The Independent State of Samoa in the South Pacific is dotted with pristine beaches and crystal-clear freshwater pools. Piula Cave Pool (pictured) is in Apia, Samoa's capital.
Best of Samoa —
The Independent State of Samoa in the South Pacific is dotted with pristine beaches and crystal-clear freshwater pools. Piula Cave Pool (pictured) is in Apia, Samoa's capital.
Samoa Tourism Board
Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in 1962. It was formerly known as Western Samoa, to differentiate it from American Samoa, the U.S. territory 40 miles to the east.
History —
Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in 1962. It was formerly known as Western Samoa, to differentiate it from American Samoa, the U.S. territory 40 miles to the east.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority/Kirklandphotos.com
Large compared with other South Pacific islands, Samoa is rarely crowded, even during peak season.
A beach to yourself —
Large compared with other South Pacific islands, Samoa is rarely crowded, even during peak season.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority
To Sua Ocean Trench is a beautiful swimming hole on the southern coast of Upolu, one of Samoa's bigger islands. The bright blue waters are fed by a lava tube that connects it to the Pacific.
To Sua Ocean Trench —
To Sua Ocean Trench is a beautiful swimming hole on the southern coast of Upolu, one of Samoa's bigger islands. The bright blue waters are fed by a lava tube that connects it to the Pacific.
Samoa Tourism Board
Papase'ea Sliding Rocks is a set of natural waterslides in Se'ses'e in the Faleata District. It consists of one five-meter slide and a few smaller ones.
Sliding rocks —
Papase'ea Sliding Rocks is a set of natural waterslides in Se'ses'e in the Faleata District. It consists of one five-meter slide and a few smaller ones.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority
A five-minute boat ride from Upolu, Namu'a is a small island popular for snorkeling, kayaking and turtle-spotting.
Namu'a Island —
A five-minute boat ride from Upolu, Namu'a is a small island popular for snorkeling, kayaking and turtle-spotting.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority/Kirklandphotos.com
In the village of Lotofaga, Fuipisia Falls is 55 meters high.
Fuipisia Falls —
In the village of Lotofaga, Fuipisia Falls is 55 meters high.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Before games, Samoa's national rugby union team performs the Siva Tau, a Samoan war dance.
War dance —
Before games, Samoa's national rugby union team performs the Siva Tau, a Samoan war dance.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority
The Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral was officially opened in 2014. Construction is estimated to have cost between $12 and $13 million.
$13 million marvel —
The Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral was officially opened in 2014. Construction is estimated to have cost between $12 and $13 million.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority
The new church replaced an 1884 structure. It can now accommodate more than 2,000 people.
Inside the church —
The new church replaced an 1884 structure. It can now accommodate more than 2,000 people.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority
The 'Ava ceremony is one of the most important customs in Samoa. A highlight is the sharing of 'ava, a ceremonial plant-based drink, served in a coconut shell.
Samoan ritual —
The 'Ava ceremony is one of the most important customs in Samoa. A highlight is the sharing of 'ava, a ceremonial plant-based drink, served in a coconut shell.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority
There's something fishy about these Coca-Cola bottles. Apia fish market is especially popular on Sunday mornings.
Apia fish market —
There's something fishy about these Coca-Cola bottles. Apia fish market is especially popular on Sunday mornings.
courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority