13 things about Miss Pacific Islands 2026 Ailava Samuels

Ailava Samuels represented Nasinu, Viti Levu, Fiji in the fifth edition of Miss Fiji. She represented the country in the 37th edition of Miss Pacific Islands.

In 2026, Samuels made history as the second Miss Pacific Islands from Fiji following Anne Dunne, who won the title in 2016. The beauty pageant was called Miss South Pacific from 1987 to 2013.

BIOGRAPHY

Samuels is a Samoan-Fijian beauty queen born and raised in the greater Nasinu area. She is the first child of Susana “Sue” Samuels, the owner of the LavaLani brand.

Ailava has Samoan roots through the villages of Si’umu, Upolu, Samoa and Mulivai, Apia, Samoa. Here are 13 more things about her:

1. She is a resident of Valelevu, Nasinu.
2. She is an alumna of Nasinu Gospel Primary School and St Joseph Secondary School, which are both in Suva, Viti Levu.
3. Her Fijian mother is from Vanuavou, Vaturova, Cakaudrove, Fiji and Vabea, Ono, Kadavu, Fiji.
4. Her Samoan-Fijian father was born and raised in Fiji.
5. After finishing high school, she took a gap year.
6. Before becoming a beauty queen, she joined joined the Fiji Cancer Society together with her grandmother Alumita Bera.
7. She is the eldest of seven children.
8. She was born in 2006.
9. She is Miss Valelevu 2025.
10. She is Miss Nasinu 2025.
11. She was Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up.
12. She is Miss Pacific Islands Fiji 2026.
13. She won Miss Pacific Islands 2026.

TIMELINE

As a Fiji Cancer Society member, Ailava travels around Fiji to raise awareness about cancer prevention. As Miss Nasinu 2025, she partnered with the Nasinu Town Council and spoke with youth across the community about several issues including drug abuse.

2025

• On October 11, 2025, she represented Valelevu at Miss Nasinu 2025 and competed against six other candidates at the Valelevu Grounds in Valelevu. She won the title along with the Best Research Topic and Best Traditional Attire awards.
• On December 13, 2025, she represented Nasinu at Miss Fiji 2025 and competed against seven other candidates at the Suva Civic Centre in Suva. She was runner-up to Dr. Peggy Symmone Walo Emily Ravusiro. 

2026

• On January 22, 2026, she was officially appointed Miss Pacific Islands Fiji 2026 after Ravusiro formally declined to enter into a contractual obligation with the Miss Fiji secretariat.
• On February 14, 2026, she represented Fiji at Miss Pacific Islands 2026 and competed against six other candidates at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi, Fiji. She won the title.