Sometimes its the small things in life....

On our first visit to 'Anini beach we notice about half a dozen people hunched over intently picking through the sand...they all look like they lost a contact lens. Very weird.

After we park our stuff in the rocky sand and the kids jump into the surf my curiosity has gotten the best of me and I go over and ask one of the well tanned and dreadlocked individuals what they are looking for. What I have found most enjoyable about Hawaii, so far, is that everyone is so pleasant....and this guy was no exception. He patiently explained to me that they were all looking for this small shell they call the 'Anini shell.....it is only found in the Hawaiian islands, specifically the north most island Ni' ihau and here in Kauai when during the winter months the rough seas blow them onto this beach.

Now the really interesting thing about this is that the island of Ni' ihau is owned by a single non-Hawaiian family and they do not allow visitors. The island is inhabited by native Hawaiians, about 200 people, but to date not open for shell prospectors. SO if you want 'Anini shells you have to be here on this beach and now during this small window of time. The shells are quite valuable and people sit and collect them to resell...as the man explained to me "It is like picking nickels off the beach...well more like 3 cents. " Which is what the local shell shop will pay.