Waikiki beach. The EASIEST
Waikiki, Hawaii, Seashells on Waikiki Beach WAIKIKI SEASHELLS © 1997 Rico Leffanta Seashells can be found in abundance on most tropical islands, but Hawaiian seashells are scarce in comparison. Waikiki sees thousands of snorkelers and scuba divers every day, each one looking for that souvenir seashell, resulting in thousands of people going back to their hotel room every night without have seen one single seashell. Of course, there are laws to protect endangered species, but every tourist seems to think, "What harm can come from my taking home one little seashell?" The simple answer is one little seashell can hold 1,000 eggs to perpetuate the species so, when someone takes that living shell, they are taking 1,000 other shells with it! At this rate, it doesn't take very many tourists very long before "common" seashells such as the Knobby Triton (pupu'olekiwi - Cymatium muricinum Roeding ) above are classified "uncommon", then "rare", "Endangered" and most finally, "extinct". Even when the shell is empty, hermit crabs should have first choice on vacated shells! Native Hawaiians (and local parents) need a Triton's Trumpet (Pu or Ole - Charonia tritonis Linaeus ) to herald their ceremonies (or call the kids home for supper - the ole sound can be heard two miles away!), cowries to lure the octopus home for dinner, and Hawaiians use many other shells for fish hooks, musical instruments and jewellery - especially for leis! The tiny turbinid and columbellid shell leis from "The Forbidden Island" (Ni'ihau) currently sell for hundreds of dollars. Shells like the Hawaiian Limpet (made famous by Frank De Lima's song, "Please don't eat me") ("Opihi- Patella sandwichensis Pease ) are polished and sold as coin purses in Waikiki's International Marketplace. You can see the difference between its natural ridged surface in the photo and after it has been polished. This one was polished by Mother Nature. Almost every day, people are surprised when I walk behind them and find a seashell they didn't see. It isn't that my eyesight is any better than their eyesight, it is simply that I know what I am looking for, and they do not. These photos show what to look for on Waikiki beach. The EASIEST way to find a seashell in Waikiki is to walk in the surf when the tide is coming in. Empty shells - even drilled empty shells - tend to collect and hold air, which gives them a lift on the current, which eventually brings them to shore. All of the shells in these photos were obtained by walking along Waikiki beach and watching them roll in with the tide. When the waves are high and the current strong, shells can roll in from deep and far, carrying shells one seldom sees in Waikiki, such as the rare and exceptionally beautiful Fragile Violet Snail (Pupupani - lanthina fragilis Lamarck ) (not pictured). My personal favourite is the Swollen Bubble ( Hydatina amplustre Linnaeus ). Its contrasting pink and black shell makes quite elegant earrings for blue-eyed blondes. I saw one of these shells, smaller than the one shown, on sale at Ala Moana in October, 2000, for $49.95!!! Only a few years ago, the retail price for a Swollen Bubble was only $5.95! Adam's Bubble ( Bulla adamsi Menke ) is quite common in Waikiki; in fact, the Hawaiian Hilton Lagoon has quite a population in excess of 5 cms. The Paper Bubble ( Hydatina physis Linnaeus ) is quite uncommon, and I have only found one Lined Bubble ( Bullina lineata Gray ) on Waikiki Beach, and that was five years ago. The first Polished Nerite (Kupe'e - Nerita polita Linnaeus ) taken to Britain was sold at auction in 1806 for nine guineas; yet most tourist never notice the shell unless they see its orifice. The most frequently seen shells on Waikiki Beach are of the Cowrie family, especially the Humpback (used by Hawaiians as an octopus lure) Snakehead, Money, and although classified "Uncommon", the Granulated Cowrie. Even broken Cowrie shells are used as jewellery because the Cowrie orifice is the only seashell that smiles at you (or frowns - when you see it upside down)! Cone shells are disappearing at an alarming rate. There are only three still commonly found on Waikiki Beach, the Hebrew Cone ( Conus ebraeus Linnaeus ), the Spiteful Cone ( Conus lividus Hwass ) and the Golden Yellow Cone ( Conus flavidus Lamarck ). Only a few years ago, the deadly Conus Textile Linnaeus (not shown) was fairly common, but its painful/deadly sting apparently did not protect it from determined collectors. Augers, Miters, Murexes and Spindles are seldom seen anymore. The