The latest and tenth contestant to join the pageant was Miss Havelu Bulldog, Penelope Moeakiola.

During the interview held at the new Fifita House, the girls were each asked five similar questions, based on Tonga's history, culture, tourism and the Heilala Festival from a panel of judges consisting of Linda Ma'u, Rosamond Bing, Lano Fonua, Erling Ve'etutu and Tapu Panuve.

The top five contestants announced at the end of the interview were Miss Gano Excel NZ Ltd, Fualosa Feki; Miss Tonga New Zealand Kafo'atu Tulimaiau; Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, Mele'ana Taulahi; Miss Loumaile Lodge, Mafi Tu'inukuafe; and Miss Black Pearl Suites, Saloloma Takitaki.

Also present in the interview was the reigning Miss Heilala 2009-10 Paea Williams.

The pageant continues on Wednesday night, July 21, with the Miss Heilala Tau'olunga Competition, the second judging event. Following on July 22 will be the Miss Heilala Elegance Night featuring the sarong, talent and contemporary island creation competitions.

The new Miss Heilala 2010-11 will be crowned on Friday, July 23 at a Heilala 30th Anniversary Grand Ball.

Miss Heilala Contestants 2010
1. Miss Miss Gano Excel NZ Ltd, Fualosa Feki
2. Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia, April Sedger
3. Miss Steak and Rock, 'Unaloto Holani
4. Miss Havelu Bulldog, Penelope Moeakiola
5. Miss Tonga Tourism USA, Nyoka Lavulo
6. Miss Tonga New Zealand, Kafo'atu Tulimaiau
7. Miss Lelei Finance NZ, Adeline Latu
8. Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, Mele'ana Taulahi
9. Miss Loumaile Lodge, Mafi Tu'inukuafe
10. Miss Black Pearl Suites, Saloloma Takitaki