Best Things to See and Do in Samoa’s Capital City, Apia

A visit to the Samoa Cultural Village is free and, as travel writer Hayley Lewis explains, it’s “an amazing introduction to Samoan culture and traditions”. Tours run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from April to October and on Thursdays from November to March. The tours last two hours; starting at 10.30am with a welcoming kava ceremony followed by an observation of an umu preparation (a traditional cooking method using a stone oven). Visitors also get the chance to witness the receiving of a Samoan tatau (tattoo) and the making of siapo (tapa) cloth. There’s also a chance to learn about traditional carving and enjoy Samoan singing and cultural dancing while sampling umu.

Located on the outskirts of Apia is a well-known natural water slide. The walk down to the sliding rocks is relatively steep and sometimes slippery on wet days, but those who venture down are rewarded with a refreshing dip in the Papase’ea falls. This is a great spot for social media photo ops. Locals flock here to enjoy the water slides too, and some Samoans are quite traditional, so be mindful when choosing your swimming attire.

Fiafia cultural nights are hosted at almost every hotel or seaside restaurant in Apia. Fiafia means happy, and these shows are an entertaining way to learn and experience the rich culture of Samoa while enjoying an array of traditional food, buffet-style. As New Zealand adventurer Adam Crouchley puts it, “There ain’t no party like a Samoan fiafia party!” Enjoy traditional Samoan dancing (siva Samoa), fire dancing, slap dancing and demonstrations of traditional food preparation. The highlight for many tourists is the show’s interactive element, which makes guests feel welcome and part of Samoan culture. Recommended places for this must-see entertainment include the Taumeasina Resort, Manumea Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Sails Restaurant (overlooking the sea wall) and the Orator Hotel.

Tanoa Tusitala Hotel is the home of Samoa’s greatest siva afi (fire dancing). The show is put together by Siva Afi Entertainment, who have been teaching Samoa’s youth the art of fire-knife dancing for over 22 years; some students have even gone on to compete internationally. Travellers are in for an exhilarating experience of fire-knife twirling, throwing, catching and dancing with a war club. Like many such nights in Samoa, Tanoa Tusitala’s fiafia night offers spectators a traditional feast before the excitement of the siva afi begins.

Boasting vibrant stalls with a range of local cuisine, handicrafts, traditionally patterned clothing and local produce, Samoan markets have become a holiday highlight and a must-do experience. Pick up some great holiday bargains and souvenirs and sample local food such as taro, breadfruit or raw fish in coconut cream. A stroll through the markets is also a great way to experience the everyday culture of Samoa and meet the locals.

According to Robert Oliver, the 2010 winner of the Gourmand Best Cook Book award for Me’a Kai: The Food and Flavours of the South Pacific, “The Samoan capital of Apia is the culinary mecca of the region, serving some of the best local food.” Many restaurants in Apia have effectively integrated Samoan traditional food with contemporary styles of cooking, making wining and dining in any of Apia’s restaurants a unique and delicious experience. The beauty of Apia’s cuisine, as Oliver points out, is that it can be enjoyed while gazing at the city’s spectacular harbour and scenery. Recommended venues include Paddles, Giordano’s, Nourish Café, Milani Café, Amanaki Hotel, Scalini’s Restaurant, Bella’s Kitchen and Sinalei Reef Resort.