Family Travel - Holidays with Kids Destinations: Samoa

Samoa Scotland's 19th century writer Robert Louis Stevenson was known as 'Tusitala, the teller of tales', but he couldn't have been closer to the truth when he labelled Samoa 'paradise'.

The famous author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped was so enchanted by the South Pacific country - the cradle of Polynesia - he requested to be buried on Mount Vaea, a peak above his homestead, which has been refurbished as a museum.

Apart from the people, and the warm smiles that come with each greeting, there are the open air thatched roof fales (traditional homes) to visit, tantalising umus (underground oven feasts) to sample and a range of cultural celebrations to enjoy.

Samoa is more than a beach or island holiday, it's an experience. It is also a natural treasure, like the black pearls that are sprinkled throughout the Pacific.

Samoa consists of two relatively large islands, Upolu and Savaii and seven smaller islands, covering 2934 square kilometres in total. There is an exclusive marine economic zone covering around 130,000 square kilometres. Upolu, home to Apia and Stevenson's grave site, is the 'bustling' isle while Savaii, the big island reached by ferry, has a different charm that revolves around a rugged, volcanic landscape, scarred by massive lava flows and left with grassed craters, venues for games of kirikiti, Samoa's version of cricket.

Capital
Apia, on the north coast of Upolu Island, is the commercial and administrative centre of Samoa. Apia is where you'll find the biggest variety of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Where is it and how do I get there?
Samoa is located in the South Pacific Ocean, just south of the equator and around 4400km from Sydney. Its close neighbours include Fiji, American Samoa and the Cook Islands. Air New Zealand offer flights from Sydney/Melbourne to Apia via Auckland.

From Hours

Sydney 6.5

Melbourne 6.5

Perth 11

When to go/weather
Samoa has a humid, tropical climate with a rainy and a dry season. Even during the rainy season (December to April), there is plenty of intense sunshine, and the days are slightly warmer and more humid. May to November may be a little more comfortable for travelling, with an average daytime temperature of around 28C, dropping to a balmy 23C at night.

Average Temperature

Cool Season (May to November) 24 - 29°C

Hot Season (December to April) 26 - 31°C

Where to stay
Samoa has a good range of accommodation for any budget, from budget bungalows to fairly luxurious resorts. The Samoan culture places great importance on the family, and the Samoans have a special affection for children, so kids will be more than welcome at most hotels and resorts.

Resorts with kids’ clubs/facilities offered

Sa’Moana Resort
Sa’Moana Resort is a family-friendly resort in Salamumu Beach on the southern side of Upolu. The resort offers a taste of the natural and cultural beauty of Samoa, offering rustic, traditional style fales (bungalows) while providing modern facilities and a focus on water-based activities. There are two double-story family fales that can sleep up to 5 children, and friendly staff on-hand to look after the kids at any time.

Food and Drink
Food in Samoa consists mainly of seafood, pork, chicken and tropical crops such as coconut and fresh fruit. The traditional Polynesian feast is cooked in the umu, and above-ground oven. A good variety of places to eat out are found in the larger towns, with Western and Asian food on offer alongside Samoan fare. Many restaurants and bars offer fiafia nights during the week – Samoan buffet and cultural shows where the whole family can join in.

Shopping
Businesses are open 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Some shops close for lunch, between noon and 1:30pm. Saturday hours are 8am to 12:30, and on Sunday all shops are closed except for small convenience stores. Some good souvenirs to look for at markets and gift shops are handicrafts like carvings, woven bags, baskets, mats and shell ula (leis.)

Airports
Faleolo International Airport is 35km west of Apia and handles both International and Domestic flights. There’s an ANZ bank, ATMs, food and duty free shopping available. There are also domestic airports at Maota and Asau on Savaii Island.

Transfers from airport
If your hotel or resort doesn’t offer it’s own transfers, there’s an airport bus service for international passengers that stops off at the major hotels in Apia. Taxis are always waiting to greet passengers outside the International terminal.

Getting around for families
Getting around in Samoa is easy and inexpensive and makes for an interesting experience in itself. Timetables, however, should be regarded as “rough guides” only! A bus services operates on both Upolu and Savaii. Check with the driver if the bus is headed to your intended destination. A passenger and vehicle ferry services operates between Upolu and Savaii, and smaller boats can take you out to the other islands. Car hire is also available, but be aware that petrol can only be obtained in the larger towns.

What to wear
Pack light summer clothing and beach gear, and perhaps light jackets and jumpers for cooler evenings. Smart casual evening wear is appropriate for hotels and restaurants. Visitors shouldn't wear skimpy beach wear while in town or in villages – women should cover themselves with a lavalava (sarong), particularly when attending a church service.

Population
Samoa has a population of around 164,000. The Samoans are the most populous full-blooded Polynesian race in the world.

Culture/Religion
Samoans have a very traditional Polynesia society, with each village vesting authority in the matai, or chief. Since being introduced to missionaries in the early 19th century, Samoans have become devout Christians, and have blended the religion with their ancient ways to create a version of Christianity that is, in many ways, uniquely Samoan. Respect for church leaders and reverent observation of the Sabbath and other religious rules is a must in Samoa. When travelling around Samoa, avoid walking through villages during the evening prayer curfew (usually between 6pm and 7pm), which lasts between 10 and 20 minutes and is announced by the blowing of a conch shell, and it’s best to take things slowly and not drive through villages on a Sunday when the Samoans are in prayer.

Dancing and singing are a big part of Samoan culture. The fiafia is a village play that tells stories through dance movements – it can now be seen at many Samoan bars and hotels.

Language
Most people use Samoan in everyday conversation, although English is normally used for government and business and is spoken by most Samoans.

Hello Talofa Tah-low-far

Goodbye Tofa Tor-far

Thank you Fa’afetai Far-ah-fay-tie

Please Fa’amoloemole Fah-ah-more-le-more-le

Yes Ioe Ee-or-e

No Leaia Le-eh

Maybe Masalo Mar-sar-lor

Time
Samoa is 21 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. Click here for more on time zones.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Tala (WST), which is divided into 100 Senes. $1AU is roughly equivalent to 2 WST. For up to date currency conversion, click here.

Tipping
Tipping isn’t really common in Samoa, but it’s OK to offer money or a small gift if you feel you’ve received exceptional service.

Electricity
240 volts, 50Hz AC, the same as Australia.

Health precautions
Talk to your GP 6 weeks before you leave to find out which vaccinations are recommended. While there is no malaria risk in Samoa, it’s important to carry Rid or some other protection from biting insects which may carry other tropical diseases.

Tap water
Take care to not drink tap water or ice made from tap water, unless it’s been boiled first. Bottled water is available at most stores and restaurants.

Passport and Visa Requirements
A visa isn’t required for a stay of 30 days or less, but you must have a valid passport six months or more from the expiry date and a return or onward ticket.

HWK Family Travel Tips
It’s quite common for children to suffer ear pain during ascent and descent on the plane, especially if they have a cold. Chewy lollies, nasal sprays and decongestants and inhaling eucalyptus can all help reduce the pain.