Heilala fever builds in Tonga, as Festpac delegation returns

The celebrations may have ended, but the feeling of Pacific pride lingers for those who attended the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawai’i.

The Honourable Frederica Tuita led the delegation from Tonga, and said the opening ceremony was an unforgettable experience.

“There was just such a wonderful energy in the air, as soon as you walked in, there was this huge stadium.

“The opening item from Hawai’i side, they had their hula performance, and it felt very sacred, very spiritual.”

The delegation from Tonga had 44 people, but Tuita said their numbers were bolstered by more people in the audience.

“There were so many Tongans, all the Tongan flags were there, waving from the stands and it was just a wonderful sight to see. It just brought everyone so much joy and everyone was so moved.”

Flags furiously waved from the stands at Festpac's opening ceremony in Hawai'i. Photo/PMN News/Khalia Strong

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Tuita said the energy made her rise from her chair.

“There was no plan for me to stand up and dance, I was just supposed to sit there and support our girls who had performed, but I just couldn’t help myself, I just jumped up and danced.

“And it was the same for the MC of the evening, Telesia Tonga, she was trying to show all the islands equal love, but she could not help herself either.

“When the Tongans started dancing, I jumped up, I just looked over to my side and there she was, dancing alongside us.”

Telesia Tonga honoured Tuita in a social media post.

"[To] Our Princess ‘Eiki Hon. Frederica Lupeuluiva Fatafehi Lapaha Tuita for being the most outstanding & gracious representative of our Island Kingdom, you won the hearts of all our Pacific people at Festpac."

The group presented a tapa cloth measuring more than 20 metres as a gift to the Governor of Hawai’i, Josh Green. Tuita was later invited to take part in an exclusive afternoon tea by First Lady of Hawai'i Jaime Kanani Green.

Hawai'i First Lady Jaime Green and Hon. Frederica Tuita. Photo/Festpac 2024 Tonga facebook page

Heilala fever ramps up

Celebrations are just beginning for those in the Kingdom, with Heilala events starting next week.

“It’s starting with our huge national church conference", says Tuita. "We have hundreds of people flying in from overseas, the flights are all fully booked for that and for Heilala.”

Heilala is the national flower of Tonga, and the festivities and pageant happen across two weeks, ending with a public holiday to mark the birthday of King Tupou VI on the 4th of July.

Twelve contestants are vying for the Miss Heilala crown, and will make their first public appearance at the Heilala Village in Nuku'alofa on Wednesday.

Tuita, who is also the Ministry of Tourism’s principal officer, says months of planning been involved, leading up to the King’s birthday celebrations.

“It’s going to be an even bigger celebration because it’s his 65th birthday this year.

“We’re going to have more events for Heilala, we have food festivals … we’re organising best chef competitions, best bartender, best florists, so there’s a lot happening.”

Heilala Festival events:

June 24: Best Floral Arrangement and Heilala Cultural Floorshow Competition.
June 25: Chef of the Year and Tonga’s Got Talent.
June 26: Bartender of the Year and Cultural Singing Competition.
June 27: Lalanga Kato Competition and Acts Community School Cultural Night.
June 28: Tourism Poem Competition and Cultural Dance Competition – Junior Miss Tau’olunga.
June 29: Heilala Food Festival & Family Fun Fair, Heilala Float Parade

Heilala Pageant events:

June 26: Contestants first public appearance at Heilala Village

June 29: Heilala Festival Parade from St Andrews field to the CBD

July 1: Pre-pageant Interview and Stage Introduction/On-stage Interview.
July 2: Sarong Wear Judging.
July 3: Teunga Tau’olunga and Tau’olunga Judging.
July 4: Tutupakanava/Tongan Torch Evening and Talent Judging.
July 5: Miss Heilala Crowning and Ball, and One Tonga Block Party.

Watch the full interview on Pacific Mornings: