Photos by Linny Folau

Tonga's Miss Heilala 2008-09 is Fiona Makisi (21), a student doing a double major in Arts and Law at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Fiona who entered the contest as "Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia" was crowned Miss Heilala 2008-09 by Hon. Halaevalu Moheofo Tuita at the Heilala village on Tuesday night, July 29.

Fiona dominated the pageant by winning three of the judging events, - the Miss Tau'olunga competition, the interview and the talent competition.

Fiona's prizes include return tickets for two Tonga-Australia-Tonga on Pacific Blue airline, a $3,000 pa'anga cash prize and return tickets for two to Vava'u.

The first runner-up was Miss Island Girl, Lavinia Fonoifua, from the United States who won the Contemporary Island Creation section. Her prizes included return tickets for two Tonga-Auckland-Tonga and a cash prize of $1,500 pa'anga.

The second runner-up was Miss Tonga New Zealand 2008, Yvonne Cecilia Maama, who won the Sarong competition. Her prizes included return tickets for two Tonga-Fiji-Tonga and a $750 pa'anga cash prize.

The third runner-up was Miss Appraxus Tonga NZ Natasha Tafolo. She came second in the sarong and interview competition, winning a $500 cash prize and return tickets for two to Vava'u.

The Heilala Festivities continued in central Nuku'alofa with an Island Ball tonight at the Heilala Village. The Oceania Beach Volleyball competition runs until Saturday August 2.

The Heilala Festival concludes on Saturday with a farewell reception for invitees only at the Heilala Village.