Above:  Ms UTOPIA 2001, Hinaleimoana Wong with Mr Utopia, Eddie McMullin

In May, UTOPIA held a faikava in honor of one of our most esteemed women of Hawai`i, Hinaleimoana Wong.  Hina was asked to participate and compete in the first annual, Mr. & Ms. UTOPIA that was held in San Francisco.  Sateki Vanisi of UTOPIA San Fran invited Hina and asked if she would compete on behalf of his home, the friendly islands of Tonga.  After an arduous competition and several costumes changes later, Hina was crowned the first ever Ms. UTOPIA.  Hina shared that she had a blast in San Fransisco and was proud to represent not only Tonga, but her home Hawai`i as well.  Hina will carry the crown for a year, at which time, she will relinquish the title and pass on her reign.

            Thank you to those who made it out to Hina’s faikava celebration.  Hina shared with the group her experiences and what it means for her to be crowned Ms. UTOPIA.  As always, there was singing, dancing, laughter, and PLENTY of food!  A special thanks to Aunty’s Kelaiki and Nawahine for sharing their home with UTOPIA.

Above: Cake from UTOPIA Hawai’i