
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Back when I was in high school, our entire basketball team, 13 girls, loaded into a four-door Ford Escort and rode from Nanakuli to Waikiki. It was a 15-mile ride with barely any room to move let alone breathe!
Please list any schools and universities you have attended or are attending. What was your area of study? What year did you finish at the school? What degree or certificate, if any, did you receive?.
High School: Kamehameha School; Year Completed: 1997
College: Hawaii Pacific University; Area of Study: Speech Communications; Year Completed: 2006; Degree: BA - Speech Communications
Please list any honors/awards you have received in the past 2 years?
President's Host.
Are you currently employed? If so, what is your current occupation?
Yes. Full-time student, part-time receptionist for the Ko Olina Resort & Marina Corporate Office.
What are your strongest talents?
My strongest talent is Polynesian dancing; dances that come from different places in Polynesia including Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa. This talent has not only provided a means of income for schooling, but allowed me to travel to wonderful destinations. Some career highlights include representing Hawaii in Asia and being the featured performer at Carnegie Hall!
Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a State Titleholder) that makes you especially proud.
Winning Miss Hawaii USA was a personal accomplishment for me; it was the last pageant that my grandfather was able to share with me before passing. The other personal accomplishment was when my grandparents took me to Las Vegas for my 21st birthday. It was great because it was a time that we spent together, just the three of us! As "Gramps" was giving me the tour of the city, we came upon the New York, New York Hotel rollercoaster. I LOVE rollercoasters! Well, there was no one to get on the ride with me, then Gramps volunteered and jumped on. It was special because Gramps made me feel that I was worth getting his blood pressure high for.
List your hobbies and favorite activities.
Dancing hula.
Surfing.
Reading.
Having quiet time for myself.
What is the most important thing you want the judges to know about you?
I was raised by my grandparents who taught me "E kulia i ka nu'u." This is a Hawaiian saying that means "Strive for the Highest," reminding me to strive to put my best foot forward in every moment. I treasure what they instilled in me and try to live every moment like this. I can be serious and focused or easy-going and lovable, but all the while remain unique and genuine.