Crowd favourite Siosi’ana Taumoepeau has been crowned Miss Heilala 2025-2026 at a special event held at the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium in Nuku'alofa.

At just 24 years old, Taumoepeau represents Pangaimotu Island and has a unique background, having been born in Germany, spent her childhood in the United States and Canada, and has French roots.

She triumphed over six other young women to claim the title on Friday evening. The weeklong Miss Heilala celebrations also marked the Tongan King Tupou VI's 66th birthday.

Taumoepeau is not only celebrated for her beauty but also for her family legacy: her mother, Anita Roberts, from Fasi and Kotu, was a Miss Heilala winner back in 1997.

Taumoepeau has a degree in Business Marketing Management from Biola University in California and studied Biblical Theology.

She loves to travel and has explored over 30 countries. As a Christian, she is passionate about helping others.

Taumoepeau says her work with Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian organisation, has allowed her to serve communities in need around the world, providing aid, hope, and healing in the name of Jesus.

“I step into this journey humbly, with love for our Kingdom and the courage to glorify God in all I do.

"Join me as I carry the voice of our people, connect our Tongan community around the world, and reflect the hopes of a generation rooted in culture, faith, and purpose."

Photo/Pasifika: Crowns & Sashes

During the competition, she won two categories: Best Sarong Beachwear and Best Puletaha.

She was also the first runner-up in the Talent and Island Creation categories and the second runner-up in the Pre-pageant Interview.

Her special awards included Miss Popularity/Miss Internet, Miss Photogenic, Miss Tourism, and Best Tau’olunga Costume.

As the winner, she received 10,000 Pa'anga (NZ$7000) and other prizes.

Miss Pacific Islands and Miss Sāmoa, Litara Ieremia-Allan, left, and former Miss Heilala Racheal Guttenbeil. Photo/Miss Heilala pageant

Taumoepeau was crowned by her predecessor, Racheal Guttenbeil, who is also a lawyer and professional model from Vava'u and has German heritage.

The weeklong event featured special guests, including Miss Pacific Islands and Miss Sāmoa, Litara Ieremia-Allan, and Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Maoate.

Earlier, the contestants modelled Tongan Puletaha (a formal outfit in one colour), each proudly showcasing the design of their outfits to reflect the Tongan culture and creativity.

Miss Heilala contestants. Photo/Miss Heilala pageant

Other winners

First runner-up: Miss Current of Love Charity Vava’u, Talita Fainga’a. The 25-year-old is from ‘Alo I Talau, Neiafu, Vava’u. She also won the Best Pre-pageant Interview and the Best Talent Quest awards. Fainga'a received 7000 Pa'anga (NZ$5000) as her prize.

Second runner-up: Miss Tika Way Creations, Malia Toatepi Tonga’uiha. The 20-year-old hails from Ovaka, Vava’u, and Felemea, Ha’apai. She also won the Best Tau'olunga and Best Island Creation awards and was the second runner-up in the Sarong Beachwear competition. She won 5000 Pa'anga (NZ$3400).

Third runner-up: Miss Tongatapu 2, Fugaau Elizabeth Amanaki Mafi. The 25-year-old is from the villages of Niuafo’ou, Ma’ufanga, Kolofo’ou, and Fanga. She was first runner-up in the Pre-pageant interview, Sarong, Puletaha, and second runner-up in the Island Creation competition.

Fourth runner-up: Miss S&S USA, Sinivia Tu’avao. The 21-year-old comes from Lotofoa Ha’apai, Ofu, Falevai, Vava’u and Talafo’ou. She was first runner-up in the Tau'olunga and second runner-up in the Talent competitions.

Watch Miss Heilala Siosi’ana Taumoepeau during the pageant.