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.
Ariimoana Walkabouts 