VAHEANA

Twenty-nine-year-old Vaheana is one of the Sand Maru villagers from PukaPuka Island. Vaheana is also one of the only female warriors on the island, also known as Koa. She is especially skilled when armed with a bamboo staff. She has voyaged to several neighboring islands and is an accomplished navigator using stars, wind, and currents. She felt the island was too small, too constricting, and wanted to see the world. She also did not accept there was only one path in life for her. 

 

She is now one of the navigators on the Tawny Mane, incorporating her island knowledge with modern devices like maps, compass, and sextant. Formerly quiet and reserved, she is now coming into her own and finding her voice. The name Vaheana means 'storm' in Maru. Thus, she embraces the worst storms with laughter and screams of joy, much to the dismay of her crewmates.

 

* Coconut sized chip on her shoulder.

* Laughs like a donkey.

* Enjoys sailing at night, eyes closed, at the helm. 

* Always has multiple knives hidden in her skirts.

* Picked up swearing like a second language.