(Gould, 1845)
Approximately 3 mm to 5 mm
The
Kahelelani shells occur in an infinite range of colors; at least 20
- 24 color groups
They range from pale, almost white to the dark burgundy shades (kahel
maku'e). The most prized and sought-after shells are red (Kahelelani
ula ula) and hot pink (Kahelelani akala ika ika)
TROCHOIDEA / TROCHIDAE / Leptothyra verruca
Common Name: Wart turbans
Hawaiian Names: Ni'ihau shells: Kahelelani (Kaw-Hey-Lay-Lani); The modern translation is "pathway to heaven" while the traditional Hawaiian translation is "the royal going". An ancient chief of Niihau was named Kahelelani, and there is some debate as to whether the shells were named after the chief.
Kahelelani Colors:
| 'ula'ula: Red (burgundy) maku'e: Brown maku'e pua: Brown flower 'ele'ele: Black 'oma'oma'o: Green 'oma'oma'o ikaika: Strong green 'oma'oma'o pua: Green flower 'akala: Pink 'akala wai: Water pink |
'akala pua: Pink flower 'akala waipapipi: Hot Pink ke'oke'o: White ke'oke'o akala: Pinkish white lenalena: Yellow kamoa: Brown yellow halili: Bright yellow kamoa ili alani: Orange |
May actually be Leptothyra rubicincta the Ruby-belted Turban (Mighels, 1845)
May actually be Leptothyra rubicincta the Ruby-belted Turban (Mighels, 1845)
The Niihau shells are so extremely rare and beautiful, that they are the only shells in the world insurable as gem jewelry.
Collected from beaches on the North Shore of Kauai between 1979 and 1991
Shell reference number: 2-139
