Photos by Linny Folau.

Yehenara Soukop (20) won the crown of the Miss Heilala 2019 early this morning Saturday, July 6 at the Miss Heilala Ball held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.  

The university student entered the pageant as Miss S&S Trading USA.

Born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii she is currently studying at the University of Hawaii majoring in Political Science.

Yehenara is also a professional dancer, having joined at the age of 14 a Production Company called 'Ring of Fire'. She is currently dancing for Hawaii’s largest and longest running Production Company, Tihati Production.

The prize winners were:

• Miss Heilala 2019 Miss S&S Trading USA, Yehenara Soukop,
• First runner-up Miss Apraxus NZ 2019, Jeanavieve Pome’e,
• Second runner-up, Miss Makahokovalu, Seletute Kinikini,
• Third runner-up, Miss Tonga Australia 2019 Anna Ma’ilei
• Fourth runner-up, Miss Bou Sports, Lesieli Tonga Kafa.

The new Miss Heilala prizes included a $5,000 cash prize and air tickets to Japan.

The 25 contestants had a tight bond and were in solidarity, as showed in their happiness and support for each other and loud cheers for the new Miss Heilala, when announced, in what turned out to be a dramatic finale.

The outgoing Miss Heilala Kalo Funganitao left the event in tears and did not return to the stage to crown this year's winner, after making a passionate vote of thanks. She went on to express anger and disappointment over her experiences during the last year.

An excited but tearful new Miss Heilala, crowned herself after being handed her crown by Hon. Semisi Sika the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure (Tourism).