Kalipa was the daughter of Taukave of Nanumea and Meleane, who was part Nanumean but also of Nanumagan descent. Born in Nanumea in 1896, just three years after British warships "raised the flag" and brought Tuvalu into a new British Protectorate, Kalipa grew up at a time when not all Nanumeans had joined the LMS church. Traditional chiefly structures were still strong, and the old Viiki songs commemorating the lives and deeds of notable Nanumeans were still widely known and sung.

When she was 18 Kalipa married Nikotemo Nikotemo in Nanumea, in 1914 right at the start of the Great War (First World War). Kalipa and Niko had no children of their own, but adopted Nele (dau of Kato and Maiele) as their mokopunapuke, and in their later years they lived in the household of Nele and her husband Limoni.

Kalipa, who had a good memory and voice, was well-known as a singer of the old Viiki, and she sang them on different occasions during our stay in Nanumea in 1973-74 -- during that time she was one of the oldest people in Nanumea.

Kalipa lived from 1896 to 1976. She was 80 years old when she died in Nanumea.