Eight girls have joined the 2015 Miss Heilala Pageant but registration is still open until the pageant starts on 30 June, with an orientation program at Liku'alofa Beach Resort.

The local girls are Miss 'Unuaki- 'o-Tonga Royal Institute Jessie Malupo (21) and Miss Blue 'o e Ano Koula Association Kayla Kengike (23).

Overseas contestants includes Miss Tonga-Australia Maria ‘Iveti Kolo (21), Miss Malo-e-Lelei Travel Lina Ku’uleialoha Po’oi (19), Miss Leiola Duty Free Brittne Fuimaono (21) from Hawaii, Miss Appraxus New Zealand Lavinia Finau (23), Miss Billfish Bar and Restaurant Tangi 'a Tonga Latu (18) and Miss Makamaile ‘o e Hala Toaongo Gladys Guttenbeil (20) from New Zealand.

Judging events

The Heilala Festival program held under a theme, ‘Tangane Tonga-Bravo Tonga’ will run from 22 June to 11 July and coincide with the Coronation celebrations.

The pageant's main judging events will be held from 7-10 July, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

A pre-pageant interview will be held on Monday morning 6 July at Davina House with the tau'olunga competition on the same evening.

The talent, sarong and island creation judging will be on Thursday, 9 July.

The new Miss Heilala 2015 will be crowned during a ball on Friday, 10 July.

A float parade will conclude the event on Saturday, 11 July.

The current Miss Heilala is Cassandra Ngaluafe (22).