Law graduate, Rachael Guttenbeil was crowned Miss Heilala 2024 at the at the Heilala Village in Nuku’alofa.
Sponsored by AGT and Maa’imoa Catering, Guttenbeil was among 12 contestants competing for the prestigious Heilala Festival crown. The 26-year-old stood out in various categories, including sarong wear, pre-pageant interviews, and the traditional tau’olunga dance, impressing both judges and the audience.
Her performances and confidence paid off, earning her widespread support online. Almost 9,800 likes on the Heilala Festival Facebook page saw Guttenbeil crowned Miss Popularity in addition to excelling in the other competition categories.
Guttenbeil will represent Tonga at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant hosted by Solomon Islands in January 2025.