Miss Heilala contestants model island style sarong swimwear

By Katalina Siasau

Miss Heilala contestants confidently modelled colourful sarong swimwear, with five of the 14 girls awarded top placings in the competition last night, 2 July 2026 at ‘Atele Indoor Stadium.

The contestants attracted the attention of the crowd as they walked the stage, some in bright colors and twisted styled sarongs.

Miss Heilala Pageant 2026, Sarong swimwear, top five in category, from left, Miss Apparatus NZ, Kathleen Vaeatangitau and Miss Lady Maria Australia Silia Matelau. Nuku'alofa. 2 July 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Miss Heilala Pageant 2026, Sarong swimwear, top five in category, from left, Miss S&S USA, Lavalava 'Esau, Miss Tali ki Fisi, Mele Ma'afu, and Miss Masani Connect - Ministry of Tourism, Tekifaiva Tu'itavake. Nuku'alofa. 2 July 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

The five sarong finalists, named in random order, are:

1. Miss Tali Ki Fisi, Mele Kafoatu Vilingia Maafu
2. Miss S&S USA, Lavalava He Kakala Hingoa Rigel Hedar Tu’ionetoa ‘Esau
3. Miss Masani Connect - Ministry of Tourism, Tekifaiva ‘I Hakau Tu’itavake
4. Miss Appraxus NZ 2026, Kathleen Monica Soana Vaeatangitau
5. Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026, Silia Sitoafa Matelau