Miss Aloha Hula 2025: Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao — A Radiant Story of Heritage, Grace, and Service

• Posted on 24 April 2025
• By Luana Zablan of Lehua Jewelers, PC: Bruce Omori, Merrie Monarch Festival
• 0

At the prestigious 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, the spotlight shone brightly on Kauaʻi’s own Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, who was crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2025. A powerful embodiment of tradition and aloha, Jaedyn has journeyed through years of devotion to hula and Hawaiian language—an inspiration to us all

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Hailing from Kalāheo, Kauaʻi, Jaedyn is a haumana of Kumu Hula Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin at Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala—and also her niece. In her winning performance, she danced a graceful ʻauana to “Ka ʻAnoʻi”, honoring Queen Kapiʻolani, her royal ancestor, and presented a stirring kahiko, “He Wahi Mele No Kapualeilahaʻoleināpali”, a tribute to the sacred places of Kauaʻi. Judge scores totaled 1,162 points, earning her not only the main title but also the coveted Hawaiian Language Award, celebrating her articulate expression in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

In her acceptance, Jaedyn conveyed deep humility:

“We dance for an audience of one… to glorify God through my hula…

and represent not only my family, but also the whole island of Kauaʻi."

In interviews, she reflected on 23 years of dancing—from cradle to stage—and countless hours of training. She acknowledged challenges—personal and collective—but chose to see them as gateways to growth.

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Beyond her artistry, Jaedyn is a registered nurse and UH Hilo graduate, holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She brings the same dedication and aloha to public health, caring for Hawaiʻi’s kupuna, keiki, and families throughout the islands. The timing of Jaedyn’s win was deeply poignant. Her kumu and aunty, Leinā‘ala Jardin, has been facing a health battle with pancreatic cancer. Their bond, alongside their hālau, was tested in recent months—but they stood strong together.

Jaedyn’s kahiko honored Kauaʻi’s moku—from lofty ʻōhiʻa forests to coastal villages—while her ʻauana paid tribute to the noble legacy of Hawaiian royalty and the Merrie Monarch monarchs. With Miss Aloha Hula under her belt, Jaedyn now stands not just as a solo dancer but as a cultural ambassador—forever carrying Kauaʻi, her ʻohana, and her Hawaiian heritage forward.

For 12 years, Lehua Jewelers has been a part of the legacy of awarding Miss Aloha Hula winners with a custom-made 14K 15mm hand-engraved Hawaiian Heirloom bracelet. We all anticipate what this year's Miss Aloha Hula bracelet will look like.

Thank you for sharing this journey—Mahalo nui loa, Jaedyn!