Kanani Akina: American Girl of the Year 2011

Kanani Akina is the Girl of the Year Doll for 2011. She made her debut on Saturday, January 1st.

Kanani is a cheerful girl who helps others by sharing the aloha spirit. Whether she's greeting visitors at her family's shaved ice shop or protecting endangered monk seals, Kanani loves lending a hand. She has a cousin named Rachel who comes to stay with her for a month, and a best friend named Celina.

The 18" doll has long, light brown hair, hazel eyes, and tan skin. Her meet outfit is a blue floral print dress, blue sandals, a pretend kukui nut necklace and a hibiscus flower in her hair.

Her two books are Aloha Kanani and Good Job Kanani. Other related books include Lend a Hand, and Oodles of Ocean Fun.

I've added pictures of the Kanani doll and her accessories.

We already know about Kanani, but it looks like her cousin will be a doll too. Update: Since seeing a better image it looks like it's not a second doll after all. Shucks.

Kanani's Accessories include her dog, a pretend camera with 2 photos, a "Visit Hawaii" travel brouchure, marine life guide, and a tote.

Kanani's Paddleboard Set includes her paddleboard, paddle, life vest, sunscreen bottle, beach towel, mini Beach Sports Magazine, and a map of Kaua'i.

Kanani's Beach Outfit: Board shorts, halter swimsuit and headscarf.

*~*~*~* Other Kanani Items *~*~*~*

Kanani's Aloha Outfit: Aloha graphic t-shirt, belted capris, pink sandals, sunglasses, and faux kukui nut bracelet.

Kanani's Pajamas: Sleeveless floral tunic, cropped leggings, and plush flip-flop slippers.

Kanani's Lu'au Set: Halter top, double-layered skirt, 'uli'uli gourds, head wreath, lei, and flower anklets.

Kanani's Shaved Ice Stand w/ pretend shave ice maker, 5 flavor bottles, bottle caddy, serving tray, 6 shave ice scoops, 6 treat cups, pineapple, 6 napkins, 4 menus, 6 postcards, 3 signs, and a monk seal poster.

Kanani's Lounge Chair Set: Lounge chair, storage ottoman, pillow, and diary.

Hawaiian Monk Seal w/ mini newspaper article.

Kanani's Hawaiian Dress for Girls

Kanani's Pajamas for Girls

Kanani's Slippers for Girls

Share your spirit!

Starting in January 2011, be part of Kanani's world when you create and share your own Hawaiian e-card at americangirl.com/girloftheyear.

Each online postcard features a personalized message based on your answers to a few fun questions. You can forward cards to family and friends.

Every card is a chance to win a Kanani Doll and Book (a retail value $100).

The deadline to enter was April 15, 2011.

25 winners were randomly selected on April 30th 2011.

Kanani’s Beach Craft

Dallas: October 16
Denver: November 7
Kansas City: December 7

Kanani’s Hawaiian Celebration

Dallas: October 16

Kanani’s Hawaiian Lei Crafts

Kansas City: October 22, November 11

Kanani’s Hula Dance Steps Demo

Kansas City: October 22

Kanani’s Hawaiian Crafts

Kansas City: October 26, December 18

Visit americangirl.com for details.