Kauai - Hawaii with Kids - page 399

Niihau Shell Lei: The Island's Most Prized Artwork
Because Kauai is so close to Niihau, the “Forbidden Island” just off-
shore, it's the best place in the state to buy the exquisite Niihau shell
lei. There is nothing that can match the craftsmanship and the tiny
shells in this highly sought-after and highly prized jewelry. The shells
are hand-picked from the beach, then sorted according to size and
color; some 80% of the shells are thrown out because they are
chipped, cracked, discolored or otherwise imperfect. The best shells
are the tiny ones, and the best colors (the shells can be white, yellow,
blue, red, or gold) are white or the rare gold. A necklace can take any-
where from hours to years to complete. Each shell is strung with very
small and very intricate knots. Predictably, the leis are not cheap; they
range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on
the length, the shells used, and the intricate work involved.
You can find Niihau shell leis at numerous locations on Kauai. My
two favorite places are Hawaiian Trading Post, Koloa Road and Kau-
malii Highway in Lawai ( & 808/332-7404 ), which carries a range of
items from junky souvenirs to an excellent selection of Niihau leis (you
have to ask them to bring out the “good stuff” from the back); and the
website www.hawaiian.net/~niihauisland/leis1.htm , which is owned
and operated by Niihau residents (so you can buy direct, so to speak).
of Hanalei —anywhere from a dozen to 25 farmers—gather along the main road
with their budget-friendly, just-picked produce. This market is held every Tuesday
at 2pm.
On the south shore, closer to the resorts, in Poipu, with a view across aspara-
gus fields and the chiseled ridges of Haupu Mountain, the Poipu Southshore
Market sells produce, some of it by Haupu Growers, daily from 10am to 6pm
on Koloa Bypass Road. Haupu Growers is the major supplier of Kauai aspara-
gus, and this is where you'll find it. Asparagus season begins in October.
MUSEUM GIFT SHOPS
The gift shop of the Kauai Museum, 4428 Rice St. ( & 808/245-6931 ), is your
best bet for made-on-Kauai arts and crafts, from Niihau shell leis to woodwork,
lauhala and coconut products, and more. The master of lauhala weaving, Esther
Makuaole, weaves regularly in the gallery on Monday and Wednesday from 9am
to 1:30pm.
Up in Kokee State Park, the gift shop of the Kokee Natural History
Museum ( & 808/335-9975 ) is the stop for botanical, geographical, historical,
and nature-related books and gifts, not only on Kauai, but on all the islands.
Audubon bird books, hiking maps, and practically every book on Kauai ever
written line the shelves.
MUSIC
For a variety of music, try Borders, 4305 Nawiliwali Rd., Lihue ( & 808/246-
0862 ). If you are looking for a variety of authentic, traditional Hawaiian music,
check out Paradise Music, 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa ( & 808/826-0245; www.
hawaiianparadisemusic.com), for a terrific selection of contemporary island