Angela Byrd will represent Hawaii in the 2011 Miss USA Pageant after being crowned Miss Hawaii USA 2011 Saturday night at the Dole Ballrooms.

Byrd, 23, is the daughter of Richard and Jongsil Byrd and lives in Kaimuki. She calls herself an "Army brat" after moving 15 times in 18 years before moving to Hawaii.

She is a model and enjoys surfing, musical instruments, reading and hiking.

"I hope to accomplish some amazing experiences within the community here on the island and represent Hawaii the best way possible," she said. "I feel I am a good representative, not only for Hawaii but the United States. I want to let people know that Hawaii is an amazing, diverse place."

The winner of the Miss USA Pageant, which will be held in April in Las Vegas, goes on to compete for Miss Universe.

Byrd said she would love to follow in the footsteps of Hawaii’s Brook Lee, who won the Miss Universe title in 1997.

While she wore a relatively inexpensive (under $500) gown from Calista for the Miss Hawaii USA pageant, she plans on a more elaborate dress, by Takeo and Eric Chandler of 2 Couture, for the Vegas competition.

"I’m going to have a dress designed," she said. "I am looking forward to putting my best foot forward."

Longer term, Byrd said she hopes to continue fashion modeling, especially on the runway, and to study to become a physician’s assistant and become active with organizations like Doctors Without Borders. Her other "passions," she says, are interior design and French cooking.

Also Saturday night, Moanalua High School senior Courtney Coleman 17, was crowned Miss Hawaii Teen USA 2011 at the Dole Ballrooms and will represent Hawaii in the 2011 Miss Teen USA Pageant.

Coleman is the daughter of Donald and Maribel Coleman and enjoys modeling, pageantry, volleyball and art.

Other awards presented Saturday night in the Miss Hawaii USA 2011 pageant were:

» Miss Photogenic: Myana Welch.

» Community Service Award: Monica Lempert.