THE five Miss Heilala contestants put on their best Tau'olunga dance performance last night, July 26, at the Heilala tent in central Nuku'alofa.

The Miss Heilala Tau'olunga competition is one of the highlights of the pageant with the contestants wearing beautiful traditional costumes.

The pageant continues tomorrow night Thursday, July 28, with the final judging event of sarong, talent and island creation competitions in a South Pacific night. The new Miss Heilala 2011-12 will be crowned on Friday night, July 29.

Last night's show also featured young dancers in the the Miss Tau'olunga Junior (5-8 years) and Miss Tau'olunga Pre-Teen (9-12 years) competitions.

The winner of the Miss Tau'olunga Junior was 'Ana Malia Falemaka of Lapaha who received $500 cash prize and return ticket for two, Tonga-Auckland-Tonga.

Miss Tau'olunga Pre-Teen was won by 'Akanesi Pongia of Kolofo'ou who received the same prizes.

The contestants in the Miss Heilala Pageant are Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, 'Elisapeta 'Akau'ola, Miss Siangana Travel and Gateway to Paradise Tours, Liberty Afeaki, Miss Friendly Islands USA, Pi'ilani Afu, Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia, Victoria Langafisi and Miss National Tongan American Society of Utah Lavinia Malekamu.

The pageant winner will be announced on Friday night, July 29.