popular Chinese Horn ( Cerithium sinense Gmelin ) occasionally rolls up as an hermit crab's mobile home, and spotted Strombs ( Stombus maculatus Sowerby ) in a variety of colours still hit the beach, as do the Knobbed and Mulberry Drupes. Two years ago, the Ribbed Turbin ( Purpura aperta Blainville ) was the most common seashell found at the Hawaiian Hilton beach front; today it is rarely seen, but Arca family shells can still be found on the beach fronting Harbour Road parking lot during the winter months. The sun-bleached Spiny Helmet ( Casmaria erinaceus Linnaeus ) in the photo is rarely seen in Waikiki, yet was passed over by countless tourist walking over the coral rubble in front of the Hale Koa Hotel. I was surprised to find it in one piece, and because the shell was not drilled by a predator, it is a perfect home for an Hermit Crab, which really doesn't carry about exterior decoration providing the roof doesn't leak! This leaves the most collectible shell found at Waikiki (but seldom by tourist): the Tritons. Tritons, including Triton's Trumpet, are usually found at 2 1/2-7 cms., but calcium deposits usually whitewash their colours so, when the shells dry out under the sun, they become as white as the coral rubble which surrounds them, thus escaping easy detection. For reasons unbeknownst to me, Tritons in Waikiki deviate from normal colours, so it is well worth anyone's while to pick up a Triton shell and dip it in the ocean to ascertain its true colours! n.b. the background leaf in the photos is from the Breadfruit tree, (still Cooking after all these years) and crab mummies are quite collectible! What do I do with the shells I find? This morning (10.IX.00) was extraordinary because I found this flea cone (Conus Pulicarius Hwass) intact; a "common" shell, but uncommonly found unoccupied intact! The Triton is an exquisite variation of the Hairy Triton v (Cymatium Pileare Linnaeus) . The 2 cm. cowrie has a lovely honey glow to it, but I have been unable to identify it from my books.So, interesting shells are given to the Waikiki Aquarium to enable docents to "talk story" with visitors, and "show and tell". Intact shells suitable for hermit crab homes are taken back out to the reef where crabs needing larger homes can find them. The remaining shells are either distributed along Waikiki Beach where children (" keiki ") can find them (but I usually carry a few with me for children who can't find a shell). This is by far the most rewarding experience! This morning I saw a little girl looking for shells so I dropped a damaged humback cowrie shell where she could find it. As soon as she spotted it, she shouted to her sisters, "Come and see what I found!" The elder sister came over, took one look and said, "That's just an old rock!" The sister in the middle apparently didn't care whether it was a rock or a shell because she said, "Can I have it, please?" The middle sister then picked it up, confirmed it was indeed a shell, and off they went to show their treasure to mom! What a pity more children can't share that experience! Moana Valentine This is the especially rare and beautiful Bullina lineata Gray "Lined Bubble" delivered up in perfect condition by a stormy sea on February 14, 2001. This is only the second "Lined Bubble" I've seen on the beach, not only because it is "rare", but also because the shell usually retails between $200-$300, although it is so small (less than one-half inch) that 99.9% of the population can walk by it (or on it) without seeing it. Moral: never judge the value of a shell/person/thing by its size! YES! It CAN happen on Waikiki Beach! On July 23, 2002, Gunnel Grubb, Rektor of Scandanavia's oldest operating school (Katedralskolan, established in 1085) was diving along the reef fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel (Duke Kahanamoku Beach) and discovered this beautiful (and vacant !) black-lipped conch shell! You could be next! TO SEE CLICK Return to front page HOME Sharks in Hawaii SHARKS The Hawaiian Islands: Islands Hawaiian Volcanoes Volcanoes Hawaiian gods and goddesses Dieties The Hawaiian Lei Lei The Hawaiian Monarchy Ali'i Defining Aloha Aloha Hawaiian pearls and gold. Mana Waimea Valley, Oahu, Hawai'i WAIMEA Other Rico Leffanta web sites MORE * * * * * * * * The Seashells that smile at you are Cowries ("Leho") One beachcomber's hazard is the Portugese Man of War. This photo shows the Man of War's long stinger leading to the lovely blue bubble head children and adults like to pick up. It only takes once to learn this painful