Lizel Zeager and Yosy Rodriguez Earn 2026 Titles as Mrs. America Celebrates 50 Years and Mrs. Hawaiʻi State Director Luana Alapa Marks 35 Years of Pageant Leadership

Left to Right: Lillian Cumic, Legazy Person, Daira “Dee” Carillo, Yosy Rodriguez, Eden Keolani Stewart, Lizel Zeager, Eva Salcedo, Kristina Lin, Lisa Williams.

HONOLULU — Maui’s Eden Keolani Stewart was crowned Mrs. Hawaiʻi America 2026 on July 2, earning the opportunity to represent Hawaiʻi on the national stage during a milestone year that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Mrs. America and 35 years of leadership by Mrs. Hawaiʻi State Director Luana Alapa.

Joining Stewart as Hawaiʻi’s 2026 titleholders are Lizel Zeager, who was named Mrs. Hawaiʻi American 2026 after placing first runner-up in the Mrs. Hawaiʻi America competition, and Yosy Rodriguez, who was crowned Miss Hawaiʻi for America 2026. The national competitions take place September 1-3, 2026.

The three women bring different life experiences, professional backgrounds and personal missions to their titles, but share a commitment to service, leadership and using their platforms to positively impact others.

“This is a very special year for our pageant family,” said Alapa. “As Mrs. America celebrates 50 years and I reflect on 35 years with the Mrs. Hawaiʻi Pageant, I am reminded of the incredible women who have been part of this journey. Eden, Lizel and Yosy each have a powerful story and a genuine heart for others. I am proud to have them represent Hawaiʻi and excited to see the impact they will make during their year of service.”

Maui’s Eden Keolani Stewart Crowned Mrs. Hawaiʻi America 2026

For Stewart, stepping onto the pageant stage represented a new chapter in a life and career already deeply rooted in communication, community service and helping others through some of their most challenging moments.

A Maui resident and proud Native Hawaiian with roots on both Maui and Kauaʻi, Stewart serves as External Affairs Section Chief for the Maui Emergency Management Agency. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in communications, public relations, community engagement and leadership to her new role as Mrs. Hawaiʻi America 2026.

Her experience serving the Maui community following the August 2023 wildfires has profoundly shaped her purpose and commitment to service. Stewart served with the American Red Cross in Lahaina for 10 months and currently manages and facilitates Rebuild Hope, a grant program supporting Maui fire survivors.

Through her work in emergency management and disaster recovery, Stewart has witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of Maui’s people, as well as the importance of preparing communities before disaster strikes.

As Mrs. Hawaiʻi America 2026, Stewart plans to use her platform to empower women to step boldly into their purpose, inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, share Native Hawaiian culture and values, and encourage individuals and families to become better prepared for disasters and emergencies.

“It is an incredible honor to represent Hawaiʻi, and especially meaningful to carry Maui with me on this journey,” said Stewart. “The strength and resilience I have witnessed in my community have forever changed me and deepened my commitment to serving others. I want to encourage women to step boldly into their purpose, even when the path is unfamiliar, and to remind our communities that preparedness is one of the ways we mālama ourselves, our families and one another.”

Stewart’s own path to the crown reflects the message she hopes to share. After spending much of her professional career helping others communicate their stories and serving behind the scenes, she recently stepped outside her comfort zone by emceeing her first fashion show and competing in her first pageant, ultimately earning the title of Mrs. Hawaiʻi America 2026.

Grounded in her faith, Stewart has participated in mission trips, traveled with a nonprofit singing group teaching character education to elementary school students, volunteered alongside her family with the Maui Humane Society and is active in her church community. She has also modeled for bridal and Native Hawaiian designers and serves as a brand ambassador.

Stewart has been married to her husband, David, for 18 years, and they are the proud parents of their 15-year-old daughter, Eliana Kamalei Stewart. She credits strong faith, genuine friendship and open communication as the foundation of their marriage.

During her year of service, Stewart hopes to broaden conversations around community resilience and emergency preparedness while encouraging women of all ages to have the courage to pursue new opportunities.

Lizel Zeager Named Mrs. Hawaiʻi American 2026

Lizel Zeager was named Mrs. Hawaiʻi American 2026 after earning first runner-up at the Mrs. Hawaiʻi America Pageant. She will represent Hawaiʻi at the national Mrs. American competition in Las Vegas later this year.

A wife, mother of three, entrepreneur and community leader, Zeager believes success is measured not simply by professional accomplishments or titles, but by the lives a person impacts and the legacy they leave for others.

Zeager and her husband, Jason Zeager, will celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary this year. They are the proud parents of three children: 8-year-old fraternal twin sons, Kaleb and Jaden, and 6-year-old daughter, Ellie. Family is central to Zeager’s life and her belief that the decisions made today can have a lasting impact on future generations.

Born and raised in California, Zeager has proudly called Hawaiʻi home for nearly a decade. Together with her husband, Jason, she co-founded Pacific Business Funding, helping entrepreneurs, small business owners and real estate investors across all 50 states access capital and resources to fund projects, expand their businesses and strengthen their communities.

Zeager’s commitment to service extends throughout the Windward Oʻahu community. She serves as Second Vice President on the Executive Board of the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, is active in church leadership, serves as administrator for Hands of Grace Hula and volunteers with organizations and community events.

As Mrs. Hawaiʻi American 2026, Zeager will advance her platform, Legacy by Design, encouraging people to live intentionally through four guiding principles: Leadership, Stewardship, Impact and Legacy.

Through her platform, she hopes to empower women, families, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders to recognize that the choices they make today can positively influence their communities and future generations.

“It is an incredible honor to represent the beautiful State of Hawaiʻi,” said Zeager. “I pray that I can be a light wherever I go, serve our communities with excellence, and represent our islands with aloha, grace and integrity on the national stage.”

During her year of service, Zeager looks forward to partnering with businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and community groups throughout Hawaiʻi to encourage purposeful leadership, meaningful service and the creation of a lasting legacy.

Yosy Rodriguez Crowned Miss Hawaiʻi for America 2026

For Yosy Rodriguez, being crowned Miss Hawaiʻi for America 2026 represents a new season in a personal journey shaped by faith, perseverance, growth and a deep appreciation for the community that has embraced her.

A recent graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Rodriguez is passionate about empowering women and young people to live authentically, care for their mental and emotional well-being, and believe in their ability to grow through uncertainty and adversity.

Since moving to Hawaiʻi, Rodriguez says she has been met with overwhelming love, support and opportunities she once never imagined for herself. Those experiences have shaped her desire to use her title to encourage young women who may be navigating uncertainty, self-doubt, major life transitions or the pressure to become someone other than who they truly are.

Rodriguez believes authenticity is a form of strength and that personal growth does not happen according to a single timeline. Her message centers on trusting the journey, finding strength through difficult seasons and recognizing that the closing of one chapter can be the beginning of something greater.

“Before we were crowned, I prayed that if I was meant to receive this blessing, it would be because it was my time and because I now had the strength to carry it,” said Rodriguez. “I hope to inspire any girl who has overcome obstacles or questioned what comes next. There is a stronger version of yourself on the other side of uncertainty. The end of one chapter does not mean your story is over. It can be the beginning of an entirely new book.”

As Miss Hawaiʻi for America 2026, Rodriguez hopes to create meaningful connections with women and young people and encourage conversations around authenticity, confidence, self-care and emotional well-being. She wants others to know that obstacles do not diminish their potential and that uncertainty can be part of becoming stronger and more confident in who they are.

Celebrating 50 Years of Mrs. America and 35 Years of Leadership in Hawaiʻi

The crowning of Hawaiʻi’s 2026 titleholders comes during a significant year for the pageant organization.

Mrs. America is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of recognizing accomplished married women from across the country. In Hawaiʻi, the milestone coincides with State Director Luana Alapa’s 35th year leading the Mrs. Hawaiʻi Pageant.

Over more than three decades, Alapa has helped guide generations of women through an experience centered on confidence, personal growth, friendship, service and the courage to pursue new opportunities. Her leadership has helped build a lasting sisterhood that extends beyond competition and continues long after each pageant year ends.

