UH Hilo nursing alumna Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao captures Merrie Monarch’s Miss Aloha Hula title
Nursing alumna Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao captured the coveted Miss Aloha Hula title on April 24, representing Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala.
A University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo alumna earned one of hula’s highest honors at the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Kauaʻi native Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao captured the coveted Miss Aloha Hula title on April 24, representing Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala.
Pavao, a registered nurse who earned her bachelor of science in nursing from UH Hilo, captivated judges and audiences alike with her performance on hula’s most prestigious stage. Her hula ʻauana honored Queen Kapiʻolani, dancing to the classic mele Kaʻanoʻi, which likens the beloved aliʻi (royal) to a cherished blossom. Pavao also received the Hawaiian Language Award, recognizing her excellence in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).
She competed against 12 other soloists during a night filled with breathtaking performances. Fresh adornments of Pāʻū o Hiʻiaka (crawling vine), vibrant ʻōhiʻa blossoms, and cascading puakenikeni set a stunning backdrop for multiple nights celebrating hula and Hawaiian heritage in Hilo.
Hula lineage
More members of the UH Hilo community are taking the spotlight at the festival.
UH Hilo ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi major Keʻalohilani Na Kealohamoa Narelle Lee Yuk Lan Kama-Hosea performed a hula noho (seated hula) using ʻiliʻili stones representing Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani.
At the heart of the world-famous hula festival is the Kawelu ʻohana. Festival President Aunty Luana Kawelu and her daughter, Kathy Kawelu — an associate professor of anthropology at UH Hilo — work year-round to plan and prepare for Merrie Monarch, ensuring the tradition continues to thrive for future generations.
The festival continues with 20 hālau competing in the group division — hula kahiko (ancient dance) on April 25 and hula ʻauana (modern dance) on April 26. All events are broadcast on K5 and streamed online through Hawaii News Now.
Read the full story at UH System News about more members of the UH community taking the spotlight on the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium stage and at the judges’ table.
