Hometown
Born in Washington State, raised on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi
Voyage(s)
Moananuiākea Voyage – Leg 4: Ketchikan to Prince Rupert, Moananuiākea Voyage – Leg 7: Tacoma to San Francisco, North Pacific Gyre
Bio
Nikki remembers it was October 2009 when she first sailed on a waʻa kaulua and it was on Hōkūleʻa in Mamala Bay. To Nikki, who is a boat captain, there is no other like Hōkūleʻa. Hōkūleʻa means “peace, hope, unity, and responsibility.”
When asked what she would like to see accomplished by voyaging she says “continued leadership succession, maintaining and strengthening the cultural connection of our island ʻohana spread across Moananuiākea.” On this voyage Nikki sees the opportunity “to do my part in ensuring the perpetuation of our voyaging tradition for future generations.” And she looks forward to “the adventures to see new places and to meet new friends."
When she is at sea, Nikki says she misses her ʻohana, “including my 4-legged companions, and ice cream.” Yet when she is back in the comforts of home there is much that she misses about voyaging: “Being able to tune out the stress and realities of modern life back on land, and to deepen my connection with the natural world. Also the camaraderie that comes with sailing with people who share a common sense of purpose, mission, vision and values.”
When asked what she would like to see accomplished by voyaging she says “continued leadership succession, maintaining and strengthening the cultural connection of our island ʻohana spread across Moananuiākea.” On this voyage Nikki sees the opportunity “to do my part in ensuring the perpetuation of our voyaging tradition for future generations.” And she looks forward to “the adventures to see new places and to meet new friends."
When she is at sea, Nikki says she misses her ʻohana, “including my 4-legged companions, and ice cream.” Yet when she is back in the comforts of home there is much that she misses about voyaging: “Being able to tune out the stress and realities of modern life back on land, and to deepen my connection with the natural world. Also the camaraderie that comes with sailing with people who share a common sense of purpose, mission, vision and values.”