Kauai Nurse Jaedyn Pavao Crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2025

HILO, Hawaii — Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, a 23-year-old registered nurse from Kauai, was crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2025 on Thursday night at the Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium during the Merrie Monarch Festival’s opening ceremony. Pavao also received the Hawaiian Language Award.

Pavao, a member of Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina’ala, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m just thankful. I’m going to take it all in, soak it all up and, like kumu said, go back and thank God.” She is the niece of kumu hula Leina’ala Pavao Jardin, who has a rich history in hula education.

“I’m so proud as a kumu but I’m so proud as aunty, too,” Pavao Jardin said, reflecting on her niece’s journey. “She’s been dancing since she entered this Earth,” she added. Pavao has been dedicated to hula since she was a child, claiming, “Since I could walk. Since I could talk.”

In addition to the Miss Aloha Hula title, Pavao scored a perfect 50 points for the Hawaiian Language Award, crediting Dr. Keao NeSmith for assisting her in creating her ‘oli (chant) and improving her pronunciation. “It made me think of those that helped me get to where I am,” she noted.

This year’s competition saw 13 participants competing for the title. Pavao won with a total of 1,162 points, outscoring first runner-up Tiare-Jennings Iwalani Kamaluoluokaluahine Rebecca Ka’aumoana Vaughan-Darval by 17 points. Third place went to Emalia Pomaialoha KeleihanipikakeilaPa‘oaehulale‘aikalaninuiakea Dalire with 1,123 points, followed by Marina La‘akea Choi with 1,110 points and Chloe Makanaleili‘ili Rei Cummins with 1,097 points.

Pavao’s performances included traditional hula kahiko, where she danced to “He Wahi Mele No Kapualeilaha‘oleinapali.” She paid homage to her ancestry, stating she is a descendant of Queen Kapi‘olani and performed in honor of the Merrie Monarch, King Kalakaua, with her hula ‘auana, “Ka ‘Ano‘ī.”

With a commitment to public health nursing, Pavao mentioned the importance of her nursing role while pursuing her passion for hula, saying, “Every day I wake up as a registered nurse and I serve the public through public health nursing.”

Pavao Jardin revealed that she has been undergoing treatment for cancer since last year but remained active in the competition. “I’m thankful. I’ll be going back to the beach house and pray,” she said regarding her future plans.

The significance of lineage in hula was echoed by Pavao, who acknowledged her kumu’s influences. “Kumu Rae and Uncle George are probably having a party in Heaven,” Pavao said, celebrating her victory.