Apia
A-pi-a
Apia (capital of Samoa)
Usage
Used when talking about or heading to Apia, Samoa's capital city
Grammar Note
Apia is Samoa's capital on Upolu's north coast, the political and cultural hub with about 40,000 people. Attractions include Fugalei Market and Robert Louis Stevenson's villa (Vailima)
Lalomanu
La-lo-ma-nu
Lalomanu (famous beach village)
Usage
Used when Lalomanu is the destination — one of Samoa's most beautiful beaches
Grammar Note
Lalomanu is a village and beach at the SE tip of Upolu, known for white sand and clear water — widely considered Samoa's finest beach, lined with traditional beach fales
Savai'i
Sa-va-i-i
Savai'i (Samoa's largest island)
Usage
Used when talking about Savai'i, Samoa's largest and most traditional island
Grammar Note
Savai'i is one of Samoa's two main islands, more traditional than Upolu. In Polynesian legend it is linked to Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland from which Pacific peoples spread
Papaseea Sliding Rocks
Pa-pa-se-e-a-Sli-ding-Rocks
Papaseea Sliding Rocks (natural rock slide)
Usage
Used when referring to this popular natural rock-slide tourist attraction
Grammar Note
Papaseea Sliding Rocks are natural basalt rock slides in Upolu's interior — a popular swimming hole where visitors slide down smooth rocks into natural pools
O le Pupu-Pu'e
O-le-Pu-pu-Pu-e
O le Pupu-Pu'e National Park
Usage
Used when referring to Samoa's only national park
Grammar Note
Samoa's only national park in Upolu's central mountains. Features tropical rainforest, volcanic terrain, and endemic birds. "Pu'e" means high place/mountain peak
Vailima
Va-i-li-ma
Vailima (former home of Robert Louis Stevenson)
Usage
Used when heading to Vailima, now a museum to Robert Louis Stevenson
Grammar Note
"Vai" (water) + "lima" (five). Vailima was the home of "Treasure Island" author Robert Louis Stevenson, now a museum. Samoans called him Tusitala — "teller of tales"
Upolu
U-po-lu
Upolu (Samoa's main island)
Usage
Used when talking about Upolu, home to the capital and most tourists
Grammar Note
Upolu hosts Apia and about 75% of Samoa's population. It has the international airport (Faleolo) and is the main tourism island with beaches, waterfalls, and cultural sites
Togitogiga Waterfall
To-gi-to-gi-ga-Wa-ter-fall
Usage
Used when asking directions to Togitogiga Waterfall, inside O le Pupu-Pu'e National Park on the south coast of Upolu
Grammar Note
Togitogiga Waterfall is in the O le Pupu-Pu'e National Park on Upolu. Reduplicated place names are common in Samoan, giving a distinctive rhythmic quality
Afu Aau Waterfall
A-fu-A-au-Wa-ter-fall
Afu Aau Waterfall (Savai'i)
Usage
Used when referring to one of Savai'i's most beautiful waterfalls
Grammar Note
Afu Aau is a stunning ~20m waterfall on Savai'i with a natural swimming pool at its base.
