Shell to 29.0 mm in length but usually only half this size, short and biconic, teleoconch of 5.5-7 whorls, protoconch of 3.5-4 smooth, glassy-white embryonic whorls. Sculptured with elevated spiral cords which are bisected by axial grooves into prominent squarish nodules, penultimate whorl with 3-5 rows and body whorl with 10-15 rows of nodules; the sutural row of nodules is smaller than the rest; interspaces of cords with 1-3 extremely fine spiral threads. Aperture longer than the spire, smooth within, outer lip crimped on the edge, columella calloused on the lower half and with 3-5 strong folds, siphonal notch distinct. Creamy-white in color, some specimens with 1-2 brown bands on the body whorl, some individuals with brown bands between nodules, aperture white, edge of outer lip spotted with brown.

This small Neocancilla species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is not at all uncommon in deep water dredgings. The conical shape and large nodules are characteristic of the species.

Range - Hawaiian Islands. In sand and coral rubble, from 7-499 m.