Former Miss Hawaii Returns Home to Teach

For Jennifer Pimentel, returning to Lanai to serve as a fourth-grade teacher is a homecoming in many ways. She was born and raised on Lanai and follows in the footsteps of her mother, Patricia Hera, a retired LHES teacher.

Mrs. Pimentel taught for 13 years on Oahu, most recently at Ewa Elementary School. Before that, she had quite a different career. This former Miss Hawaii 1998 spent years traveling with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau as a singer and dancer and sang at the famed Hanohano Room at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Now, she’s excited to return home with her husband and two children.

“The community hasn’t changed much,” she noted. “Families that I knew growing up are still here. I feel a sense of connection to the community. These deep-rooted community ties are comforting.”

Since moving back, Mrs. Pimentel and her family have had fun getting to know the island again.

“We enjoy our hiking trips at Kaiolohia, and our family helps with the work being done at Kanepuu,” said Mrs. Pimentel. “Spending time with family is important.”