Zoe Alexandra Asue to rein as 2025 Makawao Stampede Queen

Pukalani resident Zoe Alexandra Asue has been named as 2025 Makawao Stampede Queen, according to an announcement from the Oskie Rice Event Center and Kaonoulu Ranch.

Asue, 23, is the daughter of Alysha Asue and Brandon Kusunoki. Her sister is Hunter Asue-Kusunoki, and her grandparents are Wayne and Leonora Asue.

Zoe Asue is from a long line of paniolos. Her great-grandmother was Agnes De Rego, a prominent name in Maui’s ranching and rodeo scene. De Rego was born on Haleakala Ranch to Joe Francis De Rego, who was the ranch foreman at the time.

Her great-grandfather, Manuel Asue, was a County chairman, who also owned a ranch. Her grandfather, Wayne Asue, a member of the former Maui Roping Club, competed in rodeos throughout his younger years and even traveled to Neighbor Islands to compete. In 2019, he was honored to receive the title of Grand Marshall at the Makawao Parade.

“Zoe fondly remembers tagging along with her papa to help at different rodeos and enjoyed the time they spent together,” according to the announcement. “She also remembers all of the horses she had the pleasure of riding, most notably, her soul horse, Zip, who passed in December of 2024. Zip taught her that horses mirror the souls of their riders. She described him as having a wild personality, with a soft heart and a free soul. He was a horse that she felt so safe around, being able to sit under him, and he wouldn’t move an inch.”

Aside from animals and rodeo, her bread and butter, however, was playing soccer. After graduating from King Kekaulike High School in 2020, Zoe moved to Pasco, Wash., to study psychology in addition to playing soccer. Upon her return to the islands, she took a full-time position with the Department of Education and will continue her education in the fall to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree and become a school-based counselor.

When asked why she wanted to be the Makawao Stampede Queen, Zoe said: “I decided to be the Stampede Queen because I feel that I can inspire people to never be afraid to try something new, no matter your age, you only live once! I want to encourage the young minds of our future that any goal or dream is possible if you set your heart and mind to it. I am taking on this title to represent all of my ʻohana. I see the Stampede Queen as a role model, someone who will represent the rodeo with positive morals, respect, and humbleness to the best of her ability. She is someone who needs to keep an open mind while expressing her confidence in her role.” 

Zoe thanked her family, including her Aunt Amanda, for taking the time and energy to make all of this possible. “It is not an easy task to accept but I am glad to know that I have a family who is willing to take on this journey with me” she said. Additionally, she expressed appreciation to Gabby Berce for guiding her through her role as Stampede Queen, the Miranda, and Masada Ohana, as well as the Makawao Stampede organizers for their continuous support.