Aloha and welcome back, everyone ✨

One of my absolute favorite colors of Momi shells is the golden family — Lenalena. Whenever I receive a bag of Momi shells filled with yellowish shades, it’s pure joy to sit down and sort through them one by one. Each shell feels like a tiny treasure, and the colors can sometimes be so close to each other that it takes real patience and attention to see the differences.

Do you ever wonder what it looks like when I first open a bag of shells shipped from Hawaiʻi? It’s a mix of excitement and curiosity — never knowing exactly what shades will be waiting inside. In future blogs, I’ll be sharing how I dry my shells and the best ways I’ve learned to sort them over the years. There’s always so much to discover, and I love being able to pass along some of that knowledge from my own experience working with these Niʻihau authentic shells (ニイハウ シェル).

So, stay tuned, my friends ❤️ For now, let’s dive into the beauty of these golden shades — the Momi Lenalena family.

Momi Lenalena (Yellow Momi)

Momi Lenalena is one of the most cheerful shades in the Momi family. The name lenalena means yellow in Hawaiian, and these shells truly glow with golden warmth. When you look closely, they often carry a creamy base that blends into buttery yellows, with speckled or streaked brown markings scattered across the surface. Some lean lighter, almost pastel yellow with faint freckles, while others deepen into richer golden tones.

 

If you take a closer look, you might notice that almost every shell has a bit of sand tucked inside its waha (mouth). That’s part of the beauty of working with Niʻihau shells — they carry a piece of the ocean with them. In a future blog, I’ll be talking more about this: should you clean the sand out or leave it as it is? There are pros and cons, especially with shells like Momi and Laiki. It’s a detail every shell lover (貝殻ファン) wonders about ✨.

From my own experience, Lenalena shells bring warmth and brightness to jewelry (ハワイアンジュエリー). In earrings, their golden tones shine beautifully next to Keʻokeʻo (white) or pale pink shades, giving a sunny accent without being too bold. In leis, Lenalena adds natural highlights that make the whole piece look fuller and more alive — almost like weaving sunshine into a strand.

➡️ In future posts, I’ll also share more about how Momi shells develop their colors over time and why shades like Lenalena appear in so many variations. For now, I can simply say this: every Lenalena shell feels like holding a drop of sunlight from Niʻihau. 

Momi Lenalena ʻĀhiehie (Pale Yellow)

ʻĀhiehie means light or gentle, and this shade is just that — a soft pale yellow. Instead of the deeper golds, these shells carry a delicate pastel glow that sometimes blends with creamy ivory. When you line them up, they almost look like sunlight filtered through clouds — gentle, warm, and subtle.

 

Some may show faint streaks or tiny brown specks, but overall this shade leans toward softness rather than boldness. Side by side with other yellows, ʻĀhiehie shows its beauty in contrast, balancing out the deeper golds and giving jewelry (ジュエリー) a softer glow.

➡️ In future blogs, I’ll be sharing more about how Momi shells gain their colors over time, and whether a shade like this is something the shell is “born with” or something that develops as it grows. It’s a fascinating story, especially for those who love to learn about the details of Niʻihau authentic shells.

Momi Lenalena Maika‘i (Strong Golden Yellow)

Momi Lenalena Maika‘i is the richer, stronger version of the yellow family. These shells stand out immediately with their deeper, honey-like tones that glow against the lighter ʻĀhiehie and standard Lenalena shades. They almost feel like little drops of sunshine hardened into shell form.

 

The patterns can vary — some shells show even golden coverage, while others have warm streaks or darker tips that add depth to the color. When strung into jewelry like earrings, bracelets, or lei (レイ), Maika‘i shells bring richness and brightness that make the entire piece shine.

Among Niʻihau authentic shells, this shade is treasured because of its balance — strong enough to stand out, yet soft enough to blend beautifully with other hues.

Rich Golden Lenalena

This is the shade that makes you stop and stare ✨. Rich golden Lenalena is the most vibrant of the yellow family. Unlike the softer pale hues of ʻĀhiehie or the sunny but gentle tones of standard Lenalena, this color carries a deeper golden richness, almost honey-like.

 

In the light, these shells shimmer with a warmth that feels alive. Some show even golden coverage, while others display darker streaks or caramel-colored tips that make each one unique. Their glossy surface and luster only add to their charm, making them a joy to sort and an absolute highlight when found.

Among Niʻihau authentic shells (ニイハウ シェル), this color is treasured for its strength and beauty — a reminder of just how diverse and stunning Momi shells (モミシェル) can be.

Closing Thoughts on Lenalena

The Lenalena family is full of joy — from pale pastel shades to glowing golden tones. Each color has its own Hawaiian name, and together they show how much depth there is even in “just yellow.”

For me, these shells always remind me of sunlight. They bring warmth and aloha into every creation, whether in delicate earrings, a full lei, or even a simple pendant.

And if you’d like to see how Lenalena shells come together in finished jewelry (ハワイアンジュエリー), I often use small to medium sizes in my earrings to keep them light and dainty. You can also explore my lei, bracelet, or pendant collections to see how these colors shine when paired with other Niʻihau shells. For those who want to try creating their own, I also offer pre-poked shells and kits with instructions.

 

Mahalo for joining me today — I can’t wait to share more colors of Momi shells in the next part of this series. Stay tuned, there’s always something new to learn❤️