Nikunau

Nikunau is a low coral atoll in the Gilbert Islands. It consists of two parts, with the larger in the northwest, joined by an isthmus about 150 metres (490 ft) wide. There are several landlocked hypersaline lagoons within the island, covering about 30 hectares (74 acres). The island is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef. Its vegetation is moderately dense and consists largely of coconut palms and pandanus. Having been politically autonomous until the turn of the 20th century, it was incorporated into the British Colony of the Gilbert and Ellice islands, and in 1979 became part of the Republic of Kiribati. It now forms an island council of the republic. The island's population includes 1,789 I-Nikunau people (at the most recent census). Typically, there are also a few other I-Kiribati on the atoll, working for the Republic Government or the Nikunau Island Council. From time to time the United States Peace Corps and other I-Matang volunteers have been stationed there. Other residents over the years have included castaways and beachcombers in the days of whaling and itinerant trading, Protestant Samoan pastors, traders and agents running the island's trade stores (e.g. Andrew Turner, Tom Day, Frank Even, Kum Kee, Kwong), which were turned into cooperatives in the 1930s, and Roman Catholic clergy. There is also a significant I-Nikunau diaspora, on Tarawa and outside Kiribati. Surfing on Nikunau depends on location, but averages 2 ft to 8 ft in height. The tip of the island, close to the airstrip, is where two tides meet, creating the largest waves, and strong tides and currents.

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