The Ariimoana Crew
At the heart of Ariimoana Walkabouts is a small crew united by passion — a mix of local roots, adopted island dreams, and four eager paws always ready to roam.
Kura, born and raised in Rarotonga, carries the soul of the island: the voice of the land, ancestral legends, and the power of her songs.
Jacopo, a traveler turned islander, brings a curious eye and a deep love for wild plants, the reef, and the stories of nature.
Lauretta, calm and practical, keeps everything running with consistency and care — from bookkeeping to behind-the-scenes magic, always with a quiet smile.
And finally, our inseparable Fab Four — four lively, loyal dogs full of adventure, energy, and a nose for beauty. They join every hike, every sunset, and every new discovery with wagging tails and boundless joy.
We are not just a team — we are a family walking every day between tradition and the present, sharing what we love in the simplest way: step by step, story by story, across the moana and enua of Rarotonga.
Kura
Kura Happ is a singer, eco-tour guide, and environmental activist from Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands. Raised in a family deeply rooted in local culture, she began singing in church choirs as a child and developed a passion for music that led her to become a beloved local performer and songwriter.
Beyond her musical talents, Kura is known for her strong environmental commitment. Together with her partner Jacopo, she founded Ariimoana Walkabouts, an eco-tourism experience that takes visitors on guided walks through Rarotonga’s lush inland trails and across its reef, exploring biodiversity and sharing traditional stories and ancestral knowledge. The project was born from a deep desire to protect the moana (ocean) and enua (land), inspired by teachings passed down through generations in her family.
Kura has also supported sea turtle rehabilitation through the Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre and has sailed aboard the traditional Polynesian canoe Marumaru Atua, learning and sharing ancient open-ocean navigation techniques.
Her dedication to nature and cultural heritage led her to collaborate with Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic, where she serves as a Cultural Specialist. In this role, she has led cultural and environmental excursions for international guests—like during a stop by the National Geographic Orion in Rarotonga, where she guided visitors through local gardens and plantations, sharing legends, sustainable practices, and the living history of her island.
Described by National Geographic as a true “eco-warrior”, Kura is a bridge between tradition and the future, between cultural identity and environmental stewardship. Her mission is clear: to protect what she loves by sharing it with the world—through passion, deep knowledge, and a voice that comes straight from the heart of Polynesia.
Jacopo
Jacopo Dozzo, originally from Italy, has taken a unique path that led him to settle in Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands. His story is a great example of how determination and openness to change can turn a dream into reality.
He grew up between the Niguarda district in Milan and Pezzolo, a small mountain village in the Bergamo valleys. Always curious and adventurous, in 2012 Jacopo moved to New Zealand to study tourism. During that time, he visited the Cook Islands for the first time and was immediately captivated by the natural beauty and local culture. After completing his studies, he returned to Rarotonga with a one-way ticket, ready to build a new life there.
In his early years on the island, Jacopo worked for Turama Pacific Travel Group, one of the main tourism operators in the Cook Islands. This role gave him close insight into the local tourism industry and hands-on experience with the Pacific’s natural environment. It was during this period that his passion for marine biology and the study of tropical vegetation truly blossomed, fueled by a deep desire to understand and protect the environment around him.
Over time, this passion grew into a concrete project: together with his partner Kura, Jacopo founded Ariimoana Walkabouts, an eco-tourism venture offering guided tours through Rarotonga’s pristine nature. Their tours take visitors along forest trails, hidden gardens, and coral reefs, blending cultural storytelling with scientific observation for a truly unique experience.
Today, Jacopo is an active member of the local community, proudly serving as a volunteer firefighter, a role he cherishes deeply. Through his blog, Jacopo’s Island Way, he shares personal reflections, travel stories, and cultural insights, giving readers an authentic and passionate glimpse into life on this remote corner of the world.
Laura
Laura Brovelli, originally from Milan, is in charge of the bazar and accounting at Ariimoana Walkabouts. Before moving to Rarotonga, she spent many years working as an accountant in the music industry, fully immersed in the fast-paced rhythm of city life.
After a long career among offices, concerts, and deadlines, she felt the need for a deep change. Drawn by the idea of a slower, more meaningful lifestyle and a stronger connection with nature, she made the decision to relocate to the Cook Islands, joining her son Jacopo.
In Rarotonga, Laura found a new rhythm — simpler, yet richer in purpose. At Ariimoana’s small shop, she welcomes visitors and ensures smooth day-to-day operations: managing inventory, handling logistics, and keeping the financial side of the business well-organized.
With her professional background, sense of growth, and steady consistency, Laura plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and direction of Ariimoana. Her presence brings balance and focus to a project that blends nature, culture, and exploration..
The Fab Four
MAHI
Mahi, queen of the reef, is the true leader of Ariimoana Walkabouts. With her free spirit and contagious energy, she leads every excursion by land and sea, always at the front of the group. She knows every trail, every rock, and every scent of the island — following her means connecting with nature in its purest form.
TAMA
Tama, the deputy leader, may be grumpy and a bit aloof, but she’s always watchful and deeply caring toward the crew. With a sharp eye and quiet steps, she keeps everything under control, ready to step in when needed. Together with Mahi, she forms an incredible fishing duo — in sync, stealthy, and perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the island.
MICHE’
Michele, known as Michè, is the dreamer of the group — the goofiest and most light-hearted, always with his head in the clouds and a heart full of joy. He’s a tireless chatterbox — or at least he tries to be! — with funny sounds and expressive looks that seem to tell a thousand stories. Throw him a stick and be ready to keep going — for him, every game is a celebration. That’s Michè: a big-hearted companion whose contagious joy makes every adventure even more special.
VINCE’
Vincenzo, called Vincè, is the newest member… and also the last to arrive. With his short little legs and little interest in walking, he’s not a fan of trails or reef explorations. So, with great dignity, he has self-appointed himself the official defender and guardian of the Ariimoana minivan. If you’re looking for him, you’ll surely find him sleeping soundly underneath, ready to protect his domain with one eye open and one closed.
Ariimoana Walkabouts 