Several years of preparation paid off with a dream-come-true evening for Penelope Ng Pack as she was crowned Miss Hawaii 2018 Saturday night at the Hawaii Theatre. Competing as Miss Chinatown Hawaii, Ng Pack beat 15 other contestants to become the 74th Miss Hawaii.

“I’ve dreamt about this for so long, and I couldn’t have done it without all of the family and friends’ support, and all of the wishes they sent my way,” Ng Pack said backstage moments after receiving her crown from Miss Hawaii 2017 Kathryn Sachiko Teruya. “I still can’t believe it. It still hasn’t sunk in yet.”

In addition to winning the title and the opportunity to represent Hawaii at the 98th Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., in September, Ng Pack also received the Spirit Award for top combined ticket and sponsorship sales, and the Miss America/First Hawaiian Bank Community Service Award.

She is a 2016 graduate of American University in Washington, D.C.

Miss Paradise Latina Tiffany Johnson was first runner-up; she also won the swimsuit and talent categories.

The second-runner-up spot went to Miss Windward Oahu Carissa Kano. Miss Central Oahu Kanoe Shizura was third runner-up. The fourth runner-up, Miss Kaka‘ako Keahi Delovio, also received the Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Maker Award.

Miss Diamond Head Ka U‘i Perreira received the Congeniality Award, and Miss Aloha Hawaii Tehina Slade received the Miss America Academic Award.

A panel of seven judges scored the contestants on their appearance in bikinis and evening gowns, their talent and their ability to stay on point while answering a basic current-affairs question onstage. The contestants’ scores also included the judges’ assessment of their conversational skills during private interviews earlier in the week.