The ocean has long been a source of sustenance, inspiration, and adventure for Kimi Werner. As a young child growing up off the grid in an isolated part of coastal Maui, she floated behind her father as he free-dove for her family's primary food source. Only later as an adult on Oahu did she understand the central role the ocean was to play in her life when she discovered her own passion for free diving.
Kimi has gone on to become the United States National Spearfishing Champion, a certified culinary chef, an award-winning environmentalist, and a sought-after speaker. Her daily life is a pure fusion of her talents, rooted in sustainability and geared towards a healthy future for our global community.
Portrait by Chase Pellerin
Sponsors
Career Highlights
Competition
2008 United States Spearfishing National Champion
2008 USOA Rookie of the Year
2008 First Place, International Pacific Cup
2009 Underwater Society of America, All-American Women’s Team
2009 First Place, Invasive Species Roi Round-Up
2010 Second Place, Invasive Species Roi Round-Up
2011 First Place, 6th Annual Gene Higa Tournament
2012 First Place, International Pacific Cup
2013 First Female and Youngest Person to be Inducted into the Freediving and Spearfishing Hall of Fame
2014 First Place, Alex and Duke Derego Foundation Roi Round-Up
2023 United States National Championships, Invasive Only, First Place, Mixed Team
Environmental Awards
2019 Ho’okele Award, Environmentalist of the Year, Na Kama Kai
2019 Evolve Inertia Honoree
2022 Surfrider Foundation, Waterperson John Kelly Award
Environmental Voyages
2009 The Nature Conservancy, Learning Exchange, Palau
2011 Papahanaumokuakea Research Voyage, NOAA
2016 Sea Change Plastic Pollution Research Voyage with the 5 Gyres, Bahamas to Bermuda
2016-2019 (Four) Arctic Circle Diving Expeditions