Best-Kept Secrets

If you’re looking for a complete change of pace, Savai'i, the largest island in Samoa, offers a soothing antidote to our busy lives. Savai’i is often described as the 'Real Samoa' - an island that boasts pristine, breathtaking landscapes and a quiet, simple way of life.

A great place to start your Savai’i adventure is on the new Savai'i Tourism website – it offers a wealth of information and provides a convenient online road map that will help you plan the perfect itinerary – including natural attractions, activities, places to stay and eat, and general information that every visitor needs.

To make navigation easy, Savai’i Tourism have divided content to match the island’s four main regions – Sunrise Coast (East), Sunshine Coast (North), Sunset Coast (West) and Surf Coast (South). And below we share some of these highlights!

Sunrise Coast

Home to the island’s main ferry terminal, the Sunrise Coast is your entry point for Savai’i and provides a wonderful starting point for visitors keen to discover the wonders of Savai'i. This stretch of coast is home to an azure lagoon, unspoiled beaches and its convenient location makes it easily accessible from Upolu (the main island).

Highlights:

Places to Stay: Amoa Resort, Kukis by the Harbour

Must see: Afu Aau Waterfall

Must do: Watch a Siapo Demonstration (traditional Bark Cloth making)

Sunshine Coast

Looking for beach holiday bliss? The Sunshine Coast is a stunning destination brimming with breathtaking beaches and blue lagoons, making it an ideal choice for a seaside getaway or day trip from other areas of Savai'i. Diving and fishing expeditions will be unforgettable, you can hike through lava fields, swimming alongside turtles or climb Mt Matavanu (if you’re feeling energetic).

Highlights:

Places to stay: Stevensons at Manase, Le Lagoto Resort and Spa, Savaii Lagoon Resort

Must see: Sale'aula Lava Fields

Must do: Snorkel Tour with Dive Savai’i, Stay in a beach fale at Manase Beach

Sunset Coast

Really want to get away from it all? Escape the bustle of modern life with a journey to the remote western reaches of Savai'i. The Sunset Coast, the island's least populated and most culturally authentic region, offers immaculate beaches, exceptional swimming spots, and fascinating natural attractions, including an adventurous canopy walk. The experience is rounded off by awe-inspiring sunsets!

Highlights:

Places to stay: Va-i-mona Seaside Lodge, Vaisala Hotel

Must see: Cape Mulinuu

Must do: Falealupo Beach Fales Beach Day

Surf Coast

As the name suggests, the Surf Coast of Savai'i is a popular destination for visiting surfers! Aganoa Surf Resort is close to the best breaks and offers a place to stay and all-important local knowledge. But it’s not all about the surf. The region offers excellent snorkelling, there are some amazing hikes on offer and a dramatic coastline with sea arches, blowholes and untamed coastal vistas. Venture inland and you’ll find lush rainforest with hidden waterfalls.

Highlights:

Places to stay: Satuiatua Beach Fale

Must see: Taga Blowholes

Must do: Surf at Aganoa

Fautasi Racing: Pride on the line!

Fautasi racing is a traditional long boat race held during the April Flag Day festivities. Flag Day is a significant historical and cultural celebration marking the anniversary of the day the flag of the United States raised over the territory.

Fautasi, which means "to build as one" in Samoan, are large, long, traditional wooden canoes used by Samoans for centuries. Traditionally these boats were built and decorated by the villages, and the racing events showcase the skill, teamwork, and cultural pride of the participating communities.

Winning the Fautasi race is a prestigious achievement for the participating villages and brings immense pride and honour to the winning crew and their village. The winning fautasi crew also receives a sizable cash prize, and most importantly, bragging rights.

Miss American Samoa a true ambassador

The Miss American Samoa pageant is one of the island’s most highly anticipated events. The annual event, celebrates the beauty, intelligence, and cultural pride of the young women of American Samoa. Spanning several days, the pageant requires contestants to go through a rigorous selection process. Throughout the competition, participants are evaluated on their physical appearance, intelligence, personality, and knowledge of Samoan culture.

Contestants are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation of Samoan traditions, language, and customs. They often perform traditional dances and showcase handmade crafts.

The pageant culminates with the crowning of the winner, who goes on to represent American Samoa in various national and international pageants. The reigning Miss American Samoa becomes an ambassador for the territory, promoting its culture, tourism, and charitable initiatives.

Pago Pago: Around the Capital

Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa and is located on the island of Tutuila, in American Samoa. It serves as a gateway to one of the 63 USA National Parks. American Samoa’s national park protects lush rainforest, coral reefs, and its waters are home to humpback whales.

The Pago Pago Harbour, named after the village, is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world and is considered one of the best in the region. This natural feature gives the local fishing industry a nice advantage as it eases the landing of fish for processing. This is especially helpful for the Starkist Cannery located in the villages of Satala and Atu’u. The deep and naturally protected harbour also makes docking cruise ships a simplified task regardless of most weather conditions. Next to Pago Pago is the village of Fagatogo which features the Pago Pago Harbour port, the Post Office, the Jean P. Hayden Museum, Governor’s mansion, and the home of the local Government, the Fale Fono.

