Miss Fiji

Miss Fiji is a national Beauty pageant in Fiji.

In 1956, the Miss Fiji Pageant Association was established under the auspices of the local government and Fiji Airways, marking a significant moment in the nation's cultural and social history. This event was previously known as the Miss Hibiscus National Pageant, which had been a cherished tradition in Fiji, celebrating the beauty, talent, and cultural heritage of Fijian women. The first Miss Fiji crowned was Liebling Marlow, who set a high standard for future contestants with her grace and poise.

The pageant evolved over the years, gaining prestige and becoming a vital platform for young women to showcase their abilities and represent their country on the global stage. In 1979, Fiji made its debut in the Miss Universe pageant with Tanya Whiteside as its representative. This milestone was a proud moment for the nation, as it highlighted Fiji's growing presence in the international pageantry scene and provided a unique opportunity for its contestants to engage with diverse cultures and global audiences.

Since then, the Miss Fiji pageant has continued to be a significant event, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and the aspirations of its people. The collaboration with organizations like Fiji Airways underscores the importance of national pride and international representation, helping to elevate the status of the pageant and its participants.^[1]

In 2023 History was made, Fiji won its first International title. Alisha Idana won Miss World Supermodel Teen at the world Supermodel Pageant in Tasmania^[2]

In 2024, Manshika Prasad was initially named the winner only to be told two days later that the title's winner was Nadine Roberts. Miss Universe Fiji, run by Lux Projects, issued a press release saying that Prasad had been chosen in a rigged vote which favoured a “Fiji Indian” contestant to win because it would bring financial benefits to the event's manager. However, media reported that Roberts had been married to Jamie McIntyre, a man closely associated with Lux Projects.^[3] The Miss Universe Organization went on to reappoint Prasad as the winner following an investigation.^[4]

First held in 2015, The Miss Fiji Pageant was established to give winners of municipal-level pageants across the country—from Fiji’s 13 town and city municipalities—the chance to compete for a national title, and ultimately represent Fiji at the regional level. Before the national pageant was founded, Fiji’s representative to the regional competition was traditionally selected through the Miss Hibiscus pageant. Under that older system, Fiji won two Miss South Pacific (now Miss Pacific Islands) crowns: Merewalesi Nailatikau in 2009 ^[7] and Alisi Rabukawaqa in 2011 ^[8]. Under the new format, Anne Christine Dunn became the first woman to win at all three levels—municipal, national, and regional—when she won municipal (Hibiscus), was crowned Miss Fiji, and went on to win Miss Pacific Islands 2016. Her sweep was widely referred to in local media as the “Dunn Deal”^[9].

As of 2025, the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Katamotu and Miss Fiji Pageant Director Ana Tuiketei have confirmed that members of the Fijian diaspora living abroad are also invited to send representatives to participate in the pageant. However, no diaspora representatives were confirmed to have been sent.

On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age) for either contest, a runner-up is sent.

In 2012, the Miss World Fiji pageant was established as a separate entity, distinct from the original Miss Fiji Pageant Association. This move marked a significant development in the Fijian pageantry landscape, allowing for a dedicated platform to select representatives specifically for the Miss World competition.

The Miss International Fiji title does not exist. In 2012, under new ownership, there was an attempt to send a Fijian representative to the Miss International pageant. Unfortunately, this effort did not succeed due to a lack of sponsorship.