Faleolo Airport
Fa-le-o-lo-Air-port
Faleolo International Airport
Usage
Used when heading to or asking directions to Samoa's main international airport
Grammar Note
Faleolo International Airport is about 35km west of Apia on Upolu's western coast. "Fale" (building) + "olo" (flow/continue). It has international connections to Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia
Tuamasaga
Tu-a-ma-sa-ga
Tuamasaga District
Usage
District covering central Upolu including Apia, Vailima and Mount Vaea. Samoa's most populous district; its traditional centre is Afega
Grammar Note
"Itūmālō" is the Samoan word for district. Samoa is divided into 11 of them
A'ana
A-a-na
A'ana District
Usage
District on western Upolu, crossed by the main road from the airport to Apia. Its traditional centre is Leulumoega
Aiga-i-le-Tai
Ai-ga-i-le-Tai
Aiga-i-le-Tai District
Usage
District made up of the western tip of Upolu plus Manono and Apolima islands. Its centre is Mulifanua, where the Savai'i ferry departs
Atua
A-tu-a
Atua District
Usage
District covering eastern Upolu; contains Lalomanu, To Sua and Aleipata. Its traditional centre is Lufilufi
Va'a-o-Fonoti
Va-a-o-Fo-no-ti
Va'a-o-Fonoti District
Usage
Samoa's smallest district, on Upolu's rugged north-east coast around Fagaloa Bay. Roads are narrow and slow; its centre is Samamea
Fa'asaleleaga
Fa-a-sa-le-le-a-ga
Fa'asaleleaga District
Usage
District on south-east Savai'i containing Salelologa, where the ferry lands, and Tuasivi with the island's hospital and offices. The gateway to Savai'i
Gaga'emauga
Ga-ga-e-mau-ga
Gaga'emauga District
Usage
District on north-central Savai'i, containing Saleaula which was buried by the 1905 lava flow. It also has enclave villages on Upolu
Gaga'ifomauga
Ga-ga-i-fo-mau-ga
Gaga'ifomauga District
Usage
District on north-west Savai'i, taking in the Manase beach strip and Safotu with its landmark churches
Vaisigano
Vai-si-ga-no
Vaisigano District
Usage
District at the north-west tip of Savai'i, containing Asau and Falealupo. Not to be confused with the Vaisigano River in Apia
Satupa'itea
Sa-tu-pa-i-te-a
Satupa'itea District
Usage
District on the south coast of Savai'i, containing Taga village and the Alofa'aga blowholes
Palauli
Pa-lau-li
Palauli District
Usage
District on south-east Savai'i, home to Afu Aau waterfall and the Pulemelei Mound, the largest ancient structure in Polynesia
Manono
Ma-no-no
Manono Island
Usage
Small island between Upolu and Savai'i with no cars and no dogs — just a footpath ringing the island. About 15 minutes by small boat from the Manono-uta landing
Grammar Note
The island has four villages (Faleu, Lepuia'i, Salua, Apai). Boats normally run as shared transfers; off-peak you may be charged a full-boat fare
Apolima
A-po-li-ma
Apolima Island
Usage
A crater island in the strait between Upolu and Savai'i with about a hundred residents. Its single cove is the only landing, and visiting needs village permission and calm seas
Namu'a
Na-mu-a
Namu'a Island
Usage
A tiny, near-empty island off Aleipata at Upolu's eastern end. Reached by small boat from the mainland shore for a day trip or overnight stay
Nu'utele
Nu-u-te-le
Nu'utele Island
Usage
The largest of the uninhabited Aleipata islands — the green triangular island seen straight out from Lalomanu beach. Usually admired from shore rather than visited
Mauga Silisili
Mau-ga-Si-li-si-li
Mount Silisili
Usage
Samoa's highest peak (about 1,858 m), in the centre of Savai'i. Climbing it is a guided two-day trek — not something to attempt alone
Mauga o Vaea
Mau-ga-o-Va-e-a
Mount Vaea
Usage
The hill rising behind Vailima. Robert Louis Stevenson's tomb sits on the summit, about an hour's walk up from behind the museum
Grammar Note
Two trails lead up — a steep short route and a gentler long one. Both get slippery after rain
Lanoto'o
La-no-to-o
Lake Lanoto'o
Usage
A crater lake and national park in Upolu's mountainous interior. Roughly a half-day round trip on a muddy track from the Apia side; a guide is safer than going alone
Mauga Matavanu
