By Katalina Siasau

A showcase of traditional Tongan tau'olunga dancing and costume (teunga) was elegantly presented by 14 Miss Heilala contestants last night, at Teufaiva Indoor Stadium.

The first night of the Miss Heilala Pageant saw a rather small number of supporters but their enthusiastic cheers for their favourite contestants were heard throughout the evening, despite the cool weather at the stadium.

The top five dancers were named in random order, with the winner to be announced on the final crowning night, Friday 3 July.

Miss Tau’olunga finalists:

• Miss 'Ananaa USA 2026, Rachael Riann Reed (21)
• 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 (27)
• Miss Appraxus NZ 2026, Kathleen Monica Soana Vaeatangitau (25)
• Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026, Silia Sitoafa Matelau (23)

Meanwhile, there will be a special award for the best traditional tau'olunga costume.

The Tau'olunga competition serves as the second judging event of the pageant, following a pre-pageant interview that was held earlier at the Tanoa International Hotel.

Best Interview finalists:

• Miss Vava’u Tourism 2026, Siutaisa Funaki (25)
• 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 (27)
• Miss Appraxus NZ 2026, Kathleen Monica Soana Vaeatangitau (25)
• Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026, Silia Sitoafa Matelau (23)