As soon as one shows a curiosity for Ni'ihau shells, you can join in the fun and help the elders pick the shells from the tidelines left on the shore.

Can you pick out any Ni'ihau shells from the sand?

Strong ocean currents stir the sand which unhinges the oyster (pi'oe'oe) from it's beds. These oysters are washed and opened by the rough surf and sand and strewn on to the shoreline leaving the Momi, Kahelelani, and other precious shells as it recedes.

One is always reminded "if the ocean gives, there will be plenty. If it doesn't, there won't be any". Subsequently, if the oysters aren't ready, no amount of sand or surf action will loosen them from their tightly knit clusters.

These tiny shells can be found along the shores of many of the Hawaiian islands. The major difference is that since Ni'ihau is pristine and the waters around the island are clean and clear of industrial runoff, the shells maintain their luster and color. Place a lei made from Kahelelani shells from other islands next to one from Ni'ihau and you'll be able to see the difference in color and shine. Be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity with any Ni'ihau lei you purchase to be sure you are getting a true Ni'ihau lei.

One of the challenges in making a Ni'ihau lei is the difficulty in collection enough shells on the right type, size and matching color in order to make the lei. Ni'ihau families may spend many hours, from early morning, at the beach collecting shells. The quantity and variety of shells to be found is at the whim of the ocean. A day after a storm may yield many shells. On other days, only a few may be found

Consider the picture above. This gallon bag was collected at low tide, at around 10 am on a morning in November. Although there had been a few storms the week previously, the ocean was calm. After sorting thru the entire gallon bag of shells, you can see what was found, And notice, that day not a single Kahelelani shell, only two puka shells, and a handful of Laiki and Momi shells.

Since a single 18 Momi lei would require over 200 hundred shells, at this rate it would take 40 gallons of shells taken from the surf line to find enough - and that assumes all were usable and did not break in the cleaning. Taking into account that you break at least 30% to 50% of the shells, you would need to add 6 to 10 gallons to your number.