Nikunau

Nikunau Atoll

Main articles: Kiribati and Gilbert Islands

Nikunau is a low coral island located in the Gilbert Islands and forms a council district of the Republic of Kiribati. The island consists of two parts (the larger one in the northwest) which are joined by an isthmus about 150 m wide.

There are several landlocked, hypersaline lagoons located within the island, measuring about 0.3 km² in area. The island is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef. Vegetation on Nikunau is moderately dense and consists largely of coconut palms and pandanus.

The island was visited by John Byron in his vessel Dolphin on 2nd July 1765, and was named Byron Island in his honor.

The population of the island averages about 3,000 I-Kiribati people. Typically, there are also two United States Peace Corps volunteers stationed here.

Surf on Nikunau ranges depending on location, but averages 2 ft to 8 ft in height. The tip of Nikunau, located near the airstrip, has the largest waves on the island. This is the point where two tides meet, clashing one wave with another, thus creating strong tides, waves, and currents.

Transportation

Air

Nikunau Airport is served by Air Kiribati from Beru Island Airport on Beru Island (from which the same airline flies to Tabiteuea North Airport, Tabiteuea, and from there, next to Beru, to Arorae (with the way back via Tamana), Nonouti, Tabiteuea South, Tamana (way there via Arorae) and Bonriki International Airport, Tarawa) on Mondays.

References

• Exhibit: The Alfred Agate Collection: The United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 from the Navy Art Gallery