Mau-ga-Ma-ta-va-nu
Mount Matavanu
Usage
The volcano on northern Savai'i whose 1905–1911 eruption buried the north coast in lava. The crater is reached by 4WD plus a walk, paying a fee to the village caretaker
Mulifanua – Salelologa
Mu-li-fa-nu-a-Sa-le-lo-lo-ga
Mulifanua – Salelologa (inter-island ferry)
Usage
The only scheduled link between Upolu and Savai'i — Mulifanua on the Upolu side, Salelologa on the Savai'i side, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Vehicles can be carried but must arrive early
Grammar Note
Several sailings a day, reduced or suspended on Sundays, and cancellable in bad weather. Leave slack in your plans on any day that crosses between the islands
Mulifanua
Mu-li-fa-nu-a
Mulifanua (ferry wharf)
Usage
The wharf at Upolu's western tip where the Savai'i ferry departs. About 10 minutes by car from Faleolo International Airport and 45 minutes from Apia
Salelologa
Sa-le-lo-lo-ga
Usage
Savai'i's largest town and ferry port, with the market, banks and shops. Island buses fan out from here — in practice the gateway to Savai'i
Fagali'i
Fa-ga-li-i
Fagali'i Airport
Usage
A small airstrip on Apia's eastern edge, used mainly for short hops to Pago Pago in American Samoa. Service has started and stopped over the years — always confirm before relying on it
Grammar Note
Not the same as Faleolo, the international airport. It is close to town but has few flights and takes only small aircraft
Matautu
Ma-tau-tu
Matautu (Apia port)
Usage
The district on the east side of Apia harbour, site of Samoa's main port. Cargo ships, cruise ships and boats to American Samoa berth here
Manono-uta
Ma-no-no-u-ta
Manono-uta (boat landing for Manono)
Usage
A small landing on Upolu's west coast where boats leave for Manono Island. It sits on the main road between Faleolo airport and Mulifanua
Grammar Note
"-uta" (landward) and "-tai" (seaward) are a paired suffix; the settlement on the island itself is Manono-tai
Cross Island Road
Cross-Is-land-Road
Usage
The road from Apia over the mountains to Siumu on Upolu's south coast, passing Vailima and the Papapapaitai falls lookout. The shortest route to the south coast
Le Mafa Pass
Le-Ma-fa-Pass
Usage
The pass crossing eastern Upolu from Falefa past the Sopo'aga and Fuipisia waterfalls towards Aleipata. Fine views, but the road is narrow
Savalalo
Sa-va-la-lo
Savalalo (western Apia)
Usage
The western edge of central Apia, where the market and bus stands cluster; buses to villages around Upolu leave from here. Stands do get relocated, so check on the spot
Faleolo
Fa-le-o-lo
Faleolo (airport village)
Usage
A village on Upolu's north-west coast, home to the international airport. Apia is about 40 minutes east along the coast road, and local buses pass the terminal
Asau
A-sau
Usage
A town in north-west Savai'i and the main centre on that side of the island. Buses come round the north coast from Salelologa, but they are infrequent and thin out in the afternoon
Tuasivi
Tu-a-si-vi
Usage
The administrative centre of Savai'i, just north of Salelologa. It has the island's hospital, court and government offices — the place you would be taken if you fell ill
Mulinu'u
Mu-li-nu-u
Usage
The narrow peninsula at Apia's western end, lined with the parliament house, the independence memorial and the tombs of past leaders — the symbolic seat of Samoan politics
Maota Fono
Ma-o-ta-Fo-no
Maota Fono (Parliament House)
Usage
Samoa's parliament house on Mulinu'u, recognisable by its round roof modelled on a traditional fale. Sittings are sometimes open to visitors
Falemata'aga
Fa-le-ma-ta-a-ga
Falemata'aga (Museum of Samoa)
Usage
Samoa's national museum in central Apia, housed in a former German-era school building. Exhibits cover history, tatau and voyaging; entry is free or a small donation
Fugalei
Fu-ga-lei
Fugalei Market
Usage
Apia's produce market — taro, bananas, coconuts and cooked umu food. Best in the morning when the stalls are fullest
Palolo Deep
Pa-lo-lo-Deep
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
Usage
