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Apia

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Overview

Apia (Samoan: [a.pi.a]) is the capital and largest city of Samoa. It is located on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa's second-largest island. Apia falls within the political district (itūmālō) of Tuamasaga.

The Apia Urban Area (generally known as the City of Apia) has a population of 35,974 (2021 census). Its geographic boundaries extend from the east approximately from Letogo village in Vaimauga to the west in the newer, industrialized region of Apia which extends to Vaitele village in Faleata.

Wikivoyage guide · 24 sections

▸Introduction538 chars

Apia is the capital of Samoa. It is on the northern coast of the island of Upolu and has a population of 42,000 (2021). As with most Pacific Island capitals, Apia is a little shabby and run down. Reasonably small in size and with few obvious attractions, Apia is very useful as a stop-off point for first-time visitors to get their bearings, plan travel around the island of Upolu, organise accommodation on the beach, and recover from jet lag. Most of Samoa's highlights are outside the town, although many are within a very short drive.

▸Understand716 chars

Apia was founded in the 1850s, and has been the capital of Samoa since 1959.

The harbour was the site of an infamous naval standoff in 1889 when seven ships from Germany, the US, and Britain refused to leave the harbour as a typhoon was approaching, for fear of losing face. All the ships were sunk, except for one British cruiser. Nearly 200 American and German lives were lost. Eventually, New Zealand occupied the area after World War I. During the struggle for independence organised by the Mau movement, a peaceful gathering in the town resulted in the killing of the paramount chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III and ten others by New Zealand police on 28 December 1929. The country attained independence in 1962.

▸Climate298 chars

Located 13 degrees south of the Equator, Apia's climate is tropical with constant temperatures around the year. The amount of precipitation varies throughout the year; from December to March over 300 mm of rain per month can be expected while it's a bit dryer during the southern hemisphere winter.

Facts

Rank

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia2,510 words

WBP editorial3

Getting a feel for the rhythm of the capital

Apia’s streets are a study in contrasts: the early morning market in Alafua hums with vendors hawking fresh taro, while the latter half of the day sees downtown cafés where locals sip coffee brewed from locally‑grown beans. The city’s compact size means you can walk from the harbour to the lush hill‑top park of Palolo without a rush, letting you observe how Samoan communal life blends with the occasional burst of Western retail. Keep an eye out for the subtle exchange of greetings – a nod, a handshake, or a soft "Talofa" – which signals respect and opens doors to spontaneous invitations to join a family lunch or a church choir practice.

Beyond the tourist brochure: neighbourhoods worth exploring

Most visitors linger around the waterfront and central market, but the neighbourhood of Vavau offers a different texture: narrow lanes lined with wooden fale, colourful murals commissioned by local artists, and a modest surf break that locals surf before the tide turns. Further west, the industrial stretch near Vaitele hides a burgeoning food scene, where second‑generation Samoan chefs reinterpret traditional dishes using Asian spices. A short trek up to the hillside village of Leulumoega provides panoramic views of the harbour and a chance to witness a traditional kava ceremony, an intimate glimpse of cultural etiquette that rarely appears in guidebooks.

More in cities0

▸Get around703 chars

Much of Apia is within walking distance, although this could be an uncomfortable experience on a hot and humid Samoan Day. Another thing to consider is the number of aggressive stray dogs towards dusk and in the evening. A walk from the suburbs into the centre is best avoided at night for this reason.

Taxis are cheap, safe and easy to hail down but single women are advised to sit in the back seat, particularly if wearing a short skirt. Ridesharing services including Uber and Lyft have become common means of transport in Apia too.

Buses fan out to the whole of Upolu from Apia. If you are staying at a hotel outside the centre of the town it may be possible to get there by bus. Ask at your hotel.

▸See2,988 chars

1 Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Cross Island Rd, Valima (about 5 km south of town in the village of Vailima), ☏ +685 20798. M-F 09:00-16:00, Sa 09:00-12:00. This house was built by RLS, the author most known for Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, during the final years of his life, which he spent in Apia. It was said to be the only place that he or his wife ever truly called home. Although none of his most famous works were written here, he did write some short stories here, including "The Bottle Imp", which he wrote specifically for the Samoans and Pacific Islanders. The Samoan translation of this story became the first work of literature to be written into Samoan (excluding the Bible) and the only work by Stevenson to be translated into Samoan within his lifetime. The house is now a very well-kept museum with a good collection of items either originally from the home or equivalents. $15.

