Kalolaine Funganitao, Miss Appraxus Tonga New Zealand, 23, was crowned Miss Heilala 2018 by former winner Miss Heilala 2017 Ophelia Kava in front of a packed audience in Nuku’alofa on Saturday night.
Her triumph as Tonga’s pageant winner has secured her a place to run for the ultimate beauty crown of Miss Pacific Islands pageant in Nuku’alofa in December.
The first runner up was Miss Villa Ishadora, Mele Lupe Vete.
Miss S&S USA Store ‘Ailini Vakalahi became the second runner up.
Miss Kalolaine won four of the five judging categories including island creation, pre-interview, talent, and sarong wear.
She won a $5,000 cash prize, a return ticket for two to San Francisco and other prizes.
Former winner Miss Heilala 2017 Ophelia Kava and Miss Kalolaine were both sponsored by Sālote Heletā Lilo and Appraxus Tonga New Zealand.
