Pageant Information

The Miss Hawaii USA® and Miss Hawaii Teen USA® are open to all young women who meet the Age, Residency and Citizenship eligibility requirements.

You don't need to win a preliminary title or have previous pageant experience to participate in the State competition. 

However, we do conduct local preliminary pageants in some areas, so that you may gain experience and sponsorships to help you as you enter the State competition. 

Applications for the 2024 season are now closed. Please fill out the form on the apply page to be amongst the first to be informed when applications for the 2025 season are available. 

Each contestant will be judged in three areas of competition - Interview, swimsuit (Miss)/Activewear (Teen) and Evening gown. Judging criteria includes character, poise, confidence, and personality.

For more detailed information, please read more about our judging criteria described below.

No, there's no performing talent competition. There are three scored categories, including interview, swimsuit (activewear for Teens), and evening gown.

Absolutely not! Whether you’re 4-feet or 7-feet tall, it doesn’t matter. In the swimsuit segment of the competition, the judges will be looking for physical fitness, which includes a healthy and fit body. 

There’s usually a wide range of body styles and types for the top 10 finalists each year. The judges look for outgoing, intelligent, confident, and confident young women who are excited to represent the state of Hawaii at the National pageant. 

The judges are never directed, at any point of time, to consider age when choosing a State winner. Age is only a factor in determining which division you'll compete and if you meet the age requirements as stated in the Official rules and regulations.

The number of contestants will vary from year-to-year. However, typically we have between 20 - 40 contestants in each division.

Collecting sponsorship is very important. It takes a time commitment on your part. You start with a list of potential sponsors such as friends and family members, and their employers, etc. 

Plan your strategy and make a plan to succeed! Schedule appointments to collect your sponsorships. 

When approaching potential sponsors, explain your goals, your desire to improve yourself by participating in the Miss Hawaii USA® pageant, the charities you believe in, and the scholarship opportunities. 

Let them know what your experience will entail. This will be extremely beneficial in developing your communication skills. This is an essential characteristic to have if you’re going to be the next Miss Hawaii USA® or Miss Hawaii Teen USA®.

Our goal is for contestants to collect 100% of the sponsorship fee. This is a tax-deductible advertising expense for those businesses that assist you with sponsorship. 

If you work hard on collecting sponsorship, it's possible that you'll not incur any expenses out of pocket. In addition, hardworking contestants may receive material or service  sponsorships, such as a your competiton gown, tanning, makeup, hair styling, and more.

If you raise more money than required for your entry fee, you may use the extra funds to cover any additional expenses associated with the pageant. 

Your coverage may be used to purchase Spotlight ads in the program book, or may go to purchasing your wardrobe, or may just give you a little extra spending money.

We will explain how to obtain sponsorships and offer many fund-raising ideas to cover competition costs — including entry fee and wardrobe. Your family, friends, and local business leaders will be supportive when you share your goals with them.

Pageant coaches have a proven track record of success helping contestans to prepare for the pageant. Having a coach is not  taken into consideration during the judging of  the pageant.

No. However, we do our best to provide the best of the best when it comes to our sponsors. We provide our sponsor information to you only as a resource.

Not at all! You don't need to spend a fortune on an interview outfit, or an evening gown. It's most important to find outfits that you'll feel confident in and that best suit you and your personality. 

The personal choice of gowns has spanned from simple and elegant to hand-beaded. However, it is never the gown that the judges are scoring; it’s the young women wearing it. Again, several contestants have been able to secure a gown sponsor to assist them.

No. We highly recommend wearing the same gown for both preliminaries and finals. Nearly all contestants at the state pageant wear the same gown for both.

Deadlines are very important to us to make timely program preparations. However, we realize that unexpected circumstances can arise and that the collection of sponsorship may take longer than expected. 

Therefore, extensions of due dates are available when needed. If you need an extension, please call or email the pageant office.

On a normal year, formal wear is encouraged for the Miss pageant and cocktail attire for the Teen pageant.