Mx. Lei Away 2026 Pinup Contest - Destination, Aloha!
Advertisement
Lei Away Presents —
The Inaugural Mx. Lei Away Pinup Contest
• Destination: Kansas City, Missouri
• Departure: September 19, 2026, 1:30PM
• Occasion: Lei Away – Your Midwest Escape!
• Your Host for the Journey: Birdy Mercury
Paradise is Calling.
Pack your finest pāke muʻu, press your favorite aloha shirt, and prepare for a journey into a world where bamboo sways in the breeze, the cocktails are cold, and island melodies drift through the evening air. A new crown is calling from beneath the palms.
"Every great escape deserves an icon"
Inspired by the golden age of travel and the timeless romance of the South Seas, the inaugural Mx. Lei Away Pinup Contest celebrates the spirit, style, and charm of a bygone era– when glamour was an art form and every entrance was an occasion. Whether you're a seasoned showstopper or a first-time contender, this is your invitation to step into the spotlight.
On Saturday, September 19, one extraordinary contestant will be crowned the very first Mx. Lei Away—The Crowned Castaway and will carry the spirit of Lei Away until the next journey begins.
We're searching for someone with vintage flair, unmistakable style, and a welcoming spirit. Whether you're an Island Siren, a Bamboo Baron, or simply someone who embodies the magic of paradise, we're looking for an ambassador who leads with warmth, kindness, and aloha.
Our reigning Mx. Lei Away will represent the Lei Away family and reflect the heart and soul of our community -
As the inaugural titleholder, the winner of Mx. Lei Away will serve as an ambassador for the Lei Away community throughout the year. We hope our Crowned Castaway will help promote future Lei Away events, engage positively with fellow attendees and contestants, and represent the welcoming spirit, creativity, and aloha that make our event so special.
________________________________________
Contest Theme:
Destination, Aloha! — The Golden Age of Tropical Travel
Step back into an era when the journey was just as glamorous as the destination.
Celebrating the spirit of adventure and escape, this year's theme embraces classic tropical resort wear, traditional island attire, and the unmistakable style of the Jet Age – where Pan Am flights, bamboo lounges, island melodies, and tropical glamour captured the imagination.
From elegant ocean voyages and luxurious island retreats to hidden bamboo hideaways beneath the palms, contestants are invited to bring their own unique vision of paradise to the stage.
Contest attire should capture the glamour, romance, and adventure of tropical travel during the 1940s and 1950s. Contestants are encouraged to embrace the glamour of the era in vintage, or vintage-inspired fashion and styling that reflects the spirit of mid-century island escapism.
Inspiration for the Ladies:
• Traditional Hawaiian or Polynesian fashion
• Vintage tropical resort wear
• Sarong dresses
• Hawaiian sundresses in classic 1950s silhouettes
• Pāke Muʻus
• Holokū, Holomūʻū, and Muʻumuʻus
• Tea timer tops
• Hostess gowns and hostess sets
• Caftans
• Tropical florals, tapa prints, and island-inspired textiles
For additional inspiration, explore the work of iconic Hawaiian designers and labels such as Shaheen, Kamehameha, Hawaiian Togs, and Royal Hawaiian, or look to classic films such as Blue Hawaii and South Pacific.
Inspiration for the Gents:
• Aloha shirts
• Cabana sets
• Tropical suits
• White dinner jackets
• Guayaberas
• Vintage resort wear
• Safari suits
• Smoking jackets
• Island-inspired formalwear
• Traditional Polynesian attire
True vintage, vintage-inspired, custom-made, or high-quality reproduction garments are all welcome and encouraged.
________________________________________
Contestants will be evaluated on:
• Embodying the Theme & Capturing the Era
• Overall Appearance & Styling
• Originality & Creativity
• Stage Presence & Posing
• Personality & Crowd Appeal
• Thoughtful Question Response
Just as important as style is the ability to connect with others through kindness, camaraderie, and the welcoming spirit that defines the Lei Away community.
If you're ready to pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and help us begin a new tradition, we invite you to compete for the inaugural title of Mx. Lei Away 2026.
Your destination: Paradise.
Deadline to register is September 5th
Contestants must be 18 years of age or older.
Link to submit your registration:
https://form.jotform.com/261588559255169
Become Part of the Journey --
The inaugural Mx. Lei Away Pinup Contest is setting sail, and we're currently welcoming sponsors who would like to help us create an unforgettable vintage escape for our contestants and winners. Join us as we begin a new tradition and celebrate the glamour, community, and aloha spirit that make Lei Away so special.
For sponsorship opportunities and additional information, please contact [email protected].
Get all the details for the Lei Away at https://www.theleiaway.com/
Come sip island-inspired cocktails, savor vibrant island cuisine, dive into cultural seminars, dig on live music, and shop the vendors at our Lei'd Back Bazaar!
instagram: @theleiaway
Facebook: Lei Away
The Inaugural Mx. Lei Away Pinup Contest
• Destination: Kansas City, Missouri
• Departure: September 19, 2026, 1:30PM
• Occasion: Lei Away – Your Midwest Escape!
• Your Host for the Journey: Birdy Mercury
Paradise is Calling.
Pack your finest pāke muʻu, press your favorite aloha shirt, and prepare for a journey into a world where bamboo sways in the breeze, the cocktails are cold, and island melodies drift through the evening air. A new crown is calling from beneath the palms.
"Every great escape deserves an icon"
Inspired by the golden age of travel and the timeless romance of the South Seas, the inaugural Mx. Lei Away Pinup Contest celebrates the spirit, style, and charm of a bygone era– when glamour was an art form and every entrance was an occasion. Whether you're a seasoned showstopper or a first-time contender, this is your invitation to step into the spotlight.
On Saturday, September 19, one extraordinary contestant will be crowned the very first Mx. Lei Away—The Crowned Castaway and will carry the spirit of Lei Away until the next journey begins.
We're searching for someone with vintage flair, unmistakable style, and a welcoming spirit. Whether you're an Island Siren, a Bamboo Baron, or simply someone who embodies the magic of paradise, we're looking for an ambassador who leads with warmth, kindness, and aloha.
Our reigning Mx. Lei Away will represent the Lei Away family and reflect the heart and soul of our community -
As the inaugural titleholder, the winner of Mx. Lei Away will serve as an ambassador for the Lei Away community throughout the year. We hope our Crowned Castaway will help promote future Lei Away events, engage positively with fellow attendees and contestants, and represent the welcoming spirit, creativity, and aloha that make our event so special.
________________________________________
Contest Theme:
Destination, Aloha! — The Golden Age of Tropical Travel
Step back into an era when the journey was just as glamorous as the destination.
Celebrating the spirit of adventure and escape, this year's theme embraces classic tropical resort wear, traditional island attire, and the unmistakable style of the Jet Age – where Pan Am flights, bamboo lounges, island melodies, and tropical glamour captured the imagination.
From elegant ocean voyages and luxurious island retreats to hidden bamboo hideaways beneath the palms, contestants are invited to bring their own unique vision of paradise to the stage.
Contest attire should capture the glamour, romance, and adventure of tropical travel during the 1940s and 1950s. Contestants are encouraged to embrace the glamour of the era in vintage, or vintage-inspired fashion and styling that reflects the spirit of mid-century island escapism.
Inspiration for the Ladies:
• Traditional Hawaiian or Polynesian fashion
• Vintage tropical resort wear
• Sarong dresses
• Hawaiian sundresses in classic 1950s silhouettes
• Pāke Muʻus
• Holokū, Holomūʻū, and Muʻumuʻus
• Tea timer tops
• Hostess gowns and hostess sets
• Caftans
• Tropical florals, tapa prints, and island-inspired textiles
For additional inspiration, explore the work of iconic Hawaiian designers and labels such as Shaheen, Kamehameha, Hawaiian Togs, and Royal Hawaiian, or look to classic films such as Blue Hawaii and South Pacific.
Inspiration for the Gents:
• Aloha shirts
• Cabana sets
• Tropical suits
• White dinner jackets
• Guayaberas
• Vintage resort wear
• Safari suits
• Smoking jackets
• Island-inspired formalwear
• Traditional Polynesian attire
True vintage, vintage-inspired, custom-made, or high-quality reproduction garments are all welcome and encouraged.
________________________________________
Contestants will be evaluated on:
• Embodying the Theme & Capturing the Era
• Overall Appearance & Styling
• Originality & Creativity
• Stage Presence & Posing
• Personality & Crowd Appeal
• Thoughtful Question Response
Just as important as style is the ability to connect with others through kindness, camaraderie, and the welcoming spirit that defines the Lei Away community.
If you're ready to pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and help us begin a new tradition, we invite you to compete for the inaugural title of Mx. Lei Away 2026.
Your destination: Paradise.
Deadline to register is September 5th
Contestants must be 18 years of age or older.
Link to submit your registration:
https://form.jotform.com/261588559255169
Become Part of the Journey --
The inaugural Mx. Lei Away Pinup Contest is setting sail, and we're currently welcoming sponsors who would like to help us create an unforgettable vintage escape for our contestants and winners. Join us as we begin a new tradition and celebrate the glamour, community, and aloha spirit that make Lei Away so special.
For sponsorship opportunities and additional information, please contact [email protected].
Get all the details for the Lei Away at https://www.theleiaway.com/
Come sip island-inspired cocktails, savor vibrant island cuisine, dive into cultural seminars, dig on live music, and shop the vendors at our Lei'd Back Bazaar!
instagram: @theleiaway
Facebook: Lei Away
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Cezanne, 1535 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64108-1340, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherShayla Hopcraft Browning
