2007-2008 Miss South Pacific
The Miss South Pacific pageant has celebrated its 20th anniversary of promoting Pacific women and tourism with last November’s event in Apia, Samoa showcasing just how far the event has evolved. The pageant finale held at the EFKS Hall saw Miss Tonga, Tessi Leila Toluta'u crowned the winner, the first Tongan to win the title in 12 years. Outgoing Miss South Pacific, Krystina Kauvai, of the Cook Islands, passed on her sash and crown to her successor, who is a promotional dancer for the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii and an Academic Tutor at Kahuku High School.
The 20 year-old Tongan born beauty was a deserved winner, taking out four of the special categories including Best Traditionally Inspired Attire, Best Sarong, Best Talent and Best Interview.
Tessi admitted being ecstatic and overwhelmed and dedicated her win to her homeland hoping that her achievement would serve as a beacon of hope for her people. While based in Hawai’i with her parents, she has taken a year of work to relocate back to Tonga where she will work for the Tonga Visitor’s Bureau.