lesson! Hawaiian Quilt Collection -Quilting Hawaiian in the Yahoo! Directory Search: the Web | the Directory | this category Quilting > Hawaiian Email this page Suggest a Site Advanced Search Directory > Business and Economy > Shopping and Services > Arts and Crafts > Crafts > Quilting > Hawaiian SPONSOR LISTINGS ( What's this? ) Sponsor Your Site - want to enhance your commercial listing? Click here to learn how. SITE LISTINGS By Popularity | Alphabetical ( What's This? ) Sites 1 - 10 of 10 Hawaiian Quilt Collection - Historical or contemporary Hawaiian designed quilts or kits. Pacific Rim Quilt Company - Specializing in Hawaiian quilts and applique. Offers classes, patterns, and a quilt gallery. Quilt Hawaiian - Offers Hawaiian quilt patterns, kits and notions to hand applique or machine piece. For beginners and experienced quilters. Poakalani & Co. - Traditions, history, and culture of Hawaiian quilting. Hawaiian Style Quilts - Handmade quilts with a Hawaiian motif. Photographs of many designs and custom orders available as well. Aloha Quilts - Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian quilt kits, books, and more. Kenui Quilts - specializing in handmade Hawaiian quilts, wall hangings, and accessories. Hawaii's Keepsakes - specializes in fine hand-sewn bedspreads, wall hangings, and pillow covers using traditional applique patterns inspired by Hawaii's flora and fauna. Moana Gifts - offering a large selection of Hawaiian quilts, handmade by skilled artisans. Also features quilted baby blankets, wall hangings, and other Hawaiian gifts. Island Quilts - handmade quilts, wall hangings, kits, and other Hawaiian and quilted items at wholesale prices. Hawaiian BarbecueHawaiian Grilling - From Local Food to Luau, Barbecue & Grilling in Hawaii is unique You are here: About > Food & Drink > Barbecues & Grilling > Meals and Menus > Regional and Ethnic Cooking > Hawaiian Grilling - From Local Food to Luau, Barbecue & Grilling in Hawaii is unique Find Recipes Advanced - Browse - Main Food & Drink Barbecues & Grilling Essentials Recipe Archives Best Grills Barbecue & Grilling Recipe of the Week Best Smokers BBQ & Grilling FAQ Topics Beef Fish and Seafood Fruit and Vegetables Grilling Help Grills Lamb Meals and Menus More Recipes Organizations Pork Poultry Sauces & Marinades Smokers Smoking Help Spices & Seasonings Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Best Gas Grills Best Charcoal Grills Top Ten Portable Grills Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Barbecues & Grilling newsletter! See Online Courses Search Barbecues & Grilling Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Recipes Grilled Citrus Tuna Kalua Pig Shrimp on Sugar Cane Skewers Suggested Reading Shrimp Grilling Fish in Leaves All About Hawaii Most Popular Gas Grills between $500 and... Buy a Gas Grill Gas Grills under $500.00 Rotisserie Chicken Building a BBQ What's Hot Perfect Flame 4-Burner Igloo 48,000-BTU 4-Burner New York Strip, Peppers, Onion Benihana Hibachi Steak Char-Broil 65,200 BTU 5-Burner Related Topics Southern U.S. Cuisine Home Cooking Camping Freshwater Fishing Hunting / Shooting Hawaiian Grilling From Derrick Riches , Your Guide to Barbecues & Grilling . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! From Local Food to Luau Let's take a look at barbecue and grilling in Hawaii. Now before you turn away, thinking that Hawaii isn't exactly known for barbecue let me point out a few things. First, Hawaii is home to the largest privately owned cattle ranch in America. Second, Hawaii is surrounded by a wide diversity of seafood. Third, Luau. When the first Polynesians arrived in the Hawaiian Islands, they found nothing to eat. The Islands themselves, being very new geologically and very isolated had little in the way of indigenous life. The Polynesians brought with them, pigs, dogs, chickens, taro and sweet potatoes. These plus whatever seafood they could catch became the staple of life. After James Cook arrived in Hawaii, a steady stream of newcomers started arriving, bringing with them plants and animals from their native lands. Chief among these were missionaries from New England who brought cows, horses, sheep, and goats as well as a wide variety of new plants. This introduction of new foods and traditions changed the Hawaiian diet greatly. As American business began to move in and develop large plantations, new cash crops, like sugar cane and pineapples were introduced. To man the plantations, immigrants were brought to Hawaii as laborers from places like China, Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Each new wave in immigrants brought a new cooking tradition with them. What developed from all this is known as "Local Food". Local Food is an East-West Pacific mix created in the 1920s and 30s by lunch wagon cooks and small stores and restaurants. Typical Local Food meals are lunch plates which consist of rice and meat covered in gravy, a raw fish dish called Poke served with either salt and seaweed or chili peppers, sesame oil or soy sauce. Also popular is Teriyaki, which is used to prepare all kinds of meat. As you can see, Hawaiian food is a unique cuisine created from a much diversified background. It is common to see restaurants that serve American, Chinese, Korean and Local Food. And next door you'll find a place that serves Barbeque. A particular favorite in the Islands is grilled fish. What kind of fish you ask? How about, Aku, Ahi and Albacore (Tuna); Marlins; Opakapaka, Kalekale, Onaga, Uku and Taape (Snappers); Hapuu (Grouper); Ulua, Akule and Opelu (Jacks); Ono; Squid and Octopus; as well as all the shellfish like Opihi, Wana (Sea Urchins), Black Crab, Lobsters, Shrimp and Prawns.Now, about that Luau. Despite what Trader Vic or Don Ho might lead you to believe that Luau is a very rare festival in Hawaii. The sheer cost and effort of purchasing a pig, storing it until cooking time, preparing the Imu (traditional Luau cooking pit), preparing the loads of raw fish and additional dishes, is quite the undertaking, so several recipe variations have popped up to those of the formal Luau. In recent years a new tradition of cooking has evolved. Called Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, chefs have begun to put away the Spam (Hawaii is the largest per capita consumer of Spam) and have started to develop a new flavor. Mixing the cooking traditions of the Orient with that of the United States and using local products. What you get are a lot of seafood dishes (grilled of course) mixed with oriental style sauces, made from things like fresh guava, taro, mango, etc. From the looks of things I think Hawaii will start exporting many new dishes back to the mainland. Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. 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Big Island Select another destination: Hawaii - Big Island - Kauai - Lanai - Maui - Oahu Caribbean Domestic U.S. South Pacific viewing listing 5 of 5 Happy Vacations Phone: 800-877-5262 Since 1969, Happy Vacations has been helping people plan their tropical vacations. Our starting point was Hawai'i, and since then we've continued to add destinations, which now include most of the islands of the Caribbean, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Tahiti and Her Islands and now Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It is our honor to be recognized as United Airlines #1 Travel Company to Hawai'i. Our mission is to simply provide every customer with a happy vacation. We hope you use our Hawai'i, Caribbean, Fiji and Tahiti Collections as your ultimate guides to plan your dream vacation, and that you will trust us to provide it for you. 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A few couples came in matching shirts, a few shirts matchedunintentionally, and one couple recently returned from Hawaii and had to buy outifits forthis occasion. This year's photo selection consists largely of matching shirtsand polka pals. Althea & Al Schuettpelz Alvin & Joyce Frost Carnetta & Don Vonder Haar Claire Andracsek & Fran Janik Irene & Gene Lawrence Wenzel & Freda Bradley Joyce Hoff & Emily Greulich Linda Schreier & Chris McKenna Lorraine Piascki & Lorene Gebler Stan & Dorothy Myrda Trude & Heinz Maurer Vern & Sylvia Heye Don't think about using a bicycle for exercise- just attend a polka dance - it's fun and aerobic! Lorene & Al Gebler, Margaret & Wayne Heinemeyer, Ralph & Joann Oelke, Helen Radamacher Carol Taake , Louise & Norman Kreitner, Frances Gajewski, Kathy & Sid Barone, Bob Galik & Theresa Jordan Frances Choat, Gene & Florence Telle, Paul & Dorothy Bierman Ron Andracsek, Joe Kuc, Manuel Lopez, Gerry Lopez, Jack Fedak, Chester Kopec, Marcie Kuc, Joann Fedak, Lil Kopec Lambert & Delores Krzyzanowski, Maxine & Al Czerniejewski, John Schuster, Larry Hallar Maryann& Leonard Frost, Thomas Sienkowski, Shirley & Frank Langenhorst, Mike Wisneski, Marcella & Charlie Jurkowski, Morris Keller Norman Kreitner, Lorraine Sisson, Wes Kaetzel Last modified 01/09/05 Back to St. Louis MetroPolka Home Page |
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