A marine reserve within walking distance of central Apia. A shallow lagoon opens into a deep blue hole good for snorkelling — go when the tide is in
Vaiala
Vai-a-la
Vaiala (eastern Apia)
Usage
The seaside area on Apia's east side, with Vaiala Beach, embassies and guesthouses, and close to Palolo Deep
Tuanaimato
Tu-a-nai-ma-to
Tuanaimato (sports complex)
Usage
The national sports complex in Faleata, west of Apia, with the stadium, pool and indoor arena. It hosted the Pacific Games and is where you would go to watch rugby
Papapapaitai
Pa-pa-pa-pai-tai
Papapapaitai Falls
Usage
A waterfall of over 100 m beside the Cross Island Road. It is viewed from a lookout across the gorge — there is no path down to the base. A few minutes' stop from the car
Siumu
Si-u-mu
Usage
A village on Upolu's south coast where the Cross Island Road meets the sea. About 40 minutes over the hills from Apia and a natural base for the south coast
Leulumoega
Leu-lu-mo-e-ga
Usage
A village on Upolu's north-west coast and the traditional seat of A'ana District. It sits on the main airport–Apia road and is a historic meeting place of chiefs
Lefaga
Le-fa-ga
Lefaga (Return to Paradise Beach)
Usage
A village on Upolu's south-west coast with the beach used for the 1953 film "Return to Paradise", still known by that name. The village charges an entry fee
To Sua
To-Su-a
To Sua Ocean Trench
Usage
A 30 m sinkhole at Lotofaga on Upolu's south coast, filled with blue seawater. Visitors climb down a long wooden ladder to swim. Village-run, with an entry fee
Grammar Note
The name means "big hole". The ladder is steep with a thin rail — leave your bags at the top and climb down unencumbered
Lotofaga
Lo-to-fa-ga
Usage
A village on Upolu's south coast — the village that owns and runs the To Sua Ocean Trench, on the south coast road
Aleipata
A-lei-pa-ta
Usage
The name for the whole eastern end of Upolu, with Lalomanu and other white-sand beaches and the offshore islets. About an hour and a half by car from Apia
Saleapaga
Sa-le-a-pa-ga
Usage
A village on Upolu's south-east coast just west of Lalomanu. It was badly hit by the 2009 tsunami and much of the settlement was rebuilt inland on higher ground
Lufilufi
Lu-fi-lu-fi
Usage
A village on Upolu's north coast and the traditional seat of Atua District, about 30 minutes east of Apia on the coast road
Falefa
Fa-le-fa
Falefa (village and falls)
Usage
A village on Upolu's north-east coast. The broad Falefa Falls sit right beside the road, at the foot of the climb up to Le Mafa Pass
Sopo'aga
So-po-a-ga
Sopo'aga Falls
Usage
A waterfall of around 50 m on the Le Mafa Pass road in eastern Upolu, viewed across the gorge from a planted garden. Village-run with an entry fee
Fuipisia
Fui-pi-si-a
Fuipisia Falls
Usage
A waterfall near Sopo'aga on the Le Mafa Pass road. A short path leads out to the very lip of the drop. Village-run with an entry fee
Piula
Pi-u-la
Piula Cave Pool
Usage
A freshwater cave pool below a theological college on Upolu's north coast — cold spring water for swimming right beside the sea. About 30 minutes east of Apia
Grammar Note
It sits on church land, so it is often closed on Sundays and modest dress is expected
Alofa'aga
A-lo-fa-a-ga
Alofa'aga Blowholes
Usage
Blowholes in the lava shore at Taga village on Savai'i's south coast, throwing spouts tens of metres high as each swell comes in. Best at high tide on a rough day. Village-run with an entry fee
Grammar Note
Guides throw coconuts into the vents to be shot skyward. The spray-soaked rock is slippery, so keep back from the vent mouths
Taga
Ta-ga
Usage
A village on Savai'i's south coast — the village that owns the Alofa'aga blowholes, on the southern road from Salelologa
Saleaula
Sa-le-au-la
Saleaula (lava fields)
Usage
A village on Savai'i's north coast surrounded by the lava field from the 1905–1911 Matavanu eruption, with the ruined lava-filled church and the "Virgin's Grave"
Grammar Note
The lava is sharp and broken — walk it in closed shoes, not sandals
Falealupo
Fa-le-a-lu-po
Usage
