One of the Questions I Get Asked the Most:

From Our Last Blog… In Blog 7, Part 2, I shared how shelling can be seasonal — how the ocean, tides, and waves decide what treasures you might find. That natural rhythm is part of what makes shelling so exciting, because no two days on the beach are ever the same.

Before we dive into our next topic — just how tiny and precious Kahelelani shells (カヘレラニ シェル) really are — I want to pause and answer one of the questions I get asked the most:

“Where do you get your Niʻihau shells (ニイハウ シェル)?”

A Simple Answer with Respect and Trust

When I first started learning how to create Hawaiian shell jewelry (ハワイアン シェル ジュエリー), I did collect my own shells — especially Kahelelani shells (カヘレラニ シェル). As I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, I lived on Kauaʻi for half of my life. During those years, I often spent my days walking along the beach, searching the shoreline for tiny treasures.

But Niʻihau… that’s a different story.

Niʻihau is a private, protected island — often referred to as the “Forbidden Island.” It’s not open to the public, and most people cannot access its shores, especially for collecting shells. So, how did I end up with Niʻihau shells?

The truth is simple: through trust and aloha❤️

Over time, I met a few kind and generous people who have access to Niʻihau shells. They saw my work, felt the love and care I put into each piece, and appreciated the respect I have for Hawaiian traditions. From there, friendships grew — and they began helping me source these special shells. We continue to support each other to this day.

I never take these relationships for granted. I always keep their privacy protected, because they’re more than just suppliers — they’re friends. Friends who believe in what I do and who have helped make this dream possible.

Respecting the Shell, Respecting the Island

When shells come from other islands — such as Kauaʻi (カウアイ島 貝殻) — I make sure they’re honored for exactly where they came from. I would never advertise something as Niʻihau if it isn’t. That’s not just business to me — it’s about integrity.

Each shell deserves to be respected for its origin and beauty.

And what I can promise is that every shell I use has been carefully and responsibly sourced. Each one carries with it the spirit of the island it came from and the love I bring into my work.

Never Stopping — Always Learning

I’ve made mistakes along the way — lots of them. But each mistake became a lesson. Each broken shell became a reminder to slow down and try again.

I’m still learning. Every day.

❤️I may not be the best, but I put my whole heart and aloha into every piece I create. Every shell, every design — it all comes from a place of gratitude and love.❤️

Mahalo for Being Part of This Journey

Thank you for supporting my work and for appreciating the care behind every piece. Your kind messages, your trust, your shared love for this art — it means everything. Together, we help keep the tradition and magic of Niʻihau shell jewelry (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー) alive.

To support and help keep Hawaiian art (ハワイ アート) alive, there are many ways to do so. Selling a finished piece of jewelry takes time — it’s not something you can simply put out and expect to sell right away. Each piece of Hawaiian shell jewelry or Niʻihau shell jewelry will find its perfect home when the time is right.

✨Sometimes, selling loose shells to other artists who share a love for Niʻihau shells (ニイハウ 貝殻) may not be the first idea that comes to mind, but it can be a beautiful way to help. It allows others to create their own art, while also helping families put food on the table and purchase the supplies they need.

In any relationship — and especially in business — it takes two happy parties to truly succeed. In this way, we’re not just doing business; we’re supporting and uplifting one another in so many meaningful ways.

➡️ Up Next… In Blog 9, we’ll take a closer look at how tiny and precious Kahelelani shells (カヘレラニ シェル) really are — and why their small size is one of the reasons Niʻihau shell jewelry (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー) is so rare and extraordinary.

With aloha,
Janjira