2 Robert Louis Stevenson's grave. Located at the top of Mount Vaea overlooking the home, it is best visited in the early morning. As long as there has not been a lot of rain the longer and shallower path takes about an hour and is an easy walk. The steep path downhill is an option if it has been dry recently. Take water. From the grave, there are good views to the east and across the Pacific. There is no charge to climb to the grave. (updated Jan 2016)

3 Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa (Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture compound, Malifa (Cnr Ififi/Vaitele streets) in the old German school building), ☏ +685 26036, s.roma@mesc.gov.ws. M-F 10:00-16:30. The country's national museum is housed in an over-hundred-year old colonial building that was once a German school. Among other things the museum has Lapita pottery and stone adze heads, used by the early settlers to the islands; a good selection of historical photos; information about tattoos, and examples of Samoan birds. Entry is free though donations are welcome.

4 The fish market. Su from 06:00. This is when the locals go to buy fish for the special meal of the week, Sunday tonai. (updated Jan 2016)

5 Mulinu'u peninsula. Holds the parliament house, the law and titles court, the historic observatory, and many important tombs. (updated Jan 2016)

6 Clock tower. Built as a war memorial, the clock tower is regarded as the central point of the city. (updated Sep 2019)

7 Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Catholic cathedral and one of the bigger buildings in the town, also its cupols and ornaments sets it apart from the rest of the city's buildings. It was finished in the mid-19th century, badly damaged in the 2009 earthquake, and reopened after renovation and extension in 2014. (updated Sep 2019)

8 Apia Samoa Temple. The Latter Day Saints church west of Apia was opened in 1983 and is with its 75-metre high spire another place of worship that's also a remarkable landmark. Like other LDS Church temples, only members in good standing may enter, but anyone can walk the grounds. (updated Sep 2020)

▸Do2,029 chars

A walk along the sea wall is enjoyable. But only on a milder day (i.e. 25 °C (77 °F)). Many locals walk along the sea wall in the early mornings and late afternoon.

1 Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, Vaiala Beach, Apia. The only beach in Apia to the east of the harbour. Not really much a beach, though, it's mostly coral gravel. It's an official underwater park. The snorkelling initially seems pretty poor but if you venture further out (probably a good quarter mile swim) it gets a bit more interesting with the occasional turtle and black tip reef shark. Ask at the entrance where to swim, there's a marker post that helps. If you are stuck in Apia it's not a bad way to kill a few hours or just hang out at the "beach". You can rent snorkels here or better quality equipment from AquaSamoa at the Marina. Also check the tide chart at the gate before you pay, at low tide there is a long paddle out over very sharp coral to get anywhere deep enough to snorkel. The best time is on the incoming tide as the water level is high enough to clear the coral on the way out and you won't have to swim against the tide on the way back in. WST5. (updated Mar 2024)

Fishing. Samoa is a popular fishing destination and most of the charter companies operate out of Apia. The Samoan International Game Fishing Association is based near the port and can provide information about boat companies. Every year it runs an International tournament, attracting anglers from all over the world. Fish in the local waters include blue and black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin, and the giant trevally. Charter companies include:

Troppo Fishing Adventures

Golf. Two courses are close to Apia: the Royal Samoan Country Club near Fagalii Airport and the Faleata Golf Club, which is close to the sports complex constructed for the South Pacific Games.

2 Apia Park, ☏ +27 82 719 85. One of the major sporting venues in Apia. Mainly used to hold rugby union matches but also association football matches and athletic events. Capacity is 12,000. (updated Aug 2021)

▸Buy724 chars

Markets in Apia host many interesting stalls and locally made souvenirs. Many of the items on sale, such as cloth in Samoan patterns, are imported from China.

