Lillian Cumic Mrs. Honolulu 2026
❤️🌺 From the Bottom of My Heart... Thank You. 🌺❤️
As I reflect on my journey in the Mrs. Hawaii Pageant, my heart is filled with gratitude.
While I didn't come home with the crown, I leave this experience feeling incredibly blessed. I gained memories I'll cherish forever, friendships I'll always treasure, and a deeper appreciation for the love and support that surrounded me throughout this journey.
As an immigrant, I cherish the opportunity to give back to the community that has welcomed me with open arms. I was born in Sydney, Australia, spent 30 years living in Sendai, Japan, and moved to Hawaii in 2017, proudly becoming a United States citizen on November 8, 2022. Walking across that stage wasn't just about competing in a pageant—it was about living my American Dream.
I wanted to represent the Hawaii that I know and love—a place where people from different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions come together as one community. That beautiful diversity is what makes our islands so special, and it's something I'll always be proud to celebrate.
Special thanks to Nancy Bernal for her incredible support, my husband Dave who is my forever Mr. Wonderful, and Maria who showed up on such short notice to come and cheer me on.
A special thank you to everyone who sponsored an ad in the program, made a donation, or contributed in any way to support my journey. Your generosity and belief in me meant so much, and I am truly grateful for your kindness and support:
Following Journeys Team, Hawaii Theatre CEO Greg Dunn, Hawaii Humane Society Ginny Tsu, The Vegan Society of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra conductor Dane Lam, Torkel Patterson, Gracefullyliving365, Andrea Petrovanie-Green, Tamara & Avis Bailey, Matt Smith CS Accounting & Tax Services, Alex & Juliana Acevedo, The Vegan Cheese Shoppe Erin Olivari, Culinary Institute of the Pacific sponsored by Joseph Hu, Crystal Ingram, Brian & Lynn Akina, Ron & Sharon Nagasawa, TSII The Skin Institute Internationale, Huge thanks to my family in Sydney-Mom, Muzzy, big brother and personal coach Frank Cumic and my awesome nephews Hudson, Marlon, Chad, and Liam- I love you more than words can describe.
And to Dave, you will always be my Mr. Wonderful, and Lulu my sweet 16 angel who is the apple of my eye and can do no wrong!- Mommy loves you so, even when you wake her up fives times a night!
To every person who believed in me, sent messages of encouragement, offered prayers, cheered me on, or simply stood beside me—thank you. Your kindness lifted me on the days I needed it most, and I carried your love with me every time I stepped onto that stage.
Special thanks to Amos Kotomori who dressed me for the pageant, and my amazing friends, Linda Louise, Yen Chun, and Michele Choy. I’m so blessed for the sisterhood I have been adopted into- I love you all.
I am proud to represent the title of Mrs. Honolulu 2026 throughout the coming year. Standing there as an American citizen representing the state I love and sharing my passion for health was already a victory in my heart.
Congratulations to our new Mrs. Hawaii, Eden Stewart from Maui. I wish her every success as she represents our beautiful state on the national stage.
This chapter may be over, but my mission continues. My new brand has just been trademarked, and I look forward to helping turn your world into a Nourishing Paradise.
To me, the aloha spirit is something very real and lived every day—it’s found in simple, genuine acts of kindness. It’s taking the time to smile at someone, helping without being asked, showing compassion, and treating people with respect and care in even the smallest moments.
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey. You helped make my American Dream even more meaningful, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
With Love and Aloha,
Lillian❤️🇺🇸🌺
Mrs. Honolulu 2026
FOLLOW:
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Facebook: @Chef Lillian Cumic
LinkedIn: @Lillian Cumic
