Pastor Lavinia “Nia” Taukolo

Lavinia “Nia” Taukolo was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i.  But life took her to different parts of the islands, mainly on Oahu, but also the Big Island on the Hilo side where her father also served as Associate Pastor at Hilo UMC.  Her journey also took her and her family to Waianae, then Kahuku—each place shaping her story in unique ways. 

Nia is the second of five children and the only girl among her four brothers.  She’s also a proud aunty to five—3 nephews and 2 nieces.  Family has always been central in her life.  Growing up, she was surrounded by her parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles who lived together under one roof until moving to the Big Island.  Those early years instilled in her the values of faith, community, and love.

Much of Nia’s childhood was spent in Hilo.  Her adolescence, however, unfolded in Waianae, where her Christian formation deepened. It was during those years that her love for God, her community, and service to others grew stronger.

Nia went on to earn her degree in Social Work from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.  It was in her last year at university, did she realize a call on her life to ministry.  This call pushed her to pursue theological studies at Claremont School of Theology, where she earned her Master of Divinity (M.Div).  Both her academic and spiritual journeys have been rooted in a desire to serve and uplift others.

Professionally, Nia worked with a nonprofit organization, serving “at-risk” youth and families. This experience gave her valuable lessons in resilience, compassion, and the importance of safe spaces.  She remains deeply grateful for the ways this work shaped her understanding of people and communities.

Today, Nia serves as pastor at Kahalu’u UMC, her first appointment.  She is thankful the ways God has guided her path and is excited for how God will continue to use her to bring hope, healing, and love to the community.