Nikunau
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 30 hectares (74 acres) 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.[citation needed]
HMS Dolphin, under the command of Captain John Byron, sighted Nikunau on 2 July 1765 during the ship's circumnavigation of the globe. Nikunau was named Byron Island in his honour.[citation needed]
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 depends 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.
History
Nikunau Post Office opened around 1912.[1]
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
- ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
- Exhibit: The Alfred Agate Collection: The United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 from the Navy Art Gallery
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Coordinates: 1°21′S 176°27′E / 1.350°S 176.450°E