Travel Essentials: American Samoa

The U.S. Territory of American Samoa is comprised of seven South Pacific islands, five of which are inhabited and two atolls. The islands form the eastern arm of the Samoan archipelago, a home to Polynesians proud of their Samoan culture and heritage where family life and values serve as the foundation of our society.

Tutuila, the largest island, houses the capital, Pago Pago, whose natural harbour is framed by volcanic peaks, including the 1,716-ft.-high Rainmaker Mountain. The National Park of American Samoa, spread across the islands of Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū, showcases the territory's tropical scenery with rainforests, beaches, and reefs.

American Samoa may not boast any five-star hotels or cater to mass tourism, but it offers a unique experience to witness the living and thriving culture in American Samoa. It is their way of life.

info@americansamoa.travel www.americansamoa.travel

@americansamoatravel

New manager: Scenic Matavai

Aaron Smith has recently taken the helm as Hotel Manager of Scenic Matavai Resort Niue. Having been part of the Scenic Hotel Group for some time, Aaron began his journey in the front of house at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast of South Island.

"This role as Hotel Manager at Scenic Matavai Resort presents an incredibly exciting challenge," says Aaron, "and the opportunity to live and work in Niue was something we couldn't pass up."

Aaron is accompanied in Niue by his fiancé, Siwe Mayongo, who has assumed the role of Functions and Events Coordinator for the resort. Aaron and Siwe are settling into island life and are eager to share their passion for Niue, hosting guests from around the island, New Zealand, and the world.

Niue welcomes first ship in over three years

Great signs that Niue tourism is bouncing back. The expedition ship, Silver Explorer, docked, marking the first instance of crew and guests disembarking and experiencing Niuean hospitality since maritime borders reopened. This occasion was notable as it's been over three years since an expedition ship last visited Niue.

The stopover was thoroughly enjoyable for the visitors, who spent their time sightseeing, snorkelling, and sipping coconuts! Equally, it was gratifying for the locals, who had the opportunity to host these visitors and display their local arts and souvenirs.

Micah Fuhiniu-Viviani, the Director of Niue Tourism, expressed, "This style and size of ship is perfect for Niue. We can offer guests a fantastic 'express' experience of our little paradise, and the economic impact is usually brief but very positive...Our focus over the next few years is to grow this market and make arrivals of ships and yachts in Niue more straightforward and well-organised."

Dive into paradise

Niue Blue, the island's sole dive operator, boasts highly qualified dive professionals and management from the renowned Dive Tutukaka. Their safety and professional record hold international recognition.

Offering a range of options for certified divers, PADI courses and training, and introductory scuba programs, they cater to both experienced divers and those wishing to take their first plunge. For those who prefer staying on the surface, daily snorkel tours offer the chance to swim alongside Niue's resident spinner dolphins. Among Niue’s greatest attractions are the annual visits from Humpback Whales during the winter months of July to September. As a licensed operator, Niue Blue conducts whale watching tours and offers unique opportunities to swim with the Humpbacks in Niue's crystal-clear water.

New rep for Niue Tourism

Niue Tourism has recently appointed a new Niue Tourism representative, former resident of the island, Sarah Porter.

Sarah, along with her husband Hayden and their two children, lived in Niue for over three years back in 2010 when Hayden led the Tourism sector in Niue. As well as enjoying the island lifestyle and all that was on offer, Sarah also spent two years managing the local supermarket on the island.

It was a ‘no brainer’ when Sarah was approached to join the Niue Tourism team to help grow their presence in the New Zealand market. Sarah says, “It is a true privilege to share my knowledge and experience of Niue with the travel industry……. my fishing, diving and love of Niue. I can honestly say I have walked every single sea track, done 100+ dives, and even circumnavigated the island whilst out on a fishing mission!”

Sarah’s husband Hayden is also back involved with Niue Tourism in a more strategic, planning and marketing role; after nine years as CEO at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron.

Sarah says, “Niue has always been such a special place for our family. We feel so connected to the island, the people and everything that Niue has on offer. It truly is a privilege to be working with the Niue Tourism team to make sure the island is well represented now that Covid restrictions have lifted and the borders are open. I honestly can’t wait to share my favourite place in the world with my industry friends.”

Matt Watson gives Niue the big thumbs up!

Renowned New Zealand fishing and outdoor personality Matt Watson has been entertaining audiences for years with the popular ITM Fishing Show on TV3.

Matt, a passionate advocate for our oceans, has visited Niue multiple times and loves the island's bounty. He has said of his time on the island: www.niueisland.com

"In Niue, you can make your own fun if you get out and explore the sea tracks, jungle treks, swimming holes, and snorkelling spots...and the fishing's not bad either! Every morning we'd open the curtains to see whales; we'd have fresh coconut and pawpaw for breakfast on the deck, and in the evening, we'd enjoy fresh sashimi and sip on our NZ$5 mojitos as the whales played beneath us. Ten days weren't enough: we're going back!"

Arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend. No crime, no traffic and no queues. Relax or explore. Swim, fish and dive in the clearest waters in the pacific. The world’s only Dark Sky Nation welcomes you to the way life used to be; the way life should be.