Pupu Shells

Hawaii Island Lei Material: Ni'hau

PupushellsNihauIslandLei.jpg

Pupu shell necklace

Hawaiian pupu shell necklace; photo by catheroo (cat edens) on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / share alike).

Official Island Lei Material of Ni'hau

The Hawaiian island of Ni'hau recognizes pupu (tiny seashells) as the official island lei material (also called pä pä, kahelelani, momi, and laiki). All Hawaii Symbols

Official Island Flowers or Lei Material

In addition to Hawaii's state flower, each Hawaiian island designates an official island color and an official flower or lei material: Hawaii  -  red pua lehua ('ohi'a blossom); Maui - lokelani (pink Damask rose); O'ahu - pua 'ilima; Kaua'i - mokihana berry; Moloka'i) - Pua Kukui (blossom of candlenut tree); Lāna'i) - kauna'oa (native dodder); Ni'hau) - pupu (tiny seashells); and Kaho'olawe - hinahina (native beach heliotrope).

Hawaii

Images

Hula dancer's hands with pupu shell necklace; photo by tanakawho on Flickr (use permitted with attribution).

Hula dancer with pupu shell necklace

Islands of Hawaii; public domain image.

Islands of Hawaii

Videos

Hawaii Artists - Niihau Shell Lei Making Pt 1