Hawai‘i Public Health Nurse and UH Hilo Grad Crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2025
A University of Hawai‘i at Hilo nursing graduate and practicing public health nurse has been crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2025, one of the most prestigious honors in Hawaiian dance.
Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, a 23-year-old RN from Kaua‘i, earned the coveted title during the 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo on April 24. Representing Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala, Pavao stood out among 13 soloists competing on hula’s most revered stage.
“Every day I wake up as a registered nurse and I serve the public through public health nursing through the Department of Health,” said Pavao. “We do all kinds of things for the elderly, children in schools, down to babies.”
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Honoring Culture, Serving Community
Pavao earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from UH Hilo, and continues to serve her community through the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. Her dual roles—healthcare provider and cultural ambassador—highlight the many ways nurses show leadership beyond clinical settings.
Her hula ‘auana performance paid tribute to Queen Kapi‘olani, using the mele Ka‘ano‘i, a poetic comparison of the beloved royal to a cherished flower.
Language and Lineage Take Center Stage
In addition to the main title, Pavao received the Hawaiian Language Award, scoring a perfect 50 points in ʻōlelo Hawai‘i. She credited Dr. Keao NeSmith for supporting her chant creation and pronunciation during years of training.
This award recognizes a dancer’s fluency and precision in the Hawaiian language—a vital part of hula's storytelling tradition.
Pavao’s hula kahiko featured a hula pahu (drum dance), set to He Wahi Mele No Kapualeilaha‘oleinapali, accompanied by four drummers including her kumu hula—and aunt—Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin.
“She’s been dancing since she entered this Earth,” said Jardin.
Standing Out in a Field of Excellence
Pavao earned 1,162 points, edging ahead of runner-up Tiare-Jennings Vaughan-Darval of O‘ahu’s Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine by 17 points. All other runners-up also hailed from O‘ahu.
Pavao’s performance was enhanced by fresh adornments of Pāʻū o Hi‘iaka, vibrant ʻōhiʻa blossoms, and cascading puakenikeni, set against the lush, cultural pageantry of the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.
Pride in Heritage and Healing
Pavao carries both royal lineage and professional dedication, proudly identifying as a descendant of Queen Kapi‘olani while continuing her public health work. Her story resonates not just as a cultural win, but as a reminder of the diverse paths nurses take to uplift their communities—in hospitals, classrooms, and on the stage.
“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 said after her win.
🤔Nurses, how do you bring your own culture, creativity, or community spirit into your work?
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