Eight of the most beautiful and intelligent women in the Pacific have graced Samoa’s shores this week.

The occasion is the Miss South Pacific Pageant, with the pre-pageant activities kicking off this morning with a church service at the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral at Mulivai.

Guided by the theme “Our Pacific Paradise,” the Pageant will be held on Friday at Gym 1 of the Tuana’imato Sports Complex.

The Sunday Samoan had the chance to share a light moment with Miss Samoa, Latafele Auva’a, before things get hectic for her.

Miss Auva’a is a half Samoan and half Kiwi, her dad being a full Samoan. She was raised an educated in the New Zealand.The 20 years old Miss Samoa will compete with eight other Pacific beauties.

Miss American Samoa - Anneliese Faaitumalo Sword, 26 years. Miss Cook Islands - Antonina Browne, 22 years.

Miss Fiji - Nanise Noel Ragarau Rainima, 22 years. Miss Nauru - Kauai Margreta Oppenheimer, 26 years. Miss Niue - Nina Erika Misioini Nemaia, 18 years.

Miss Papua New Guinea - Grace Agatha Nugi, 24 years. Miss Tonga - Cassandra Ngaluafe, 21 years.

American Samoa's beautiful Anneliese posed for media photos after today's press conference and then made ready to change for the Pageant's Official Photo Shoot.

To come later - Miss American Samoa will perform a cultural dance at lunch in front of the Government building in downtown Apia.

She sends her love back home and says, "Thank you for your prayers and support!"

Keep up-to-date with Miss American Samoa at the Miss South Pacific Pageant at her Facebook Page.