February

Our series of ʻōpio spotlights highlight some of Hawaiʻi Island's strengths and serves to redefine success, proving that the best and brightest aren't leaving—they're contributing, leading, and making a significant impact in our communities.

Leimakamae Freitas, 24, was born and raised in Kona, Hawaiʻi. She graduated from Konawaena High School in 2019. She is the co-founder of The Regal Academy, Hawaiʻi’s premier modeling and pageantry academy. A former Miss Hawaiʻi Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island USA titleholder , Leimakamae has channeled her experience and passion into giving back to her community. Through her business, she continues to inspire and empower others, using her platform to make a lasting impact.

We spoke with her and are here to share her story of career success, along with her journey of creating a life for herself in the community that she loves dearly.

“I was born into a family of musicians and dancers therefore, it flows through my veins. I grew up backstage at Tihati Productions watching my father play music. He is my inspiration in everything I do and made me the person that I am today. He is a multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano award nominee and has been recognized as one of the former members of “The Freitas Brothers”, a band that consisted of him and two of my uncles. His success in music gave me the fire to make him proud, but it’s his motivation to keep going while facing the hardships of being a Hawaiian trying to simply make a living in their own home land made me passionate about perpetuating my culture and leaving a lasting legacy that benefits my fellow kānaka.”

“After winning Miss Hawaiʻi Island USA, my friend/co-founder Reymart Del Rosario and I started The Regal Academy. In the first year, The Regal Academy has become Hawaii’s largest modeling and pageantry academy. The terms “Regal girl” and “Regal boy” have become known on every island and I am stunned every day by the fact that I get to be a mentor for those that want to pursue the world of modeling or pageantry.”

“I chose to stay home because as a Native Hawaiian it is important to stay connected to where you come from and I hope to raise a family here one day, so that they can have the opportunity to grow up the same way I did. Living in Hawaiʻi is not easy, especially as an ‘ōpio, my resilience and endurance has grown immensely from turning my dreams into a reality. I have considered leaving home throughout my life, but nothing beats being able to believe that 'you made it happen’ right here at home. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and immerse yourself in the same environment as those who hope to pursue the same goals as yourself so that you are supported and equipped to take on the responsibilities and the sacrifices that are necessary to ensure success.”

With nearly 45% of Native Hawaiian residing outside of the Hawaiian Archipelago, it is more important than ever to highlight the success stories of those who have stayed or returned to Hawaiʻi to dismantle the notion that the best and brightest are all leaving.

Know someone who deserves to be highlighted as one of our Best & Brightest?

Email us directly at oaka@vibranthawaii.org.