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How to Collect Shells From Hawaii Beaches

Pilfering natural souvenirs like shells from Hawaii beaches could land tourists in jail or facing fines, according to Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources. The ocean washes unusual shells, rocks and other relics onto the beaches, tempting travelers to take home a little island beauty. Hawaiian conservation advocates, however, prefer that visitors to Hawaii embrace the "look but don't touch" approach. According to the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (HDAR), a standing prohibition denies the removal of any natural artifacts from the public beaches of Hawaii, which are considered conservation districts. The HDAR also admonishes people not to pick up or touch any shells; anything disturbed must be returned to its original place, according to HDAR rules.

The rules were not created to put a damper on the fun of gathering mementos. Instead, the rules exist to preserve the environment and the animals that live inside the shells. Nevertheless, special permits allow for tourists to walk away from a Hawaii Beach with a shell collection.

Things You'll Need

Permit application
Printer
Fax
Plastic storage container
Shovel
Scuba-diving gear (optional)

Instructions

Applying for a Special Permit
- 1
  
  Crevices in Hawaiian shells provide shelter to tiny creatures.
  
  Call the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources at 808-243-5294 to request a special activity permit or download a .pdf version at the HDAR website (see "Resources" section). Special activity permits grant permission to those who want to remove a regulated item, such as shells, from a Hawaii beach for education or research.
- 2
  List your name and residential address at the top of the permit application in the space provided. Skip the section marked "Organization" unless you are part of an organized group visiting the island state. Students and researchers visiting in a large group must list on the permit the name of every person who may touch or take a shell.
- 3
  Check the boxes marked "Take," "Possess," and "Transport" under question #1 to identify the specific authorizations you desire. Mark the box "Out Of State" if you plan to take the shells to a location outside Hawaii.
- 4
  Detail how you plan to use the shells in the section of the permit marked "Activity." Typical uses include teaching a class, completing a science project, doing research or using shells for a socially conscious or community purpose. Be thorough in your description; highlight the value and importance of your plans. Science teachers, members of a marine club and biology students can make strong cases for why they should receive special exemption from the ban on collecting shells.
- 5
  Designate from which Hawaiian island the shells will be taken. The most typical choices include Maui, Kauai and Oahu. Avoid selecting Niihau, a private island, which requires the owner's permission to visit unless you are a member of the military. Only friends of the owners, military personnel and elected officials receive permission to visit Niihau and take its shells.
- 6
  Sign the permit, if the HDAR issues one, and immediately mail it back so it will be active when you arrive in Hawaii. Keep a copy of the signed permit for yourself.
Collection Strategies
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  Search the shores of the beach for shells by scanning or lightly raking the sand with a shovel. Select shells that do not house live creatures.
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  Scavenge in remote areas of the beach; they get less traffic from tourists, who often trample and break shells.
- 9
  Study the natural debris washed up by the tides. Eclectic shells are often found this way.
- 10
  Suit up in scuba gear to hunt for underwater shells. A wider variety of shells can be located on the ocean floor.
- 11
  Put your collected shells in a plastic container. Add padding or water to keep the delicate shells from breaking.

Sea Shell Collecting