HONOLULU — This year’s ʻōpio (youths) had something different in mind, going beyond the traditional three-candidate selection for the annual lei court usually consisting of the queen, first princess and princess.

What You Need To Know

  • The 2024 Lei Court is comprised of Queen Tehina Kaʻena Kahikina, First Princess Angela Jeanell Cezar Miranda, Princess Shailyn Makana Marie Wilson, Princess Madison Kamalei Espinas, Princess Sara Noʻeau Campbell and Princess Lulani Kaehulaniokekai Chung-Kuehu

  • In her application for the Lei Court, Kahikina wrote, “May we pick with intention and aloha and return our lei back to ʻāina”

  • The 96th Annual Lei Day Celebration festivities is scheduled for May 1 at Queen Kapiolani Park

Instead, as a whole, the candidates decided prior to Saturday’s selection event to include all six for the 95th Lei Court, according to a news release.

Therefore, the 2024 Lei Court is comprised of Queen Tehina Kaʻena Kahikina, First Princess Angela Jeanell Cezar Miranda, Princess Shailyn Makana Marie Wilson, Princess Madison Kamalei Espinas, Princess Sara Noʻeau Campbell and Princess Lulani Kaehulaniokekai Chung-Kuehu.

A hula dancer for 16 years, Kahikina is well-versed in the different lei-making styles with her passion for lei guiding her to understand the importance of harvesting protocols, environmental awareness of native and invasive species and practicing mālama ʻāina.

In her application for the Lei Court, Kahikina wrote, “May we pick with intention and aloha and return our lei back to ʻāina.”

Held at the historic Mission Memorial Auditorium and Honolulu Hale Courtyard, the colorful event celebrated Native Hawaiian culture, hula, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and lei making.

The 2024 Lei Queen Tehina and court will preside over the 96th Annual Lei Day Celebration festivities scheduled for May 1 at Queen Kapiolani Park. They will also act as the city’s Ambassadors of Aloha at various public events.

The Lei Day Celebration in May has the theme of “Komo mai kāu māpuna hoe” or “Dip your paddle in” (join the effort). The themes for this and the next three years were selected in conjunction with Hōkūleʻa’s Moananuiåkea Voyage that began in 2023. Hōkūleʻa and her crew returned in Dec. 2023 in response to the devastation of the Maui wildfires and unpredictable weather patterns.

The May 1 Lei Day event will feature Hawaiian entertainment, demonstrations and exhibits along with the popular lei contest exhibit that will showcase exquisitely crafted lei utilizing an array of flora, colors and methods.

First held on May 1, 1927, Lei Day consisted of just a few people wearing lei in downtown Honolulu. Over time, more people began to wear lei on May 1, thus beginning the tradition of “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.”

Nina Bowman, the first lei queen, was crowned by Honolulu Mayor Charles Arnold in 1928. Visit the Lei Day Celebration website for additional information on the annual event.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.