One of the eight contestants in this year’s Miss Pacific Islands pageant will be crowned tonight, adding to the legacy of remarkable women who have held the prestigious title since its inception in 1987.
Over the decades, the pageant has showcased the beauty, intelligence, and cultural pride of Pacific women. Among the many titleholders, Tonga has had a strong presence, producing two winners who left a lasting impact on the competition.
Miss Solomon Islands Elsie Polosovai highlighted the empowerment the pageant brings, saying, “That’s the beauty and the positivity that comes with a platform such as the Miss Pacific Islands pageant. It gives empowerment to women and youth.”
In 1995, Ma’ata Moungaloa became the first Miss Tonga to win the crown when the pageant was hosted in her homeland. Her historic victory set the stage for future Tongan contestants, proving that the kingdom’s women could compete at the highest level. Twelve years later, in 2007, Tessi Leila Toluta’u claimed the title in extraordinary fashion. She swept all four major competition categories—Traditional Wear, Sarong, Talent, and Interview—an unprecedented achievement that highlighted the depth of Tongan culture and her exceptional abilities.
Now, nearly two decades after Tonga’s last win, hopes are high for Racheal Guttenbeil, the country’s representative for the 2024-25 pageant. Guttenbeil, a law graduate from Vava’u with German ancestry, encouraged young women to seize opportunities, stating, “I encourage you all to step forward, take chances, [for] the opportunities are there if you believe in yourself and you take the first step.”
As the competition reaches its climax, she has emerged as a fan favorite, with strong public support and confidence in her ability to bring the title home. At the end of the voting for People’s Choice at 2.00PM Tonga time today, the unofficial results show Miss Tonga leading with 122,000 votes followed by Miss Samoa with 104,000 votes. If Miss Tonga succeeds, she will become the third Tongan to wear the Miss Pacific Islands crown.
Since its rebranding in 2014, the pageant has been won by representatives from Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and American Samoa. Last year’s winner, Moemoana Schwenke of Samoa, will pass the crown tonight to a new ambassador of Pacific culture and identity.
Reflecting on the pageant’s significance, Schwenke shared, “Now 27 years later, I find myself in the same place, Solomon Islands, this time passing on my Miss Pacific Islands crown to the next queen.”
With the final results set to be announced tonight, the region eagerly awaits the next woman who will take her place among the Pacific’s most celebrated beauty queens.
