Biography
Dr Haunani Hiʻilani Kane is a scientist, surfer, and voyager from Kailua, Oʻahu. An Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi, Haunani’s life is guided by the values and storied history of her kūpuna (ancestors). Haunani's research combines coastal geomorphology, paleo environmental reconstructions, spatial analysis, and the perspectives of a native islander to investigate how islands, reefs, and island people are impacted by changes in climate.
Haunani has been mentored since her youth in traditional Hawaiian wayfinding and navigation by the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Haunani has spent nearly 200 days at sea aboard both sailing and modern research vessels. As a voyager and climate scientist, Haunani's research and teaching rely upon reestablishing ancestral relationships to place. She hopes that through this process she may provide a more inclusive understanding of the impacts of environmental stressors and ensure that the best available climate science data is reflective of all stories of place and their people. Haunani is currently working with her students and colleagues at the MEGA Lab to better understand how islands in Papahānaumokuākea respond to rising sea levels and storms.
