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Aloha and welcome back everyone❤️ Whether this is your first time joining me or you’ve been following along since Part 1, I’m so happy you’re here.
Kahelelani shells (ニイハウ シェル) are the tiniest shells used in authentic Niʻihau jewelry (ハワイアンジュエリー), and they come in a breathtaking range of natural colors. Today, we’re diving into one of the most loved families of shades — the pinks.
Pink Kahelelani shells come in several variations, each with its own Hawaiian name, personality, and value. Some are soft and delicate, others are lively and glowing, and one is considered the rarest color of them all. Let’s take a closer look together ✨
Pale Soft Pink
This shade is one of the sweetest — a light, almost blush pink that sits gently between Keʻokeʻo (ivory white) and the brighter pinks. Most of the time, these shells are smooth and even, without stripes or bold markings.
They remind me of the glow of early sunrise, the soft blush of a rose petal, or even the gentle bloom of sakura (桜の花). There’s something delicate and fleeting about this shade, just like cherry blossoms — precious because it isn’t something you see every day.
Because these shells rarely appear in large enough numbers to make a full strand, I’d say they are actually quite rare. When you can’t find them often, they naturally become harder to collect and even more special.
In jewelry (ハワイアンジュエリー), Pale Soft Pink brings a tender, romantic balance. I’ve used it as an accent in my pineapple earrings, and the touch of pink makes them glow beautifully. Sometimes I also weave it into my Heliconia style designs, where the bright pink mixes with Momi shells (モミ シェル) to create a stunning flower-like lei.
If you’re new to Kahelelani shells and want to learn more about what they are and why they’re so treasured, you can read my blog post here ✨.
ʻĀkala Pua (Pink Flower)
ʻĀkala means pink, and pua means flower — so this shade naturally carries the cheerful spirit of blossoms. It’s brighter than the pale soft pinks, sometimes with a gentle glow and now and then faint striping.
When I see this shade, I think of plumeria petals after the rain, or hibiscus swaying in the morning light. It’s that flower-pink that feels alive and joyful — the kind of color that makes you smile without realizing it.
In jewelry, this beautiful pink Kahelelani shell (ニイハウ シェル) makes a stunning accent. I’ve used it in Poepoe and Kipona styles, where its floral energy mixes with yellows or whites, creating the look of blossoms tucked into a lei ❤️. Some customers even request full custom leis in this shade — but they know it takes patience, because gathering enough shells in the right size can take me quite a while.
ʻĀkala ʻĀhiehie (Hot Pink)
ʻĀkala ʻĀhiehie is one of those shades you can’t miss — the lively, glowing hot pink that catches your eye right away. ʻĀhiehie means bright or brilliant, and this color truly lives up to its name. Compared to the deeper ʻĀkala Wai Pāpipi, this one feels lighter and more playful, almost like bougainvillea flowers blooming under the sun.
The shells are usually smooth, even-toned, and easy to spot when I’m sorting. Even though it looks cheerful, it’s every bit as rare and valuable as the deeper rose shades. Leis in this color can reach prices as high as Wai Pāpipi, sometimes three times the value of other colors.
In jewelry, ʻĀkala ʻĀhiehie adds sparkle and freshness ✨. Paired with Keʻokeʻo, it creates soft, candy-like pastels. With Lenalena (yellow), it feels vivid and bright. With ʻUlaʻula, it balances the depth with brilliance.
ʻĀkala Wai Pāpipi (Deep Rose Pink)
If ʻĀkala ʻĀhiehie is sunlight on petals, then ʻĀkala Wai Pāpipi is the full bloom of the flower. ʻĀkala means pink, while wai pāpipi describes a deep, juicy richness — and that’s exactly what this shade carries.
These shells glow with a deeper rose-pink tone, smoother and more saturated than lighter shades. They remind me of ripe raspberries, blooming roses, or the vibrant center of a plumeria blossom. This is a color that speaks boldly, standing between the delicate pinks and the dark ʻUlaʻula burgundy.
ʻĀkala Wai Pāpipi is considered the rarest Kahelelani color ✨. The Niʻihau shell book notes that leis in this shade can be valued up to three times more than other colors. From what I’ve seen, some three-strand leis — even just 20 inches — can be priced around $30,000.
In jewelry, Wai Pāpipi is unforgettable. On its own, it feels bold and romantic. With Keʻokeʻo, it softens into glowing pastels. With ʻUlaʻula, it deepens into powerful, elegant combinations.
Closing Thoughts on the Pinks
⚓Together, these pinks show us why the Hawaiian names matter so much. What may seem like “just pink” to some is actually a rainbow of shades — each with its own meaning, rarity, and beauty. These subtle differences are exactly what make Kahelelani shells so fascinating, and what makes Niʻihau shell jewelry (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー) so valuable.
And here’s something important to remember — if you go searching online for finished jewelry in pink or red, you may not find it easily. Even in stores that carry Niʻihau shell jewelry, these colors are very hard to come by, both in the right color and in the right size. That’s part of what makes them so rare and treasured ✨.
For me, pink Kahelelani shells are some of the most joyful to work with. Every shade carries aloha, every shell feels like a gift from the ocean, and together they remind me why this craft is so personal ❤️.
Mahalo, everyone, for taking the time to learn about these pink shades with me. In our next part, we’ll move into another beautiful family of colors — Kāmoa — and explore the creamy, ice-cream yellows that bring so much warmth to Niʻihau shell jewelry. I can’t wait to share more with you soon.
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If you need more information, you can also read my blog Buyer’s Guide or please contact me anytime for further assistance. Janjira