Miss Hawaii for America

Miss Hawaii for America

2022 Miss Hawaii for America
Mokihana Maldonado

Mokihana Maldonado is a passionate and purposeful educator and public servant, dedicated to the well-being of Hawai’i and its future. She has learned to take bold actions to serve and protect those dealing with injustices, teaching them to be courageous themselves. As this year’s Miss Hawaii for America Strong, Mokihana strongly believes her kuleana [responsibility] is to advocate for the tools, resources, and services to support the most vulnerable in our community. This will build a more sustainable island community.

Navigating the complexities of her own childhood, Mokihana developed a deep care for the youth, which blossomed into an 18-year-long career as an educator in California and Hawaii.  After having earned her Master’s in Education from Chaminade, she went on to become the 5th/6th grade teacher at Voyager Public Charter School. Mokihana considers herself a lifelong learner and plans to enroll in UH’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education program and eventually earn her Doctorate! 

Mokihana also believes in uniting the world with ALOHA and serves as the Young Professional Chair of the Board for the United Nations Association-Hawai’i, Honolulu Chapter, the second vice chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus Democratic Party, a Board member for the Princess Ruth Hawaiian Civic Club, a Representative for the O’ahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and a volunteer/supporter of Family Programs Hawai’i. 

When you don’t find Mokihana advocating for the next generation of leaders, you may find her paddling with the Koa Kai canoe club, getting trained by legendary Martial Arts Grandmaster Al Dacoscos, watching a game of Sport of Kings at Hawaii Polo Club or Honolulu Polo club, catching a flight to far away destinations, or tucked away in a quiet corner with a good book. Mokihana believes in making each day count and that “Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” -Aristotle

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2022 Miss Hawaii for America
Mokihana Maldonado

Mokihana Maldonado is a passionate and purposeful educator and public servant, dedicated to the well-being of Hawai’i and its future. She has learned to take bold actions to serve and protect those dealing with injustices, teaching them to be courageous themselves. As this year’s Miss Hawaii for America Strong, Mokihana strongly believes her kuleana [responsibility] is to advocate for the tools, resources, and services to support the most vulnerable in our community. This will build a more sustainable island community.

Navigating the complexities of her own childhood, Mokihana developed a deep care for the youth, which blossomed into an 18-year-long career as an educator in California and Hawaii.  After having earned her Master’s in Education from Chaminade, she went on to become the 5th/6th grade teacher at Voyager Public Charter School. Mokihana considers herself a lifelong learner and plans to enroll in UH’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education program and eventually earn her Doctorate! 

Mokihana also believes in uniting the world with ALOHA and serves as the Young Professional Chair of the Board for the United Nations Association-Hawai’i, Honolulu Chapter, the second vice chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus Democratic Party, a Board member for the Princess Ruth Hawaiian Civic Club, a Representative for the O’ahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and a volunteer/supporter of Family Programs Hawai’i. 

When you don’t find Mokihana advocating for the next generation of leaders, you may find her paddling with the Koa Kai canoe club, getting trained by legendary Martial Arts Grandmaster Al Dacoscos, watching a game of Sport of Kings at Hawaii Polo Club or Honolulu Polo club, catching a flight to far away destinations, or tucked away in a quiet corner with a good book. Mokihana believes in making each day count and that “Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” -Aristotle

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