Miss Kona Coffee Contestants 2020
Coffee brings people together. Even in morning chaos, with a cup of Kona Coffee, you find yourself smiling and embracing the islands Aloha spirit.
Every year the Big Island of Hawaii holds its most popular event, the Kona Coffee Festival. Which holds numerous activities and events, including the Miss Kona Coffee / Miss Aloha Hawaii Scholarship Pageant.
This year the girls running are being led by previous titleholder, and executive director, Jeann`e Kapela (Miss America 2016 & Miss Hawaii 2015), and the current titleholders, Ruby Basque - Jordan (Miss Kona Coffee 2019) & Noelani Balanay (Miss Aloha Hawaii 2019), as well as Ally Brown (Associate Director).
Ally Brown (Far left), Noelani Balanay (First left), Ruby Basque - Jordan (First right), Jeanne Kapela (Far right)
“Ranae has shot my photos as Miss Kona Coffee 2014, Miss Hawaii 2015, as a candidate for the State House of Representatives, and now as the Director of the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition. She is professional, kind, and knows how to make everyone look and feel their best. There is no photographer I trust more to work with me or my contestants then Ranae. Mahalo for the support and talents you share with our community.”
Reigning 2019 Miss Kona Coffee Ruby Jordan
2020 Contestant Maianna Taylor
“Having taken photos before, my family always behind the camera, I felt that same sense of care and depth from Ranae. She made it 10x easier to smile and be me!” 2020 Contestant ~ Katheryn Frederick
Reigning 2019 Miss Aloha Hawaii – Danielle Balanay
2020 Contestant Sarah Barry
“I have no modeling experience but Ranae was able to make me feel comfortable in front of the camera. She guided me and encouraged me the entire time. Although I was nervous, the photos turned out gorgeous.” 2020 Contestant ~ Kaili Yuen
2020 Contestant Carly Yoshida
2020 Contestant Talexi Ross
“Working with Ranae was a comfortable yet memorable experience. I am so grateful to have worked with her. She produced beautiful head shots and photos for Miss Kona Coffee.” 2020 Contestnat~ Joyce Rosabia
This year, the sponsor for the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition was UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee, which made capturing these beautiful photos at the farm itself, even more special.
The UCC Coffee Farm, located in Holualoa Hawaii, held exactly what Jeann`e Kapela (Executive Director) and Ally Brown ( Associates Director) had in mind when they thought about the meaning behind The Kona Coffee Festival.
With the sun peeking over the top of the island the lighting was spectacular and made for beautiful photographs. Not to mention, the smiling faces of these gorgeous young women.
Nestled between rows of thriving Coffee plants our contestants radiated what it truly means to represent their community.
Miss Kona Coffee contestants with Ranae Keane of EMotion Galleries Photography taking a play break between their head shot photo session
Miss Kona Coffee and Miss Aloha Hawai’i are ambassadors, representing Hawai’i Island’s unique culture and heritage. They are committed to public service and empowering their fellow community members.
Contestants compete for scholarships and the opportunity to participate in the Miss Hawai’i and Miss America competitions. In 2019, the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition will be held on November 2nd at the historic Aloha Theatre. Doors open at 5:30pm, with the competition beginning at 6:00pm sharp. Admission is $38, which includes entrance to the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.
Photography: EMotion Galleries Photography by Ranae Keane-Bamsey
Venue: UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Farm
Miss Kona Coffee / Miss Aloha Hawaii: Miss Kona Coffee
Miss Kona Coffee (Executive Director): Jeanne Kapela
The Coffee Festival: Kona Coffee Festival