Location: Samoa is located east of the International Dateline in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Equator and southwest of Hawaii - Tonga lies to the south and the Cook Islands to the east.
Made up of 4 inhabited and 5 uninhabited islands, Samoa boasts palm-fringed white sand beaches, dramatic white surf, and a backdrop of exotic rainforests and dramatic mountains making it an ideal haven for a relaxed vacation.
Upolu is the main island of Samoa, with the capital Apia having a local, bustling typical South Sea island atmosphere! The main roads are tar sealed and great for scenic drives viewing the dramatic mountain landscapes, lush tropical forests, local villages and Upolu’s beautiful untouched coastline.
James Michener’s movie 'Back to Paradise Beach' was filmed near the village of Lefaga on the idyllic southern coast of Upolu. There are a number of beautiful beaches to choose from for swimming on Upolu and Savaii. Some beaches are private however and fees may be charged for entry.
Savaii, the largest island in the Samoa group, has a smaller population than Upolu, combining a dramatic untouched interior with the tranquil lapping of the waves along beautiful stretches of its east coast. Frequent ferry services operate between Upolu and Savaii..
How to get there: Faleolo International Airport is also located on Upolu. Air New Zealand offers a weekly non stop flight from Los Angeles with European and North American connections and frequent non stop services to New Zealand. Polynesian Blue fly non stop to New Zealand and Australia while Air Pacific operates services to Fiji with onward connections to New Zealand and Australia.
Climate and culture: May - October the dry winter season is the best time to visit with cooler weather and less rainfall. June, July and August are the driest months. Samoa has a pleasantly warm climate with an average maximum temperature of 29 C.
As Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish author of famous books in particular Treasure Island soon discovered the Samoan Islands were very idyllic and a perfect writer's paradise – ‘Vailima’ his original residence near Apia is well worth a visit.
Samoans are very tradition-oriented and follow their social hierarchies, customs and courtesies closely established long before the arrival of the Europeans and dating back for many centuries. This traditional culture is still passed on today and religion plays a large role in Samoan life with Sunday service being the most important event of their week with strict observance of religious rules.
Dancing, singing and music also play a special role in Samoan culture. The ‘fiafia’ is the traditional Samoan musical presentation performed by local people, in the villages and resorts. Both the siva (a dance by the women acting out impromptu stories with their hands) and the sa sa (dancing to the beating of a wooden mallet) are performed.