Story and photos by Katalina Siasau
Silia Matelau (22), was crowned Miss Heilala 2026 tonight, 3 July 2026, at the Miss Heilala Ball in the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium. The US-born Tongan, who entered the pageant as Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026, won all but one of the main judging categories.
Silia received her sash from HRH the Crown Princess, Sinaitakala Tuku’aho, and was crowned by the former Miss Heilala, Siosi’ana Taumoepeau. The crowd was pleased with the result, with happy vibes throughout the announcement of the results, cheering loudly for Silia whenever she was called to receive an award. She won Miss Interview, Best Tau'olunga, Best Talent, and Best Sarong Wear, and was first runner-up in the island creation. She also won a special award for Best Teunga Tau'olunga Kakala (dancing costume).
With the Heilala crown, she also received $5000 pa'anga in prize money and two tickets from Tongatapu to any direct Fiji Airways destination.
MIss Heilala will represent the Kingdom as Miss Tonga in the 2027 Miss Pacific Islands regional pageant.
Silia hails from the villages of Fo’ui, Fahefa, Kolomotu’a, Kolovai, Neiafu, and Niuafo’ou. Before travelling to Tonga to compete in the Heilala pageant, Silia worked at a restaurant in Florida, USA.
She has been ballet dancing since she was 10 years old and has some experience in modelling. She also has a passion for art, painting, and drawing.
Other prize winners were:
- First runner-up, Miss Masani Connect - Ministry of Tourism, Tekifaiva ‘I Hakau Tu’itavake (27)
- Second runner-up, Miss S&S USA, Lavalava He Kakala Hingoa Rigel Hedar Tu’ionetoa ‘Esau (26)
- Third runner-up, Miss Tikaway Creations 2026, Meleane Pulotufietau Brown (24)
- Fourth runner-up, Miss Tonga Australia 2026, Anitiveniana Talia’uli (26)
The 14 contestants showed a close and loving bond as they celebrated each other's wins, and with the new Miss Heilala on stage, the girls ran toward each other and danced as the crowd joined with more happy cheers.
Special awards
- Miss Personality: Miss 'Eua Tourism, Petiola Samanta Tongisia Pola Jr Siua Masila (21)
- Miss Photogenic and Miss Internet: Miss 'Ananaa USA 2026, Rachael Riann Reed (21)
- Miss Tourism and Best Ball Gown: Miss Tali Ki Fisi, Mele Kafoatu Vilingia Maafu (27)
- Best Teunga Tau'olunga Contemporary: Miss Masani Connect - Ministry of Tourism, Tekifaiva ‘I Hakau Tu’itavake (27)
Assisting with the awards on stage were the Tourism Minister and Director of the Heilala Festival, Hon. Semisi Sika, Tourism CEO Sandradee Fifita, and other guests.
