SUVA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Miss American Samoa, Matauaina Toomalatai, was crowned on Saturday night Miss Pacific Islands 2017 in Nadi, the third largest city of Fiji, which hosted the 31st beauty pageant of the South Pacific island states.
Toomalatai's victory in the beauty contest has ended American Samoa's 15 year drought in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. She also claimed Miss Traditional Wear, Miss Photogenic and Miss Tourism Awards.
Miss Samoa Alexandra Iakopo, who is the runner up, took the prizes for Miss Internet, Miss Personality, Best Talent and Best Interview while Miss Papua New Guinea Niawali Anastacia Twai won the Best Sarong Award.
The 2nd runner up was Miss Fiji Hally Qaqa, who is currently completing her diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Fijian contestants won the title in 2009 when Merewalesi Nailatikau was crowned and Fiji has managed to regain the title two more times with Alisi Rabukawaqa in 2011 and Anne Dunn last year.
The four-day beauty contest started in Nadi on Wednesday.
