Haunani Kane is a scientist, surfer, and voyager from Kailua, Oʻahu. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and one of the lead researchers at the MEGA Lab a non profit that provides science and technology to communities who need it the most.

Haunani’s life is guided by the values and storied history of her kūpuna (ancestors). Her research combines classically trained skills in coastal geology 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. As a voyager and climate scientist, Haunani hopes she can equip the next generation 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.