Mrs. International Pageant Contestants

Mrs. Pacific Islands International®

Local Pageant Date: 01/01/1970

Danielle Irwin

People's Choice Award

1.Tell us why anyone would want come to your hometown?
The charm of my hometown is obvious-- in its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural richness, and serenity. It's famous for the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic and one of Hawaii's oldest temples. Visitors sense a profound reverence, whether exploring the or the ocean. The valley's embrace feels like heaven, offering a spiritual and protective connection that makes everyone feel they belong, no matter where they're from.

2.What are the (2) most important things in your closet and why?
In my closet, there aren't many items that I consider irreplaceable. However, I do have a crate filled with my most treasured mementos and keepsakes from when my children were babies. These are things that any mother finds hard to part with, like hospital identification bands, locks of hair, and clay footprints. Among these cherished items is something truly special: a 12-year-old Android phone that contains priceless photos from my son's first year.

3.What do you love to cook and why?
Hawaii's comfort food is pretty simple and not particularly healthy. However, I love to elevate common staples like ramen and musubi (spam and seaweed wrapped in rice) to gourmet levels. For example, ramen using fresh hand-stretched noodles, and lots of exotic garnishes with homemade dashi broth. My favorite--Wagyu beef Loco Moco with poached island eggs, jasmine rice, sautéed onions, and homemade gravy—a dish that, as we say in Hawaii is “Broke da Mouth.”

4.If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do?
If I had an extra hour daily, I would do something special with my kids, like going surfing or playing barbie spa. They're understanding of our busy schedules, but I want more moments to just sit, talk, and play with them. Lately, I've been involving them more in my activities, letting them choose menus and help with preparations or doing a family pickleball workout. This way, things done and we still have quality time.

5.Describe the dirtiest job you have ever had to do?
I knew something was awry when I walked in and smelled it. No one else noticed, but I followed my nose like a bloodhound and found a smelly disaster in the bonus room. Perched on my treadmill was a peacock. At once, I understood 'scared (sh%*)less' as the floor was an active minefield. It took two adults, two pool sticks, and two hours to coax the bird out the window. Disinfecting took much longer!