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Our comprehensive samoa islands travel guide was last visited in September 2006. Researched by Ian Osborn (Rough Guide to Fiji author), it includes a detailed island by island travel guide PLUS detailed samoa accommodation reviews, sightseeing holidays, honeymoon and wedding venues, backpacking and adventure travel.

Western Samoa Travel Snapshot
Country Facts Total islands: 9 Total land mass: 2,831 km² Capital: Apia Main Island: Upolu Int'l Airport: Faleolo Population: 214,000 Language: Samoan Tourists: 32,000 per year Accommodations: 15 + fales Money: ST$ (tala)	Travel Highlights 1) Beach Fales 2) Apia Town 3) Fagaloa Bay, Upolu 4) Taga Blowholes, Savaii 5) Tatooing 6) Lalomanu Beach, Upolu 7) Robert Louis Stevenson 8) Manase Beach, Savaii 9) Togotogiga Falls, Upolu 10) Manono Island
apia culture	beaches sights

American Samoa Travel Snapshot
Country Facts Total islands: 7 Total land mass: 199 km² Capital: Pago Pago Main Island: Tutuila Int'l Airport: Pago Pago Population: 68,000 Language: English, Samoan Tourists: 5,000 per year Accommodations: 8 Money: US$	Travel Highlights 1) National Park, Tutuila 2) Pago Pago Harbour 3) Ofu Beach, Manu'a Islands 4) Cape Mata'uta, Tutuila 5) Snorkel Fagatele Bay 6) East Tutuila Scenic Drive 7) Hike Matafao Peak 8) Pago Pago Town 9) Tisa's Beach, Tutuila 10) Pyramid Rock, Tutuila
pago beach	rainforest national park

Overview
Samoa travel evolves around two separate countries: Western Samoa and American Samoa. The two countries are separated by only 50 miles of ocean and share a common history and culture. This compact collection of islands makes Samoa an excellent destination for those who love to get out and explore and is one of the few South Pacific destinations where you can see the majority of sights in one short visit. But when you leave, you'll be itching to get back - the enchanting local culture and sometimes unpredictable lifestyle of the local people make Samoa one of the best places in the South Pacific to experience traditional Polynesian life.


Samoa Travel Guide

Samoa Accommodation Guide


Western Samoa (officially known as Independent Samoa) has the most tourist appeal. There are two main islands, both with stunning secluded beaches and coastal views, some lovely waterfalls and lots of traditional fishing villages. This is a great destination to learn about Polynesian culture and immerse yourself in the local way of life. The capital town of Apia also has its own charming appeal.

There are just two large islands in Independent Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) - Upolu Island (1115 sq. km) with its vibrant rainforest, coastal walks and gorgeous beaches and Savaii Island (1700 sq. km) with its very traditional village life, big open spaces, lava fields and interesting sights. The two islands are separated by a 18 km straight and connected by ferry (4 per day) and flight from Apia. Two small islands lie in this straight (Manono and Apolima) and four smaller islands just off the east coast of Upolu, only one of which is inhabited.


Neighbouring American Samoa, just 100km to the south east, shares an identical culture and language but was taken over by America in 1899 and remains a US territory. Although its traditional culture and lifestyle has been eroded on the outside, the people are still very much Polynesians at heart. The main island of Tutuila has a stunning coastline and fantastic and very assessable rainforest from the coast to the high mountain peaks. The island, along with the smaller islands of the Manu'a Group further east, also boasts some of the finest archaeological sites in Polynesia.

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