1 Flea market. The flea market nearby the fish market to the west of the Clock Tower, sells a variety of local handicrafts and imported items. (updated Sep 2019)

2 Fresh produce market. The new market or marketi fou is a traditional market selling all sorts of local produce as well as some handicrafts. One section sells kava by the cup. (updated Sep 2019)

3 Fish Market. The seafood here is at its freshest on Sunday morning as early as 05:00. You will find yellow fin tuna, eels, octopus, crabs, lobsters, sea urchins among other delicacies. (updated Aug 2021)

▸Eat1,003 chars

There are numerous restaurants that cater for locals on a budget and will sell the sort of food that is eaten in the average household. Beer and soft drinks are available at most places. The menu is likely to include chop suey, chicken curry and mutton flaps. Umu or earth oven cooked local food include roast pig, and the great delicacy, palusami. Palusami is made of an onion and coconut cream filling with a meat (usually corned beef, chicken or fish), all wrapped in new taro leaves and baked. This is a "must try" and goes well with taro.

Restaurants tend to close early by Western standards. With a few exceptions, the restaurants in the big hotels are the only ones open on Sunday. There are no street numbers in Apia so you will have to ask for directions if you do not take a taxi. The town is divided into lots of smaller villages and the restaurant location is given by village, road (e.g. Beach Road, which is a couple of miles long), or the building, which is not of much use to foreigners.

▸Budget1,881 chars

1 Amanis Restaurant, Fugalei St (from Farmer Joe's supermarket, 200 m more inland, on the right just before Tatiana motel), ☏ +685 25363. Breakfast and lunch only. Delicious local food by the scoop for takeaway or eat-in. $4-20. (updated Dec 2025)

2 Burger Bills, Vaitele St, Vaitele (at Farmer Joe's supermarket), ☏ +685 845 5777. Serves hefty portions of well seasoned fish and chips, fried chicken and chips and cheeseburgers. It's a challenge to finish the jumbo sized drinks. Limited options for vegetarians/vegans.

3 The Curry House Restaurant, Cross Island Rd, Papaloloa, ☏ +685 77 01904. M-F 12:00-22:00, Sa 16:00-22:00. Arguably the most authentic Indian cuisine in Apia. (updated Aug 2021)

4 Kokobanana Bar & Grill, Cross Island Road (just before Vailima), ☏ +685 26880, kokobananasamoa@gmail.com. M-Sa 17:00-21:30. Premier steakhouse with impressive seafood too. Try the lobster. (updated Sep 2019)

5 Italiano Cafe. The Italiano Café on the beach road, halfway between the tourist office and Aggie Grey's has decent pizzas for $18/27/36 (small/med/large). A “medium” is enough for 2! (updated Sep 2019)

At the Flea Market and at Marketi Fou there are lots of food stalls selling local food, mostly fried stuff. "The Samoan pancakes" (small fried banana dough balls) are delicious and cost 10 sene each.

6 Marketi Fou, Saleufi Street (entering Apia from the airport, turn right at Mr Lava Lava). M-Sa. The main produce market in Apia. Operates 6 days a week with a few additional traders on Saturdays. A great selection of local food and exotic fruits, including fresh limes, mango, avocado, pawpaw, pineapple, soursop, breadfruit, coconut, taro, leafy greens and several varieties of banana (including red ones). Try the palusami (taro leaves baked in coconut cream). It's a good idea to stock up on fruit here before heading anywhere on the islands. (updated Dec 2025)

▸Splurge995 chars

10 Paddles, Beach Rd (far end of Beach Road close to the harbour), ☏ +685 21819. Popular, if slightly overrated, Italian-style restaurant.

11 Bistro Tatau, Beach Road, corner of Fugalei St, ☏ +685 22 727. M-F 12:00-14:00 and 18:30-21:00. Dinner only on Sa. Australian-run restaurant that is considered to be the closest to Michelin quality in the city. Guys running the place reportedly a bit distant.

12 Apaula Heights Lounge, Mt Vaea, ☏ +685 31111, apaulaheightslounge2010@gmail.com. Has a bar that affords views across the eastern part of Apia and the Pacific. The food is above average standard for Apia and prices range from $30-70 a main course.

13 Giordano's, Falealili St (2 km south of Beach Road on the Cross Island Road), ☏ +685 25985, gastanley@samoaonline.ws. Italian restaurant famous for its pizza. Vegetarian friendly.

