A colourful sarong wear and talent performances by seven Miss Heilala contestants wowed a large crowd during the pageant’s first night of competition last night, 7 July at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

The sarong and talent competitions are highlights of the annual pageant. Contestants showcased unique sarong wear. The talent performances included dancing, hula, singing and one contestant even "captained a ferry" last night.

The third judging event the Miss Heilala interview was held this morning at Davina House. 

The top four in each category were announced in random order. Two contestants who are doing particularly well are local contestant, Miss FISA/MV ‘Otuanga’ofa Sakae Tamo’ua (19), and Miss Bou’s Fashion from New Zealand, Cassandra Ngaluafe, who have won places in the sarong, talent and interview categories.

Top contestants

The top four in the Sarong Category were Miss FISA/MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, Sakae Tamo’ua; Miss Lady Maria Australia, Nicole Naufahu; Miss Bou’s Fashion, Cassandra Ngaluafe and Miss Super Cheap Tonga, Irene Hurrell.

In the Talent Category were Miss FISA/MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, Sakae Tamo’ua; Miss ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga, Mamana Fine; Miss Universal Pharmacy Seini Fakatava and Miss Bou’s Fashion, Cassandra Ngaluafe.

In  the Interview Category were Miss Melie Mei Langi Australia, Kesaia Tuiono; Miss FISA/MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, Sakae Tamo’ua; Miss Super Cheap Tonga, Irene Hurrell and Miss Bou’s Fashion Cassandra Ngaluafe.

The pageant continues on Wednesday night, July 9 with the Tau’olunga Competition followed by the final judging event, the Island Creation on Thursday, July 10.

The 2014-15 Miss Heilala will be crowned during a ball on Friday night, July 11 at Joe’s Kahana Lagoon.