi vary in colors from white to gray to browns, and even black. Of these colors, the most used is momi ke’oke’o (white). The rarest of these are the momi uliuli (dark gray) and momi kahakaha ikaika (dark striped). Momi shells are usually tied in pīkake, helekonia, or kui style.

Kahelelani

Kahelelani, meaning “pathway to heaven”, is the second most used Ni’ihau shell. Because of their bright, vibrant, and unique colors, it is the most sought after as well. Kahelelani are tiny round, almost sand sized, shells. Its small sized makes it the most difficult to collect, pierce, and string thus making it the most expensive of all Ni’ihau shell lei. Kahelelani shells are usually tied in maunaloa or poepoe style.

Laiki

Lāiki, or laisi, is an oblong, rice grain shape shell. Lāiki, especially lāiki ke’oke’o, is used in many traditional wedding lei because of its pure white color and glossy, strong luster. Lei made with Lāiki are usually made in kui style in multiple strands. Some Ni’ihau artisans will make lei that have ten to twenty strands each as a wedding gift to the bride.

Poleholeho

Poleholeho are the shells that are used as a finishing clasp on all Ni’ihau shells lei pieces. It’s a unique design created by the Ni’ihau artisans.

Ha’aheo, Hawaiian Crafts is a 100% made in Hawai’i retail company that provides authentic Hawaiian products, specializing in Ni’ihau shells. Our shells are gathered on Ni’ihau and our lei are made by the native Ni’ihau people. If you are interested in purchasing or having a custom-made piece, you can check out our website at www.haaheohc.com or email us at [email protected].

If you would like to learn more about Ni’ihau shells, you can visit The Ni’ihau Cultural Heritage Foundation at www.niihauheritage.org.