Sinamoni Valikoula is a proud daughter of the Kingdom of Tonga with roots in the villages of Navutoka, Kolonga, Nukunuku, and Kolofoʻou villages on the island of Tongatapu. Sinamoni and her husband have two young children who love to build things, sing and dance, and travel everywhere with their parents. She is an alumna of BYU–Hawaii, class of 2018. Currently she teaches the Tongan language courses, together with her husband, ʻUlise Funaki, specializing in the practice of nima meaʻa, traditional material craftsmanship and art, such as lālanga (weaving), faʻu kupesi (stencil making), and tui kahoa (lei making).
EDUCATION
- B.A., Social Work, Brigham Young University–Hawaii
COURSES TAUGHT
- TONG 101 - Elementary Tongan Conversation and Grammar I **
- TONG 102 - Elementary Tongan Conversation and Grammar II
- TONG 201 - Intermediate Tongan Conversation and Grammar I
- TONG 301 - Tongan Oral Traditions
** – Courses being taught (Fall 2026)