The shells used to create NI‘IHAU SHELL LEI are akin to precious gemstones. They aren’t stones, of course, but TINY SHELLS that are rare and precious. Made only on Ni‘ihau, a private island off Kaua‘i’s west side, the lei are known as one of Polynesia’s finest ART FORMS . The necklaces can sell for an average of $125 to $25,000, and state law protects the Ni‘ihau label. Expect to see knockoff s with slightly difirent labels. Kaua‘i, with its close proximity to Ni‘ihau, has an abundant choice of these UNUSUAL AND HANDCRAFTED shell lei. Look for them at shops around the island.
PHO TO: HA W AI‘I T OURISM A UTHORIT Y (HT A) / T OR JOHNS ON
CITY GET AS FAR AWAY FROM THE LIGHTS WITH THESE DIVERSIONS THAT REALLY GO THE DISTANCE.
