Samoa (Western Samoa)

Travel Team Home > Destination Information > Samoa (Independent Republic of Samoa or Western Samoa)

The Independent State of Samoa, formerly known as ‘Western Samoa’, or simply ‘Samoa’ today, is located in the South Pacific Ocean next to American Samoa. The two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and Savai’i – one of the largest islands in Polynesia. The capital city of Apia and Faleolo International Airport are both situation on Upolu, which is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa’s population.

Samoa is a great destination for relaxing and soaking up the islands’ natural beauty. The wonderous coastline is scattered with sparkling white-sand beaches, some stretching for miles. Magnificent waterfalls can be found among Samoa’s lush, fertile valleys, as well as rainforest, mangrove swamps, and abundant tropical vegetation. Samoan culture is unique, conservative, and religious.

Quick Facts
Capital: Apia
Land: 2,934 square km
Population: 188,359 (92.6% Samoan, 7% Euronesians (European/Polynesian), 0.4% European
Languages: Samoan, English
Currency: Samoan Tala
Economy: Agriculture, coconut products, natural gas, tourism

Climate
Samoa has a tropical climate where temperatures average around 26.5 C/80 F year-round. The rainy season runs from October through March with a risk of cyclones. Heavy rain tends to halt outdoor activities and sightseeing. The dry season runs from May through October.

History
Contact with Europeans began in the early 1700s but did not intensify until the arrival of English missionaries and traders in the 1830s. At the turn of the 20th century, the Samoan islands were split into two sections. The eastern islands became territories of the United States in 1904 and today are known as American Samoa. The western islands became known as Western Samoa (now the Independent State of Samoa), passing from German control to New Zealand in 1914. New Zealand administered Western Samoa under the auspices of the League of Nations and then as a UN trusteeship until independence in 1962. Western Samoa was the first Pacific Island country to gain its independence.

In July 1997 the Constitution was amended to change the country's name from Western Samoa to Samoa (officially the "Independent State of Samoa"). Western Samoa had been known simply as Samoa in the United Nations since joining the organization in 1976. The neighboring U.S. territory of American Samoa protested the move, feeling that the change diminished its own Samoan identity. American Samoans still use the terms Western Samoa and Western Samoans.

Arts & Culture
The fa’a Samoa, or traditional Samoan way, continues to be a vital force in Samoan life and politics despite centuries of European influence. Its historical customs, social systems, political systems, and language have remained largely intact.

Some Samoans live a communal way of life, participating in activities collectively. For example, traditional Samoan houses are open and without walls, often using blinds made of coconut fronds.

Samoan dance tells a story and involves gentle movements of the body in time to music, although Samoan male dances can be more aggressive. The “Sasa” is a specific dance in which rows of dancers perform rapid synchronized movements in time to the rhythm o fwooden drums or rolled mats. Another dance performed by males is called the “Fa’ataupati” or the slap dance, where rhythmic sounds are produced by slapping different parts of the body.

Tattooing is a prominent Samoan tradition along with other Polynesian cultures such as Hawaii, Tahitian, and Maori. Samoans have gender-specific and culturally significant tattoos comprised of distinct markings. A male who possesses such a tattoo is called a soga’imiti and a Samoan girl with tattoos is called a teine.

The main sports played in Samoa are rugby, Samoan cricket, and netball. Other notable sports include boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and sumo. Despite the relatively small population of the islands, many Samoans and people of Samoan descent have reached high ranks in many professional sports leagues.

Activities
Samoa is an excellent destination for certain water sports and activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and game fishing. You will not find commercial water sports such as parasailing, water skiing, or even jet boats. Due to proximity of islands and fringing coral reefs, even sailing is quite limited, as is scuba diving. The best diving is available on the south coast of  Upolu and the north coast of Savaii which will appeal to beginners and leisure divers.

Manono Island is one of the best places to sample the simple pleasures of Samoan life and mingle with locals. This sleep, traditional little island is situated about three miles off of Upolu’s southeastern coast. To get to Manono you must cross the lagoon by boat from the mainland. Manono Island attractions include the 12-pointed ancient star mount on the flat peak of Mount Tulimanuiva. At Lepuiai Village on the southwest part of the island there is another archeological sight work visiting called the Grave of 99 Stones. On Sundays, the only activity allowed is walking to and from church as it is an extremely religious community.

Somoa’s fertile soil and tropical climate provides beautiful, lush rainforests; mangrove swamps; marshes; and a plethora of unique flora. One of the best rainforests is O Le Pupu-Pue National Park on Upolu which has lots of walking trails and 42 different bird species. Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve is another great bird-watching destination.

There are some spectacular waterfalls, swimming holes, and beaches in Samoa as well if you’re simply looking for tranquility and relaxation. For the more adventurous traveler, there are numerous hiking trails on both islands.

Getting there
Direct flights to Samoa operate from:

Sydney, Australia
Nadi, Fiji 
Auckland, New Zealand
Los Angeles, USA (Air New Zealand)
Pago Pago, American Samoa, and
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Getting around
Taxis are an excellent and affordable way of getting around the island, as are public buses. Car rentals are another option but please note that international drivers licenses are not accepted in Western Samoa; however, it is possible to obtain a temporary local license which will allow visitors to drive there.

There is an intra island ferry service as well as regular ferry service from Pago Pago to American Samoa, which takes about 8 hours and is known for being very rough and uncomfortable for some. A connecting domestic flight is your best bet if you wish to travel to American Samoa.