Samoa Vacation and Trip Information

The Independent State of Samoa consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, and several islets in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand at the heart of Polynesia. More than 2,000 years ago settlers from Southeast Asia arrived on the islands, though Europeans did not make contact until the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1904 the eastern Samoan islands became United States territories and the western islands became Western Samoa, first controlled by Germany, then New Zealand until Western Samoa became the first independent Pacific Island country in 1962. In 1997, the name was shortened to Samoa.

The customs, language and social systems of Fa’a Samoa, the traditional Samoan way, have been preserved over the centuries despite European influence. Amongst the natural beauty of rainforests, volcanic peaks and white beaches the islanders adhere to three key elements of Fa’a Samoa—the matai (chiefs), aiga (extended family) and the church. The 362 nu’u (villages) across the islands have a total of 18,000 matai who are the heads of the extended families and maintain important civic and political duties. A wide range of accommodations are available to travelers who are welcomed with open arms to this island culture.