Tonga to host Miss Pacific Islands 2018 [1]
Monday, December 11, 2017 - 18:22. Updated on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - 15:54.
Tonga will host the 2018 Miss Pacific Islands pageant, which is usually held around the first week of December.
Papua New Guinea (PNG), who was originally given the hosting rights, could not commit, and will host the pageant in 2019 instead, said Executive Secretary of the Pacific Island Pageant Secretariat and Samoa Tourism Authority’s Chief Executive, Papalii Sonya Hunter.
This year, nine contestants competed for the crown in the annual pageant.
Miss American Samoa, 23-year-old Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai, was crowned Miss Pacific Islands on Saturday, 9 December, at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, Fiji.
Miss American Samoa won Miss Photogenic, Miss National Tourism Award and Best Traditionally Inspired Attire.
1st runner up, Miss Samoa, Alexandra Iakopo, won the Miss Internet Award, Miss Personality Award, Best Talent Award and the Best Interview.
2nd runner up was Miss Fiji, Hally Qaqa.
3rd runner up went to Miss Cook Islands, Enerstina Bonsu-Maro.
The Best Sarong Award went to Miss Papua New Guinea, Niawali Twain.
The Miss Pacific Islands pageant was developed by the Government of Samoa to promote the cultures of the Pacific Islands region and celebrated its 31st anniversary this year.