By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
Heilala Week 2025 is set to begin on 27 June, when the contestants for the Miss Heilala pageant will be introduced at the opening ceremony. At their orientation, the contestants, will draw their order of appearance and pre-pageant interview topics.
The registration for the Miss Heilala Pageant closed yesterday, 11 June.
The official Miss Heilala Pageant Facebook page previously announced two contestants Miss Tika Way Creations, Malia Toatepi Tonga’uiha (20) and Miss Pangaimotu Island, Siosiana Patricia Taumoepeau (24). They will be joined by the winners of the regional contests that have yet to be decided.
Miss Ha’apai Masani
Four contestants are vying for the Miss Ha’apai Masani title in Ha'apai. The contestants are 'Elisvia Halatokoua (25), Adi Liliana ‘Olie (19), Leslie Fakahua (19), and ‘Unaloto Fa’aui (20). The winner will qualify and advance directly to the Miss Heilala Pageant in Tongatapu.
The Miss Vava’u and Miss ‘Eua contests were set to be held in the last month but were discontinued, due to undisclosed reasons.
Heilala program
During Heilala Week the orientation will be held on Friday morning 28 June, at the Tonga High Auxiliary Building School.
The first judging event will be a pre-pageant interview, at 10:00am Monday 1 July, at Fa’onelua Convention Center.
Other Miss Heilala events include the Introductions, and the colourful Sarong, Talent and Tau'olunga competitions on 2-3 July.
The rest of the events including the Puletaha, Island Creations, and Stage Interviews will be held on Friday night, 4 July, at the Tonga High School Stadium, followed by the crowning of the new Miss Heilala 2025-26.