Stewart, Zeager and Rodriguez will spend the coming year participating in community service initiatives, public appearances and partnerships while preparing to represent Hawaiʻi on the national stage.

Together, the three 2026 titleholders reflect the many ways women lead and serve: through strengthening community resilience, building businesses and creating opportunities, empowering future generations, and having the courage to share their own stories.

About the Mrs. Hawaiʻi Pageant

The Mrs. Hawaiʻi Pageant provides women with opportunities for personal growth, leadership, community service and representation on the national stage. Under the leadership of State Director Luana Alapa for 35 years, the pageant has built a strong sisterhood that encourages women to embrace their strengths, pursue new opportunities and use their voices and experiences to make a positive difference in their communities.

Media Contact:
Amanda Stevens, Director of Communications – Mrs. Hawaii America mrshawaiipr@gmail.com

(From FrolicHawaii.com 11/14/2016) – Amanda Stevens

Sponsored

With days and weeks of preparation, a well choreographed fashion show is supposed to look easy, seamless and natural–and then it’s over in 15 minutes. HONOLULU Fashion Week made it look easy, seamless and natural 12 times over three days at the Hawaii Convention Center, November 10-12.

For the third year in a row, Lynne O’Neil, one of the most prolific fashion show producers in the industry, brought her dream team from New York City, including fellow Hawaii-born colleagues Don Sumada, Roman Young, and Bobby Gutierrez, plus Damon Rutland and Bernhard Link Theatrical put on the largest HONOLULU Fashion Week yet with local and international designers setting the tone for the upcoming season.

In addition to the well attended runway shows, the event included a bustling marketplace and pitch panel where local designers had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to investors and retailers. This kind of international buzz about fashion isn’t normally associated with Hawaii, but it’s the events like this that aim to change that notion.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite “local” looks hot off the runway:

Local Luxe

Photos by Travis Okimoto

Local Luxe featured some of Hawaii’s top contemporary designers; Malia Jones, Allison Izu, Ari South, Ten Tomorrow and Kojo Couture.

Live Aloha

Photos by Travis Okimoto

Live Aloha showcased traditional and updated aloha print looks with contemporary silhouettes and styling. Designers included Manuhealii, NoaNoa, Iolani and Manaola.

Manaola

Photos by Lyle Amine

A rising star in the industry, Manaola Yap, who hails from Hawaii island, brings to life his vision of melding Hawaiian culture and its natural elements with a modern and avant garde vibe.

Kini Zamora – Reach the Runway Benefit

Photos by Lyle Amine

For the third time in a row, Kini Zamora showcased a full collection during HONOLULU Fashion Week. This year, look for rich plum tones and graphic prints to complement his new high fashion silhouettes.

Ward Village

Photos by Lyle Amine

This fashion show featured looks ranging from kids streetwear to super posh fashions from local shops at Ward Village; Kealopiko, The Collective, Big Bad Wolf, Mori by Art + Flea, and POSHd.

Other fashion shows with international and local talent included Asaf Ganot, Neiman Marcus, Reyn Spooner, Hawaiian Airlines Uniform Reveal, Runway to Runway, LeaLea presents RINKAgram and Hawaii Pacific Health Beautiful Survivors.

(From FrolicHawaii.com 9/30/2016) – Amanda Stevens

About three years ago, I was part of a project that supported the opening of the new hospital in West Oahu, and it was then I learned about the huge population boom expected on that side of the island. With the build-out of 80,000 new homes by 2025, more than half of the island’s population will reside in West Oahu.

Rendering of Ka Makana Alii.

Ka Makana Alii is expected to accommodate the retail needs of West Oahu residents, create more jobs in the region and provide an affordable hotel option. Sitting on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, this partnership between DeBartolo Development and DHHL is projected to financially support Native Hawaiian programs statewide for decades to come. The unveiling of the 1.4 million-square-foot mall is happening in two phases.

Phase one includes 150 shopping, dining and entertainment offerings, a hotel, and office space. Macy’s, Ka Makana Alii’s anchor store and Hampton Inn and Suites held their soft openings this week while California Pizza Kitchen opens today. Parts of the mall are still under construction, but the official opening of the entire site is scheduled for October 21.