If you are wandering around town and absolutely stuck for a place to eat, the most westerly and remote McDonald's in the world can be found in central Apia.

▸Bars986 chars

At the end of 2010 the Apia bar scene had been thrown into some confusion by the puritanical tendencies of the Prime Minister, who was trying to get them closed by 22:00. Given the confusion opening hours are not specified here. You should check when you arrive. All bars are closed on Sundays.

There is a string of bars in the centre of town between the fire station and the Australian High Commission. This is a good area to visit in the late afternoon and early evening but is best left before closing time when things can get a bit troublesome.

2 Cocktails On the Rocks, Beach Road (just west of the Clock Tower). Well established local and expat bar.

3 RSA Club, Mulinu'u Road. A local club that tends to be a bit rough and ready and caters to an older, beer-drinking clientele, but is a great way to meet locals and chat. (updated Sep 2019)

4 The Edge Marina View, Beach Rd, ☏ +685 27 979. Restaurant, cocktail bar and event venue with DJs playing W-Sa nights (updated Sep 2019)

▸LGBT1,387 chars

There is no "gay scene" nor gay community. In common with much of Polynesia, there is widespread acceptance of homosexuality in Samoa. This acceptance of fa'afafine (the way of a woman) owes much to the tradition of raising some boys as girls. In families with all male children, parents would often choose one or more of the boys to help the mother. Because they would perform the work of women, they were raised as if they were girls. Although their sex was widely known, they would usually be dressed as girls. Many however, would eventually get married to women. Modern fa'afafine are more likely to choose to live as women, and more likely to be homosexual. Boys who appear effeminate may be recognised as fa'afafine by their parents. They will neither be encouraged nor discouraged. Fa'afafine tend to hang out together and bars popular with them tend to change over time.

Gays who are self-aware enough to realize they are gay, and not fa'afafine, may socialise in fa'afafine circles, and thus be more readily recognised as gay. There is an annual fa'afafine pageant.

The welcoming Samoan culture combined with a desire to shine favour from visitors, who are presumed to be very wealthy by comparison, can lead to confusing signals from friendly men.

Lesbianism is much less accepted. While there are lesbians, there is no lesbian scene and nowhere to easily meet Samoan lesbians.

▸Mid-range803 chars

2 Eden's Edge, Togafuafua (a few minutes walk south of the Apia Clock Tower), ☏ +685 26202, info@edensedgesamoa.com. Air-conditioned rooms with an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant.

3 Leric Housing Motel, Ifilele St (turn inland at the Vailima Brewery), ☏ +685 20260, lerichousings@gmail.com. With eight two-bedroomed units, the motel styles itself as family friendly. 10 minute drive from downtown Apia. Pool, basketball and tennis courts available.

4 Lynn's Getaway, Salenesa Rd, Motootua (down from the hospital and next to Lynn's Supermarket), ☏ +685 20272, lynn@lynnsgetaway.com. Colonial style bed and breakfast. En suite rooms from $130 to 150. Complimentary tropical breakfast. Rooms are air conditioned. Has a pool and free Wi-Fi. rates from $130 (room with shared facilities, one person).

▸Splurge1,576 chars

5 Hotel Elisa, Beach Road, ☏ +685 21116, +685 75 21116 (mobile), contact@hotelelisa.ws. Has a restaurant & bar, a meeting room for business travellers and a swimming pool. From $250 but there are also 14 budget rooms.

6 Hotel Millenia Samoa, on Mulinu'u Peninsula NW of town centre, ☏ +685 28286, +685 28284, info@hotelmilleniasamoa.com. Very nice, air-conditioned rooms and friendly staff. May be slightly expensive for backpackers but reasonably priced for couples. Inclusive breakfast. Short walk to the centre of town. Some rooms have patios overlooking the harbour. Notice that the wi-fi (LavaSpot) isn't free, but don't buy the internet from the desk staff, you can get it cheaper by buying it directly from the intercept page. Room rate is single / double and extra person WS$50. Children under 2 years are free. (updated Dec 2025)

7 Hotel Tanoa Tusitala, Beach Road, ☏ +685 21122, tusitala@tanoahotels.com. Completely rebuilt hotel after the former Hotel Tusitala was destroyed by fire. Good quality, spacious rooms in large grounds. Has a main swimming pool, a children's pool, a playground for children, tennis courts, fitness centre. WiFi access is free throughout the hotel but is capped at 1GB per day per room.

