Imagine searching for shells barely larger than a grain of rice on a beach that's as long as a football field. Then think of separating the shells by size, shape and color-red, pink, burgundy, tan, yellow, gold, green and white. Now consider what it's like to clean those tiny, fragile shells; pierce holes in them; and string them into necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

With the utmost patience and care, the women of Ni'ihau have been making such exquisite jewelry for generations. Like the craft their kuumlpuna (elders) taught them, their Island home has changed little over time; it has no electricity or paved roads, and it is populated solely by native Hawaiians who speak in the language of their ancestors.

Those who purchase Ni'ihau shell jewelry at Mana Hawai'i-the Spirit of Hawai'i Nei leave not only with a rare and beautiful memento of the Islands, but with knowledge of the painstaking work that went into making it. They also gain insight into privately owned Ni'ihau-which, being inaccessible to everyone but owners, the residents and their guests-retains an aura of mystery.

Mana Hawai'i's staff doesn't just ring up sales; they are all well versed in local history and culture, and eager to share their mana'o (knowledge, beliefs). A haven of Hawaiiana (from books, art and woodwork to 'ukulele, clothing and hula implements), the shop is a joint venture of four O'ahu businesses-Native Books, Na Mea Hawai'i, Hula Supply Center and The Lomi Shop Va'a.

"We're cultural businesses in a retail setting," explains Maile Lee, owner of The Lomi Shop Va'a. "That says volumes. We're committed not only to things Hawaiian but also to the underlying values and traditions that these mea represent. We're much like an extended 'ohana (family)-sharing responsibilities, working together and being supportive of each other."

In addition to offering products that have been screened for quality and authenticity, the partners have developed free programs that focus on Hawaiian arts, crafts, music, language, dance and spirituality (see sidebar). They take this commitment to share the "real Hawai'i" very seriously.

Germaine Haili teaches the shop's language and hula classes. "Many of those who come are visitors who've had time for only one class and wished they could attend more," she says. "I've also had people who live here or who've stayed for months and will show up weekly to learn. It's very gratifying to share with people who so appreciate what we have to offer."

Maile Meyer, owner of Native Books and Na Mea Hawai'i, notes, "We're doing missionary work in a concrete jungle. We're a portal to the Hawaiian community. We're trying to restore the spirit of Hawai'i in Waikïkï through kind, gentle interaction-the old Hawaiian way."

Customers embrace the opportunities Mana Hawai'i provides for them to connect with the talented kama'äina (longtime residents) who celebrate the Islands' beauty through their work.

"What's key is our ability to share mo'olelo (stories) about the products we carry," says Lee. "Someone once told me that our merchandise may be simple, but our stories are significant."

The seeds for Mana Hawai'i were planted in 1996 when Meyer opened Native Books & Beautiful Things on Merchant Street in downtown Honolulu. That enterprise brought together 18 artists in a collaborative retail space that fast became a must-stop shop for local- and Hawaiian-made wares.

Native Books & Beautiful Things expanded to a larger location at Ward Warehouse in 1998, with ownership shared by 15 of the original 18 artists. Three years later, ownership reverted back to Meyer. She renamed the store Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, maintaining the original vision of providing economic sustainability and retail options for local artists, authors, craftspeople, fashion designers and other creative entrepreneurs.

In addition, Meyer wanted to increase the Hawaiian aspect of the product mix and try a cooperative model again, this time with complementary businesses rather than individual artists. For years, the partners of Mana Hawai'i (Mike and Syl Kop own Hula Supply Center) had each toyed with the idea of starting a venture in Waikïkï. They decided to pool their energy and capital to make it happen.

Their conversations turned serious in early 2005, around the time Outrigger Enterprises Group broke ground on its ambitious Waikïkï Beach Walk project, which has invigorated eight acres in the center of O'ahu's famous resort area.

Two years later, on April 21, 2007, Mana Hawai'i opened as part of Waikïkï Beach Walk's first phase. The name is significant-mana (divine power) not only has spiritual connotations, but also suggests wisdom, knowledge, experience, sensitivity and heart.

"Mana is a gift that comes from the way you live your life," says Meyer. "Your good works and care for others is what increases personal mana; it's the way you are in the world that makes the difference. The products we represent contain the mana, the life force of the maker. We felt having mana in the name of our store would hold us to a higher standard."

The partners view Mana Hawai‘i as much more than a store. “It's a conscious effort to present and perpetuate Hawaiian ways,” says Meyer. “We’re a community resource, connecting people with kanaka maoli (native Hawaiians) in Waikiki. Whether customers live here or are visiting from afar, our goal is to help them experience and appreciate Hawai‘i on a deeper, more meaningful level. We’re the root culture in these islands—we’re planted in this land."