Rhyelle Aisea, crowned as Miss Hibiscus 2025, is determined to bring positive change to her community. The 20-year-old proudly celebrated her Rotuman heritage during the week-long festival in Suva, expressing her disbelief at being on stage as a pageant queen, a dream that seemed unlikely just a month ago. Encouraging young people to pursue their dreams, Aisea attributes her success to her family, the National Fire Authority team, and her supporters who guided her throughout this journey.
Aisea’s dominance at the festival was unmistakable as she secured the Best Float, Best Talent, and iTaukei Night Cultural Performance awards. The first runner-up, Temalesi Tuiwalese, representing Miss Unique Rubber Stamps, also left her mark by winning the Miss Photogenic and People’s Choice awards, while Tiare Colavoli from Miss Leleuvia Resort secured the second runner-up position.
The event saw overwhelming support from festival-goers, underpinning the close-knit community spirit that makes Suva’s festivals so special. Aisea is set to represent Suva in the upcoming Miss Fiji Pageant. Success there would see her advance to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, which will be hosted in Fiji next year.
Her journey and victory echo the story of earlier Miss Hibiscus winners like Melania Tora, the 2024 crown holder. Tora used her platform to foster social change and community service, a testament that pageantry can be a powerful avenue for advocating for significant societal issues. Inspired by Tora and others before her, Aisea intends to uphold this legacy, focusing heavily on issues dear to her, such as emergency services awareness through her association with the National Fire Authority. By championing safety and inclusiveness, she seeks to raise critical awareness and preparedness amongst her peers.
Aisea’s story is one of personal growth and the power of stepping out of comfort zones to achieve meaningful contributions to society. Her aspirations and dedicated approach promise a positive and impactful reign as Miss Hibiscus, inspiring future contestants to view the pageant as more than just a title but as a platform for driving real change.