8 Le Alaimoana Hotel, Main East Coast Rd (almost next door to the UN building), ☏ +685 20392, fax: +685 23926, myroom@alaimoana.ws. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 09:00. Somewhat overpriced hotel for what you get. Convenient for visitors to Apia's large UN headquarters but a short taxi ride ($3) to town if you are a tourist. standard rooms from $195.

▸Stay safe919 chars

Samoa is generally very safe. Locals who strike up a conversation are unlikely to have sinister motives, however you will often be asked for money.

Free roaming dogs can be a safety problem in the capital Apia. The Government of Samoa (GoS) passed the Canine Control Act in 2013 as an initial step toward addressing dog management. Most dogs ignore you and don't see you as a threat if you ignore them.

Nearly all of Samoa's nightlife is in Apia, and so, like anywhere in the world around closing time, it can get a bit rowdy. Samoans are, on the whole, extremely friendly and despite their size, remarkably relaxed and gentle people. This does not mean you should let your guard down. Alcohol related violence is a major problem in Samoa.

The concept on ownership in Polynesia is different. Locals believe in sharing everything, and this does mean that items can be swiped. Do not leave anything of value lying around.

▸Embassies and High Commissions713 chars

Only Australia, China, Japan and New Zealand have full diplomatic representation in Apia. The UK and some other countries have Deputy High Commissions. The U.S. is represented by the Ambassador in New Zealandl, but maintains an embassy in Apia

3 Australia, Beach Rd, ☏ +685 23411.

China, Vailima, ☏ +685 22474, tce@samoa.net.

Japan, Level 2, B-Building, SNPF Plaza Savalalo, ☏ +685 21187, japanese.embassy@ap.mofa.go.jp.

4 New Zealand, Beach Rd, ☏ +685 21711, nzhcapia@samoa.ws.

5 British, Cross Island Rd (100 metres off Beach Road), ☏ +685 7653600.

6 United States, 5th Floor, ACC Building, Matafele, ☏ +685 21436, +685 21631 (Emergencies), +685 7771776 (after hours), ApiaConsular@state.gov.

Introduction

Capital of Samoa For other uses of the term Apia, see Apia (disambiguation). Place in Tuamasaga, SamoaApiaGovernment Building in ApiaCentral Bank of SamoaFaleolo International AirportThe Immaculate Conception Cathedral of ApiaMap of ApiaApiaLocation in SamoaCoordinates: 13°50′S 171°45′W / 13.833°S 171.750°W / -13.833; -171.750CountrySamoaDistrictTuamasagaConstituencyVaimauga West and Faleata EastFounded1850sBecame Capital1959Area • City47.80 sq mi (123.81 km2) • Urban20.0 sq mi (51.8 km2)Elevation6.6 ft (2 m)Population (2021) • City35,974 • Density752.54/sq mi (290.56/km2) • Urban35,974 • Urban density1,800/sq mi (694/km2)Time zoneUTC+13 (WST)ClimateAf Apia (Samoan: [a.pi.a]) is the capital and largest city of Samoa. It is located on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa's second-largest island. Apia falls within the political district (itūmālō) of Tuamasaga. The Apia Urban Area (generally known as the City of Apia) has a population of 35,974 (2021 census). Its geographic boundaries extend from the east approximately from Letogo village in Vaimauga to the west in the newer, industrialized region of Apia which extends to Vaitele village in Faleata.

