Solomon Islands prepares to host Miss Pacific Pageant 2025, with eight contestants confirmed to participate so far.
The Solomon Islands is preparing to host the prestigious Miss Pacific Pageant from February 1 to February 8, 2025, in Honiara. Pageant Director Joyce Konofilia of Solomon Host confirmed that, although government support has been slow, preparations are progressing well.
A total of eight contestants have been confirmed for the event, with the latest addition being Miss Cook Islands. Since the Cook Islands did not hold a national pageant in 2024, their representative will come from New Zealand, where she was crowned Miss Cook Islands Aotearoa.
The Miss Pacific Pageant, owned by the Government of Samoa, has not seen participation from Fiji and Vanuatu since 2013. As the host country, Solomon Islands stands to gain significant cultural and regional recognition by hosting this major event.
Ms. Konofilia, who has attended eight past editions of the pageant, expressed confidence in Solomon Islands’ ability to successfully host the event. She emphasized the importance of community involvement, with plans for the queens to engage with locals throughout their stay in Honiara. This approach aims to enhance the overall experience, allowing the queens to connect with the people of Solomon Islands.
Originally estimated at SBD 5 million, the budget for hosting the pageant has been revised to SBD 3 million. Ms. Konofilia remains optimistic that the government will provide the necessary support as the event date approaches.
To help cover costs, tickets for the crowning night will be available at various price points. General admission tickets will be sold for SBD 200, while tickets including dining will cost SBD 1,000. Tables for groups can be purchased for SBD 10,000, and children’s tickets will be available for SBD 100. Only ticket holders will be allowed access to the crowning night event.
A special community event is also scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2025, at the SMI grounds. Following the float parade, the queens will interact with the local community. Market stalls will be set up, with vendors able to pay a SBD 100 fee to participate, and entertainment will be provided throughout the day.
Ms. Konofilia emphasised that, as the host country, it is Solomon Islands’ responsibility to ensure the success of the pageant. Hosting the Miss Pacific Pageant presents a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s culture, heritage and hospitality to the Pacific region and beyond. It also boosts Honiara’s profile as a venue for significant regional events.
