Nuku'alofa, TONGA — Leoshina Mercy Kariha from Papua New Guinea has been crowned 2018's Miss Pacific Islands at the Atele Indoor Stadium in Tonga.

Matangi Tonga reports the 18 year old, the youngest of six finalists, was a crowd favourite.

During the two day pageant Leoshina secured Best Talent, Best Interview and was also awarded Miss Tourism and Miss Personality.

The new Miss Pacific is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in PNG studies at the Divine Word University in Madang Province and says she want to serve her society as a diplomat or social worker.

For the other placings in the pageant first runner-up was Miss Cook Islands Lydia Simonis; second runner-up was Miss Samoa Sonia Piva; and the third runner-up was Miss Tuvalu, Emelipelesa Panapa.

Leoshina Mercy Kariha's win also means PNG will host next year's Miss Pacific Islands pageant.