Ha’apai Masani Tourism Festival returns 13–20 June with sport, culture and community on full display across the island group.
The week-long event, held annually in the Ha’apai island group, celebrates local heritage through sport, art, food and traditional competitions. This year’s festivities include rugby league, floral displays, cooking contests, and the highly anticipated Miss Ha’apai Masani Heilala Festival.
Each day begins at 5:30am with community zumba sessions, followed by a healthy breakfast sponsored by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Sanitarium. Evening events are staged at Maama o Mamani Hall.
Festival highlights include the Tau’olunga and Pulelata cultural dance competitions, canoe racing, basket weaving, coconut husking and poetry contests. The Best Chef Competition will feature traditional cuisine, while the Housekeeping Competition focuses on local hospitality standards.
Organisers say the festival is “a proud showcase of Ha’apai’s unique identity and community spirit.”
According to the official program, the Miss Ha’apai float parade and pageant finale will take place on Friday, 20 June, concluding with interviews, awards and the crowning of the 2025–2026 queen.
So far there are four beauty contestants for the 2025 Miss Ha’apai Masani crown.
Tourism leaders hope the festival will draw domestic and international visitors, boosting local livelihoods and cultural pride.
Weather permitting, all events are expected to proceed as scheduled.
