Kaua‘i dancer captures coveted Miss Aloha Hula title

Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao honored her home of Kauaʻi as the first dancer from Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala to earn the title of Miss Aloha Hula.

The 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival kicked off Thursday night in Hilo at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium with performances in ancient and modern hula from 13 women competing in the Miss Aloha Hula competition.

Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, under the direction of Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin from Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā’ala on Kaua‘i, captured the title with a total of 1,162 points. She also received the Hawaiian Language award.

After winning the coveted Miss Aloha Hula title, Pavao expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and said she was thankful to honor Kauaʻi and make her hālau proud.

The soloists were scored by seven judges who looked at their kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) performances and critiqued them in various areas, from their oli (chant) to the costumes, lei to the interpretation of the mele (song), and how the dancers executed the numbers.

Pavao chose two mele that allowed her to share her aloha and admiration for her home – Kauaʻi. For hula kahiko, she showed aloha for Kauaʻi, her ʻohana and her lineage that ties to Alʻi Nui Moʻikeha.

The mele, “He Wahi Mele No Kapualeiahaʻoleināpali,” is filled with elaborate descriptions of places around Kauaʻi and their signficance to the island’s culture. The chant also provides many famous sayings about places on Kauaʻi from the mountain tops and across 5 moku.

Tiare-Jennings Iwalani Kamaluoluokatuahine Rebecca Kaʻaumoana Vaughan-Darval, under the direction of Hiwa Vaughan-Darval from Hālau Ka Lehua Tuahine, was the first runner-up for Miss Aloha Hula with 1, 145 points.

Emalia Pomaialoha Keleihanupīkakeiā Pāʻoaehulaleʻaikalaninuiākea Dalire from Keolalaulani Hālau ʻŌlapa O Laka, under the direction of Kumu Hula Keolalaulani Dalire and Regina Igarashi Pascua, was the second runner-up with 1,123 points.

Marina Laʻakea Choi from Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua, under the direction of Robert Ka‘upu and Lono Padilla, received 1,110 points and was third runner-up.

Chloe Makanaleiliʻiliʻi Rei Cummins from Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela, under the direction of Kumu hula Kau‘i Kamana‘o and Kunewa Mook, captured fourth runner-up with 1,097 points.

Group performances by hālau will start Friday night with kahiko. The competition will culminate on Saturday with ‘auana performances.

Hawai‘i News Now – KFVE, the festival’s official broadcaster, carries the competition events live on-air and online each night, as well as special coverage during newscasts and on streaming platforms and social media.

You can also follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram or visit the official website for additional information.