We had first look at what’s to come:

California Pizza Kitchen, take-out wall built of recycled skate boards.

Macy’s mannequin has a tattoo.

The Macy’s store manager shows us a touch of island flair in the home decor section.

A dining area. The hotel offers a free daily hot breakfast, free parking, and no hotel service fee.

Indoor/outdoor pool.

Indoor/outdoor pool.

Rooms range from $160-$250. This is a King Studio. Other rooms are Queen double and King single.

A list of confirmed tenants

Macy’s
California Pizza Kitchen
H&M
Forever 21
Victoria’s Secret
Bath & Body Works
Old Navy
Skechers
Foot Locker
Kay Jewelers
24 Hour Fitness
Hoala Salon and Spa
Applebee’s
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Luibueno’s
AT&T
Zales
Zumies
Rix Island Wear
Town & Country Surf Designs
Famous Footwear
PetSmart
Reyn Spooner
Plus Interiors
Bonchon
Sura Hawaii
Jollibee
Da Cove
Magnolia Ice Cream
Papa John’s Pizza
Infinitea
Yummy Korean BBQ
Nagoya Ramen
Kickin Kajun
Koa Pancake House
Wendy’s
L&L Hawaiian Barbeque
Panda Express
Subway
Auntie Anne’s
Cinnabon
Moena Cafe

(From FrolicHawaii.com 9/16/2016) – Amanda Stevens

In 1999, I remember leaving the Cinerama theater after seeing “The Blair Witch Project” with some of my classmates thinking, “I’m not sleeping tonight, this freaked me out!” The movie played like a documentary so we seriously thought the found-footage flick was a creepy and sad story about three students; Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael Williams. They hiked into Maryland’s Black Hills Forest in 1994 to shoot a documentary film on a local legend, the Blair Witch, and were never heard from again. One year later, their video footage was found.

Much like the first “Paranormal Activity,” after it was obvious that the so-called found footage was actually a movie, the accolades began to roll in. “The Blair Witch Project” was produced on a $60,000 budget and grossed over $200,000,000. A year later, “Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2” was released. It tried too hard to top the first flick and totally missed the mark – it was panned by critics and fans of the original.

Fast forward two decades. I had high hopes for “Blair Witch,” directed by Adam Wingard, a sequel to the original, and no relation (thank goodness) to “Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2.”

James Donahue (James Allen McCune) sees a YouTube video and catches a glimpse of his sister Heather (from “The Blair Witch Project”) and believes it proves she’s still alive. Intent on finding her, he heads to the Black Hills Woods in Maryland – the site of his sister’s disappearance 22 years prior, that is rumored to be inhabited by the Blair Witch. James is accompanied by his best friend Peter (Brandon Scott), Peter’s girlfriend Ashley (Corbin Reid), and Lisa (Callie Hernandez), a film student hoping to document James’ journey.

The team is equipped with ear-mounted cameras that look more like bluetooth earbuds, walkie-talkies and an aerial drone to aid in their search process. Before heading into the woods, they meet with the duo that uploaded the video to YouTube, Lane (Wes Robinson), and Talia (Valorie Curry). Lane tells the group that he uploaded the footage from a video tape he found by a tree in the woods, and that he will only reveal the location if the four friends agree to take the two locals with them on their search.

The use of technology gave the story line a fresh component. The drone flying over the woods made for great imagery, and the ear-mounted cameras were definitely not as shaky as those from the original flick. The suspenseful subtle scenes from the first night in the forest worked well.

The original film was filled with inferred violence — it kept you literally on the edge of your seat. It didn’t spoon-feed the plot and the pacing was perfect. Unfortunately, the last 30 minutes of “Blair Witch” was rushed and in-your-face. It really needed breaks in the action. It was so constant, it got a bit redundant.

I expected a lot more, especially from Wingard, who directed the cult classic horror “V/H/S.” Although it falls short of “The Blair Witch Project,” there’s enough cover-your-eyes moments that it might be worth seeing at the matinee price or on Tuesday $6 movie day.