Contestants, for the Miss Heilala Pageant 2026 (above) from left, top, Miss Tikaway Creations 2026, Meleane Pulotufietau Brown (24); Miss Tonga Australia 2026, Anitiveniana Talia’uli (26); Miss S&S USA, Lavalava He Kakala Hingoa Rigel Hedar Tu’ionetoa ‘Esau (26); Miss Masani Connect-Ministry of Tourism, Tekifaiva ‘I Hakau Tu’itavake (26); and Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026, Silia Sitoafa Matelau (23). Bottom row, from left, Miss 'Ananaa USA 2026, Rachael Riann Reed (21); Miss Tali Ki Fisi, Mele Kafoatu Vilingia Maafu (27); Miss Liku’alofa Resort, Melelupe Ongosia Piutau Tongi (22); Miss Vava’u Tourism 2026, Siutaisa Funaki (25); and Miss Appraxus NZ 2026, Kathleen Monica Soana Vaeatangitau (25).

Ten contestants have been named to appear in the Miss Heilala Pageant 2026, while the organizers expect further entries ahead of the annual pageant, which opens in a week, on 25 June.

The contestants, aged between 21 and 26 years, so far confirmed by the Ministry of Tourism are:

• Miss S&S USA, Lavalava He Kakala Hingoa Rigel Hedar Tu’ionetoa ‘Esau (26)
• Miss Tali Ki Fisi, Mele Kafoatu Vilingia Maafu (27)
• Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026, Silia Sitoafa Matelau (23)
• Miss Liku’alofa Resort, Melelupe Ongosia Piutau Tongi (22)
• Miss 'Ananaa USA 2026, Rachael Riann Reed (21)
• Miss Tonga Australia 2026, Anitiveniana Talia’uli (26)
• Miss Tikaway Creations 2026, Meleane Pulotufietau Brown (24)
• Miss Vava’u Tourism 2026, Siutaisa Funaki (25)
• Miss Appraxus NZ 2026, Kathleen Monica Soana Vaeatangitau (25)
• MIss Masani Connect - Ministry of Tourism, Tekifaiva ‘I Hakau Tu’itavake (26)

Heilala program

The Heilala Pageant program will officially begin with an orientation to be held on Thursday morning 25 June, at the Tanoa Hotel.

There are six judging categories tobe held over four nights of events.

The first two judging events will be a pre-pageant interview in the morning at the Tanoa Hotel, followed by a Tau’olunga competition in the evening at ‘Atele Indoor Stadium, on 30 June.

Other judging events of the pageant including the sarong and talent competitions to be held on 1 July, followed by an Island Creation judging event on 2 July at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium.

The remaining judging events include the stage interview and crowning night to be held at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium, on 3 July.