This week, the Solomon Islands is hosting the highly anticipated 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, where eight contestants from across the Pacific region are competing for the crown.
Honiara welcomes the pageant for the second time since its establishment in 1987. The event officially began on Sunday and includes a series of activities leading up to the grand crowning ceremony this weekend.
Representing their nations, contestants from the Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and the Cook Islands are vying for the prestigious title. The reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Moemoana Safato’a Schwenke from Samoa, will lead the contestants through the week’s events in what organizers describe as “a celebration of Pacific culture, leadership, and empowerment.” Moemoana, who grew up in Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia, dominated last year’s competition by winning all judged categories.
For Moemoana, this moment is deeply personal. Her mother, Mary Jane McKibbin Schwenke, won the title in 1997, making this year’s pageant a full-circle moment.
“She was Miss South Pacific 1997 and had the honor of crowning the first Miss Solomon Islands in 1998. Now, 27 years later, I am in the same place, Solomon Islands, passing on my Miss Pacific Islands crown to the next queen,” Moemoana reflected on social media.
This year’s theme, ‘Leadership in Diversity and Adversity,’ sets the tone for contestants who are using their platforms to inspire and empower young women across the Pacific.
Miss Tonga, Rachael Guttenbeil, encouraged young women to take bold steps forward. “I encourage you all to step forward and take chances. The opportunities are there if you believe in yourself and take the first step.”
Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai, emphasized the positive impact of the pageant. “The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant brings visibility and empowerment. It provides a platform that uplifts women and youth.”
Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia Allen, is focused on advocating for young voices. “One thing I hope to continue beyond this pageant is to highlight youth voices, as they are often leading change in our communities.”
Miss American Samoa, Pauliana Felsie-Vitale, spoke about the strong cultural ties between her country and Samoa. “The only difference between my fellow Samoan contestant, Litara, and me is politics. Samoa is independent, and we are a U.S. territory. But culturally, we are the same—we share the same traditions, values, and love for each other.”
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is distinct from other beauty competitions. Instead of a swimsuit category, contestants participate in a sarong section. Traditional wear replaces the evening gown segment, allowing skilled Pasifika designers to showcase their cultural artistry.
Tavuli News reporter Jeremy Gwao noted the excitement among young people in Honiara. “Now that the pageant is here, young people are eager to experience what a beauty pageant is like. It’s an opportunity to see how young women are empowered and celebrated.”
On Thursday, the contestants will participate in pre-pageant interviews, a significant segment where they discuss selected topics and answer questions from the judges. The excitement continues on Friday with the float parade, a signature event where contestants will ride through the streets of Honiara on creatively decorated floats.
The grand finale takes place on Saturday, with contestants competing in multiple categories, including sarong, talent, traditional attire, and onstage interviews.
This year, the pageant is missing representatives from Fiji, Niue, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Tahiti, Rapa Nui, New Caledonia, and Hawaii.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Moemoana emphasized the unity of the Pacific region. “Miss Pacific Islands is about more than just one island. It represents the collective heartbeat of the Pacific. We are one ocean, one people, and this platform allows us to embrace our shared identity and connection.”
