Miss Pacific Island Pageant 2026: Ailava Samuel Crowned Champion

In a remarkable showcase of beauty and talent, Ailava Samuel has been crowned the winner of the Miss Pacific Island Pageant 2026. The event took place in Fiji, where she triumphed over six other contestants representing various Pacific islands.

Ailava Samuel’s Historic Win

The 19-year-old’s victory is particularly significant as she becomes the fourth Fijian woman to secure this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of Anne Dunn, who took home the crown in 2016. Samuel’s achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also reflects the growing prominence of Fijian representatives in regional pageants.

Outstanding Performance in Interview Round

Adding to her accolades, Ailava Samuel also clinched the Best in Interview award, showcasing her eloquence and poise during the competition. This recognition further emphasizes her depth as a contestant, proving that beauty and intelligence go hand in hand.

Acknowledging Support and Dedication

In her heartfelt victory speech delivered after being crowned by last year’s winner, Litara Allen from Samoa, Samuel expressed her gratitude towards her family and team for their unwavering support throughout her journey. She dedicated her win to the entire nation, embodying the pride of her culture and the spirit of her people.

Runner-Up Highlights and Awards

Miss Papua New Guinea, Iampela Popena, was crowned the first runner-up and also received the titles of Best Traditional Wear and Miss Internet. Meanwhile, Miss Samoa, Iliganoa Feagaimali’i Soti, took home the second runner-up position, followed by Tonga’s Siosi’ana Patricia Taumoepeau as the third runner-up, who won awards for Best Sarong and Miss Tourism. Cook Islands’ Petra Mataiti earned the fourth runner-up title, along with accolades for Best Talent and Miss Photogenic.

Miss Personality Award

The Miss Personality award went to Kiribati’s representative, Atiterentaai Rinimarawa, recognizing her captivating charm and engaging demeanor throughout the event. These awards reflect the diverse talents and cultures present in the Pacific Island community, making the pageant an enriching experience for everyone involved.

Watch the Pageant Highlights on VITI+

For those who wish to relive the excitement of the Miss Pacific Island Pageant 2026, stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Enjoy all the captivating moments from this year’s competition anytime and anywhere.