Kauai Nurse Jaedyn Pavao Crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2025

A 23-year-old registered nurse hailing from Kauai, Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, emerged triumphant as Miss Aloha Hula 2025 on Thursday night. Representing Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala, she claimed the esteemed title at the Merrie Monarch Festival’s hula competition, held at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. Thirteen hopefuls competed in this prestigious event. After her victory, Jaedyn expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m just thankful. I’m going to soak it all in and, as my teacher advised, go back and thank God.”

Jaedyn’s training was guided by her aunt, kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin. Leina‘ala honed her skills under the tutelage of the late kumu hula Rae Fonseca while she was at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. “I’m incredibly proud, both as her teacher and her aunt,” said Pavao Jardin. Reflecting on Jaedyn’s lifelong journey with hula, she recalls asking, “How long have you been dancing hula?” To which Jaedyn responded, “Since I could walk. Since I could talk.”

Jaedyn’s accomplishments were further highlighted when she clinched the Hawaiian Language Award, earning a flawless 50 points for her command of ‘olelo Hawai‘i. “I thought of those who helped me along the way, especially Dr. Keao NeSmith, who assisted me with crafting my ‘oli (chant) and refining my pronunciation over the years,” she remarked. Though not always the case, recently, Miss Aloha Hula winners have typically also secured the Hawaiian Language Award. “I won the language award, but not Miss Aloha Hula,” Pavao Jardin noted, emphasizing the significance of the language award.

Jaedyn achieved an impressive total of 1,162 points, surpassing first-runner up Tiare-Jennings Iwalani Kamaluoluokaluahine Rebecca Ka’aumoana Vaughan-Darval from Oahu’s Halau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine by 17 points. The remaining top finishers, all representing Oahu halau, included Emalia Pomaialoha KeleihanipikakeilaPa‘oaehulale‘aikalaninuiakea Dalire from Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka in third place with 1,123 points, followed by Marina La‘akea Choi of Halau Hi‘iakaimakamae with 1,110 points, and fifth place Chloe Makanaleili‘i Rei Cummins of Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela accumulating 1,097 points.

In hula kahiko, Jaedyn performed a drum-based “hula pahu,” featuring the mele “He Wahi Mele No Kapualeilaha‘oleinapali.” With her aunt and three other drummers providing rhythm using a large pahu and a smaller drum, Jaedyn paid homage to her lineage, recognizing her connection to Queen Kapi‘olani. Her hula ‘auana, performed to the song “Ka ‘Ano‘i,’’ honored Queen Kapi‘olani, while she also celebrated the Merrie Monarch, King Kalakaua, with his composition “E Nihi Ka Hele,” a testament to his devotion.

Balancing her role as a storyteller through hula and her dedication to public health, Jaedyn cherishes her dual roles. “Every day, I serve as a nurse, aiding the community through the Department of Health,” Jaedyn shared. “We assist everyone from the elderly to newborns.” Her aunt, Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin, shared that despite being treated for cancer since last year, Jaedyn has remained resolute. With her diagnosis confirmed through a CT scan revealing a spot on her pancreas, she’s continued her passion for hula, preparing both female and male dancers for upcoming competitions.

Looking ahead, Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin expressed her gratitude and plans for some solace by the beach, where she will pray. She cherished her lineage, recounting her connections to her mentor Fonseca, a student of hula master George Na‘ope—one of the founders of the Merrie Monarch’s hula event in 1971 with Aunty Dot Thompson. “I believe Kumu Rae and Uncle George are celebrating together in Heaven,” Jaedyn fondly concluded, reflecting on her heavenly supporters.