A village at the north-western tip of Savai'i, with a rainforest canopy walkway. In Samoan tradition this is where the spirits of the dead depart
Manase
Ma-na-se
Usage
A village on Savai'i's north coast with a long white-sand beach and the island's main concentration of places to stay. About an hour by car from Salelologa
Safotu
Sa-fo-tu
Usage
A large village on Savai'i's north coast and the centre of Gaga'ifomauga District, lined with big churches along the shore and the starting point for the road up to Matavanu crater
Pulemelei
Pu-le-me-lei
Pulemelei Mound
Usage
A huge stepped stone platform in Palauli, southern Savai'i — among the largest ancient structures in Polynesia. It stands on private land and access is sometimes closed or overgrown
Mata o le Alelo
Ma-ta-o-le-A-le-lo
Mata o le Alelo (legendary spring pool)
Usage
A clear freshwater spring pool at Matavai village on Savai'i's north coast, the setting of the legend of Sina and the Eel. Swimming is allowed; the village charges a fee
Amerika Samoa
A-me-ri-ka-Sa-mo-a
American Samoa
Usage
A US territory east of Samoa — a separate country with a different currency (US dollars) and its own entry requirements, so check them separately. The same Samoan language is spoken
Grammar Note
Independent Samoa uses the Samoan tālā (WST). Crossing between the two means changing both currency and, in effect, the calendar day
Tutuila
Tu-tu-i-la
Usage
The main island of American Samoa, home to nearly all its people. Steep ridges drop straight to the sea, with villages ringing Pago Pago harbour (American Samoa)
Pago Pago
Pa-go-Pa-go
Usage
The main centre of American Samoa, at the head of the deep natural harbour of Pago Pago Bay, known for tuna processing and as a cruise-ship call (American Samoa)
Grammar Note
Pronounced closer to "Pango Pango" — Samoan g is the velar nasal [ŋ]
Fagatogo
Fa-ga-to-go
Usage
The town along Pago Pago harbour holding American Samoa's legislature, government offices, market and shops — the working downtown (American Samoa)
Utulei
U-tu-lei
Usage
The district just east of Fagatogo on the south shore of Pago Pago harbour, with executive offices, hotels and a small harbour beach (American Samoa)
Tafuna
Ta-fu-na
Usage
The flat plain in south-west Tutuila and the island's most populous area, site of the international airport — about 20 minutes over the ridge from Pago Pago harbour (American Samoa)
Malae Va'alele o Pago Pago
Ma-lae-Va-a-le-le-o-Pa-go-Pa-go
Pago Pago International Airport
Usage
American Samoa's international airport, at Tafuna, with flights to Honolulu and across to Apia. Not to be confused with Faleolo in independent Samoa (American Samoa)
Grammar Note
"Malae va'alele" is the Samoan term for an airport: va'a (canoe) + lele (to fly)
Mauga 'Alava
Mau-ga-A-la-va
Mount 'Alava
Usage
The ridge peak overlooking Pago Pago harbour, with a trail along the crest giving the classic view down over the bay. The old cable car no longer runs (American Samoa)
Leone
Le-o-ne
Usage
A large village in western Tutuila, remembered as the landing place of the first missionaries and home to a historic church (American Samoa)
Aunu'u
Au-nu-u
Aunu'u Island
Usage
A small island off the eastern end of Tutuila, reached by small boat from the mainland landing. A quiet village with taro marshes and a crater lake (American Samoa)
Manu'a
Ma-nu-a
Manu'a Islands
Usage
The islands about 100 km east of Tutuila — Ta'ū, Ofu and Olosega. Reachable only by small plane or boat, with few services, and holding some of the oldest strands of Samoan tradition (American Samoa)
Ta'ū
Ta-u
Ta'ū Island
Usage
The largest of the Manu'a Islands, with towering sea cliffs and a section of the national park, and a place central to Samoan origin traditions (American Samoa)
National Park of American Samoa
Na-tio-nal-Park-of-A-me-ri-can-Sa-mo-a
Usage
A national park split across Tutuila, Ofu and Ta'ū, protecting rainforest and coral reef. The land is leased from the villages rather than owned outright (American Samoa)
More Samoan phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences