HONOLULU — The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation announced the 94th annual Lei Court candidates, according to a release.

The candidates are Melodie Lynn Leinaʻala Naluaʻi Vega, Leilani Kūpahu-Marino Kahoʻāno and Charlene Kapualani Kauhane Harano. 

This year the selected candidates are Nā Kūpuna (The Elders). Each year, the candidates are selected from one of four rotating age brackets. 

The winning Lei Queen and her princess will represent the 95th annual Lei Day Celebration festivities and will be the City’s Ambassadors of Aloha.  

The three candidates will compete on March 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the ground-level courtyard at Kapolei Hale. The public is invited to watch the competition.

The candidates will be scored for the following activities: one-hour lei making, English and Hawaiian language proficiency, hula ‘auana, poise and personality.

The 95th annual Lei Day Celebration will be on May 1, 2023, at Kapiolani Park from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The celebration will include a lei contest exhibit.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.