Katiana Amafala-Marquard Visits Section 36!

Photo: Caylin Z

Section 36 had another visitor! Katiana Amafala-Marquard is passionate about mentorship, a talented singer, and the current Miss Aloha Hawai'i. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Katiana Amafala-Marquard visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Aloha Hawai’i crown?

By the time I finished with photos, and feedback from the judges it was around 10:30 PM! For anyone that knows Kailua Kona town there aren’t many restaurants open late. I spent my winning evening at Denny’s! They so graciously stayed open for us later than usual! I had country fried steak with zucchini, broccoli pancakes the side with a cup of tea and it was the PERFECT meal after competition!

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Aloha Hawai’i?

My deepest heart's desire is to honor the culture, this town and island! I grew up here and it’ll always have such a special place in my heart. I want to be sure I do right by the people and the community that has supported me throughout my life! 

What part of the upcoming Miss Hawaii competition are you most nervous about?

During the opening number we had about 16 counts of

Photo: Caylin Z

choreography that we had to do ourselves! It was our first debut on stage and an opportunity to show off our personality and catch the judges interest! I don’t have a lot of dance experience and it was very nerve-racking for me to do this part! At the moment we were on stage and everything was happening all I could feel was excitement!

How did you select your social impact initiative?

I decided to create my own program! The Everybody Foundation. A place where local professionals are able to be paired with youth of Hawai’i for internships. So they can discover their spark, interests with the guidance and leadership of these mentors. Focusing on a wholeness experience of mind, body and spirit. With the help of life coaches, counselors and mental health specialists. Although the program is in at sapling stages now I hope that it will takeoff throughout the year and years to come!

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

Photo: Caylin Z

I sang the song ‘The Prayer’ in both Hawaiian and Italian. It was a thank you to both of my adopted cultures! And it was also a dedication to my family. Having the opportunity to honor the people and community I loved was so special for me. 

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I see people being uplifted and their destiny realized. I want to be the trampoline that people are able to bounce off of to greater heights!

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Moana! I am a girl who loves my island and a girl who loves the sea! My people were originally Wayfinders, and I did outrigger canoeing for a while too! Being Moana would be such an amazing experience for the week!

How does a Miss Hawaii candidate turn out to be a Red Sox fan?

I lived in Pennsylvania for two years going to a ministry school studying worship music and leadership skills. On the weekend whenever I could I would sneak away up to Boston and catch a game! And of course I would stop at Tasty Burger! Growing up on an island you don’t have the opportunity to travel throughout the states and that’s something that I will always treasure! A dream of mine would be to sing on that field! And you can always catch me at the beach or on a hike wearing my Red Sox cap! 

Is there a feature or activity at a game at Fenway Park that you’d especially like to experience?

The moment when you walk up the stairs and see all of the

Photo: Caylin Z

people, and feel the buzz of excitement in the air. With lights blinding as your eyes adjust and the smell of popcorn and nachos, is one of my favorite moments! I feel in the smallest things and the biggest things I can always find wonder and awe for life! 

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That is definitely amazing!

As always, I want to thank Katiana for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Katiana continues her time as Miss Aloha Hawaii, I encourage you to check out her title and organization Instagram accounts! They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also want to wish Katiana luck when she competes for Miss Hawaii! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Katiana, and good luck!