History

[edit] Main article: History of Samoa A high chief of Apia, Seumanutafa Pogai, c. 1890 Apia was originally a small village (the 1800 population was 304), from which the country's capital took its name. Apia Village still exists within the larger modern capital of Apia, which has grown into a sprawling urban area that encompasses many villages. Like every other settlement in the country, Apia Village has its own matai (leaders) and fa'alupega (genealogy and customary greetings) according to fa'a Samoa.[citation needed] The modern city of Apia was founded in the 1850s, and it has been the official capital of Samoa since 1959. Seumanutafa Pogai was high chief until his death in 1898. The harbour was the site of a notorious 15 March 1889 naval standoff in which seven ships — from Germany, the US, and Britain — refused to leave the harbour, even though a typhoon was clearly approaching, lest the first one to move lose face. All the ships sank or were damaged beyond repair, except for the British cruiser Calliope, which managed to leave port, travelling at a rate of one mile per hour, and was able to ride out the storm. Nearly 200 American and German people died. Western Samoa was ruled by Germany as German Samoa from 1900 to 1914, with Apia as its capital.[citation needed] In August 1914, the Occupation of German Samoa by an expeditionary force from New Zealand began. New Zealand governed the islands, (as the Western Samoa Trust Territory) from 1920 until Samoan independence in 1962 – first under a League of Nations Class C Mandate and then, after 1945, as a United Nations Trust Territory. The country underwent a struggle for political independence in the early 1900s, organised under the aegis of the national Mau movement. During this period, the streets of Apia were the site of non-violent protests and marches, in the course of which many Samoans were arrested. On what became known as "Black Saturday" (28 December 1929), during a peaceful Mau gathering in the town, the New Zealand constabulary killed the paramount chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III. During World War II the United States Navy built and operated Naval Base Upolu from 1941 to 1944.

Climate

[edit] Apia features a tropical rainforest climate (Af according to the Köppen climate classification) with consistent temperatures throughout the year. Nevertheless, the climate is not equatorial because the trade winds are the dominant aerological mechanism and besides there are a few cyclones. Apia's driest months are July and August when on average about 80 millimetres (3.1 in) of rain falls. Its wettest months are December through March when average monthly precipitation easily exceeds 300 millimetres (12 in). Apia's average temperature for the year is 26 °C (79 °F). Apia averages roughly 3,000 millimetres (120 in) of rainfall annually. Climate data for Apia (Elevation: 2 m or 6.6 ft) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1971–2020) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 36.2(97.2) 34.6(94.3) 35.2(95.4) 36(97) 37.6(99.7) 34.7(94.5) 33.7(92.7) 35.9(96.6) 35.3(95.5) 34.8(94.6) 34.9(94.8) 35.1(95.2) 37.6(99.7) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 30.6(87.1) 30.8(87.4) 30.9(87.6) 31.1(88.0) 30.6(87.1) 30.2(86.4) 29.8(85.6) 29.8(85.6) 30(86) 30.2(86.4) 30.5(86.9) 30.7(87.3) 30.4(86.8) Daily mean °C (°F) 27.6(81.7) 27.7(81.9) 27.7(81.9) 27.8(82.0) 27.3(81.1) 27.1(80.8) 26.6(79.9) 26.6(79.9) 26.8(80.2) 27(81) 27.4(81.3) 27.5(81.5) 27.3(81.1) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 24.5(76.1) 24.6(76.3) 24.5(76.1) 24.5(76.1) 24(75) 23.9(75.0) 23.5(74.3) 23.4(74.1) 23.6(74.5) 23.9(75.0) 24.2(75.6) 24.4(75.9) 24.1(75.3) Record low °C (°F) 16.2(61.2) 19.5(67.1) 20.7(69.3) 19.5(67.1) 14.9(58.8) 17.6(63.7) 17.9(64.2) 18.1(64.6) 17.5(63.5) 19.4(66.9) 18.9(66.0) 19.5(67.1) 14.9(58.8) Average precipitation mm (inches) 482.8(19.01) 406.3(16.00) 302(11.9) 231.8(9.13) 244.6(9.63) 139.2(5.48) 132.8(5.23) 112.3(4.42) 143.3(5.64) 220.7(8.69) 260.5(10.26) 413.7(16.29) 3,090(121.68) Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 20.5 18.4 18.1 13.9 13.2 10.1 10.7 9.9 12 13.1 15.5 17.8 173.2 Mean monthly sunshine hours 149 160 173 186 193 197 213 219 207 199 181 154 2,230 Source 1: World Meteorological Organization Source 2: World Bank (sunshine 1971–2000)

