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By the People, for the People
Abalos Wins Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee
Eighth-grader from Kapaa Middle School takes top prize, advances to state competition.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Twenty students representing schools across Kauai participated in the 2026 Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Friday night. Makenzie Abalos, an eighth-grader from Kapaa Middle School, emerged victorious after 16 rounds, correctly spelling the word 'syringe' to claim the championship trophy and a spot in the state spelling bee.
Why it matters
The Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee is an annual tradition that brings together top spellers from across the island, showcasing the academic talents of local students. Winning the regional competition and advancing to the state level is a significant achievement that can open doors for further educational and scholarship opportunities.
The details
The bee featured 20 spellers who had won their respective school-level competitions. After two rounds where students could intentionally misspell words to get used to the judges' 'ding,' the field was whittled down through 15 rounds of increasingly challenging words. Abalos outlasted Ethan Irimata of Hawaii Technical Academy to claim the title, correctly spelling 'cryptic' and 'syringe' in the final rounds.
- The 2026 Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee took place on Friday, February 9, 2026.
- The state spelling bee that Abalos will compete in is scheduled for later this spring.
The players
Makenzie Abalos
An eighth-grade student at Kapaa Middle School who won the 2026 Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee.
Ethan Irimata
A student at Hawaii Technical Academy who was the runner-up in the 2026 Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee.
Sean Doi
The Kauai Complex Area District Education Specialist who oversees the annual spelling bee.
Jan TenBruggencate
The pronouncer for the 2026 Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee.
Michael Depoe, Leslie Labuguen, and Darlene Muraoka
The panel of judges for the 2026 Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee.
What they’re saying
“The words appeared to be easy. I didn't study the list much. The hardest word I had was 'neaten,' but that's because I wasn't listening to the pronouncer that well. I'm going to have to study now.”
— Makenzie Abalos (thegardenisland.com)
“If we know next year's Super Bowl date, we'll know next year's Kauai District Spelling Bee.”
— Sean Doi, Kauai Complex Area District Education Specialist (thegardenisland.com)
What’s next
Makenzie Abalos will represent Kauai at the state spelling bee scheduled for later this spring.
The takeaway
The Kauai Complex Area Spelling Bee continues to be a cherished annual tradition that showcases the academic excellence of local students. Winning the regional competition and advancing to the state level is a significant achievement that can open doors for further educational and scholarship opportunities.
