Po Hiva Kilisimasi
Started in 1997: The traditional practice of holding Christmas Choral Nights throughout the island of Tonga was brought to Utah beginning in December of 1997. Every year on the 2nd Sunday of December, at least 9-15 choirs from different denominations participates in the Po Hiva Kilisimasi.
Miss Pacific Islander Utah Scholarship Pageant
Started 2012: The scholarship pageant started back in 2000 with the Miss Tonga Scholarship Pageant, where winners were sent back to the Island of Tonga to participate in the Miss Heilala Pageant. In 2012, the pageant was registered and affiliated with the Miss America Pageant, and has sent winners as contestants to the Miss Utah Scholarship Pageant (State's Miss America affiliated pageant) annually.
"Reef of Today are the
Islands of Tomorrow"
Started in 1994: An annual event every 2nd Sunday of June where all Tongan High School Graduates and College/University graduates are acknowledged and celebrated. At least 5 scholarships are given annually to applicants seeking higher education degree.
Friendly Island Tongan Festival
Started in 1996: An event held every 2nd week-end of August to bring and share Pacific Islander culture, arts, music, performances, family values, work ethic, native cuisine, and cultural tradition. An event to share with our children and fellow Utahns in order to promote health, youth development, model citizenship and cultural preservation. In 2013, Governor Gary R. Herbert declared August as the Pacific Islander Heritage Month because of the annual Friendly Islands Festival held in August.
