Cinderella story

Ariel Enriquez was crowned Nov. 8 as Miss Kona Coffee 2015 at the annual evening pageant. The Miss Aloha Hawaii 2015 title was won by Keahi Delovio. First runner-up was Jessica Lloyd and second runner-up was Cheri Lavoie.

Enriquez, 23, was vying for the title for the fifth time and will compete next summer in the Miss Hawaii pageant. Outgoing queen Jeanne Kapela pinned the crown on Enriquez, while Delovio was presented with her crown by outgoing Miss Aloha Hawaii Alyssa Ishihara.

“I’m just feeling so blessed and thankful. Every year you grow and bring something new with you. Sometimes it’s not enough, but tonight it was,” Enriquez said.

“It would take a few days to name all the people I have to thank because there are so many people in my life who helped shape me and make me who I am right now,” she added.

“I’m really looking forward to promoting Kona coffee and the whole industry. It’s an honor. My grandparents came from Japan to work in the coffee fields, so it’s kind of in my blood.”

For her talent, Enriquez — the only flag coach on the Big Island — performed a flag dance. A Pahoa High School graduate, Enriquez is the daughter of Conrad and Candi Salazar. She wants to become an obstetrician.

Delovio, 17, is a senior at Kealakehe High School and daughter of Makana and Tammy Delovio. She wants to become a nurse practitioner. Delovio also will compete in the Miss Hawaii Pageant next year in Honolulu.

First runner-up Lloyd, 18, is studying culinary arts and is the daughter of Aaron and Charlotte Lloyd. Second runner-up Cheri Lavoie, 23, the daughter of Phil and Naomi Lavoie, is a graduate of Kealakehe High School and University of California Berkeley. She wants to be an entrepreneur and broker.

For more about the world-famous Kona Coffee Festival, which began more than four decades ago, visit www.konacoffeefest.com.