Kahelelani shells

The Hawaiian Islands have a rich and valuable indigenous culture that survives today as seen in the hula, surfing, chanting, and lei making. Hawaiians created exquisite shell jewelry using Kahelelani shells. These jewels from the sea are still collected and strung in the same manner the ancients employed. The Kahelelani shell is the most sought after of the rare Niihau and Kauaian shells. It is the smallest and therefore the most difficult to collect and string. The Kahelelani is also the most colorful shell used in Niihau and Kauaian shell leis.