Administration

[edit] Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi government building. Apia is part of the Tuamasaga political district and of election district Vaimauga 1,2,3,4 and Faleata 1,2, and 3. There is no city administration for Apia, as it consists of some 45 individual, independent traditional and freehold villages. Apia proper is just a small village between the mouths of the Vaisigano (east) and Mulivai (west) rivers, and is framed by Matautu and Vaiala traditional villages. Together with several freehold villages (no traditional village council), these 45 villages constitute "Downtown Apia". The Planning and Urban Management Act 2004 was passed by parliament to better plan for the urban growth of Samoa's built-up areas, with particular reference to the future urban management of Apia. The city's historical haphazard growth from village to colonial trading post to the major financial and business centre of the country has resulted in major infrastructural problems in the city. Problems of flooding are commonplace in the wet season, given the low flood-prone valley that the city is built on. In the inner-city village of Sogi, there are major shoreline pollution and effluent issues given that the village is situated on swamplands. The disparate village administrations of the Apia Urban Area has resulted in a lack of a unified and codified legislative approach to sewage disposal. The significant increase in vehicle ownership has resulted in traffic congestion in the inner city streets and the need for major projects in road-widening and traffic management. The PUMA legislation sets up the Planning Urban Management Authority to manage better the unique planning issues facing Apia's urban growth.

City features

[edit] A historical photo of Mulinuʻu showing oval Samoan fale. (photo taken between 1893 and 1949) Unveiling of the Anglo-American Monument at Mulinuʻu (1900), with Mount Vaea, the burial place of Robert Louis Stevenson, in the background The Bahá’í House of Worship in Apia, Samoa This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message) A Mall in Apia Mulinuʻu, the old ceremonial capital, lies at the city's western end, and is the location of the Parliament House (Maota Fono), and the historic observatory built during the German era is now the meteorology office. The historic Catholic cathedral in Apia, the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral, was dedicated 31 December 1867. It was pulled down mid-2011, reportedly due to structural damage from the earthquake of September 2009. A new cathedral was built and dedicated 31 May 2014. An area of reclaimed land jutting into the harbour is the site of the Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II (FMFM II) building, the multi-storey government offices named after the first Prime Minister of Samoa, and the Central Bank of Samoa. A clock tower erected as a war memorial acts as a central point for the city. The new market (maketi fou) is inland at Fugalei, where it is more protected from the effects of cyclones. Apia still has some of the early, wooden, colonial buildings which remain scattered around the town, most notably the old courthouse from the German colonial era, with a museum on the upper floor (the new courthouse is in Mulinuʻu). Recent infrastructural development and economic growth has seen several multi-storey buildings rise in the city. The ACC building (2001) houses the Accident Compensation Board, the National Bank of Samoa, and some government departments. The mall below it is home to shops and eateries. The Samoatel building (2004) which is the site for Samoa's international telecommunications hub, was built inland at Maluafou, also to protect it from the effects of seasonal cyclones. The DBS building (2007) in Savalalo houses the Development Bank of Samoa and new courts complex in Mulinuu, with the district, supreme, and land & titles courts (2010). The Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Building (2012) in Sogi houses government ministries. Another addition to Apia's skyline is the SNPF Molesi shopping mall, opened in 2013. A new hospital complex was completed at Mot'ootua. Scottish-born writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last four years of his life here, and is buried on Mount Vaea, overlooking both the city and the home he built, Vailima, now a museum in his honour. Stevenson had taken the Samoan name Tusitala ("writer of tales"). Falemata'aga - Museum of Samoa is located in a former German colonial school in the city. The Bahá’í House of Worship for the Pacific is located in Apia, one of only eight continental Bahá’í Houses of Worship. Designed by architect Hossein Amanat and opened in 1984, it serves the island as a gathering space for people of all backgrounds and religions to meditate, reflect, and pray together.

Transport

[edit] Airplane at the airport Apia Harbour is by far the largest and busiest harbour in Samoa. International shipping with containers, LPG gas, and fuels all dock here. Ferries to Tokelau and American Samoa depart from here. Apia is served by a good road network, which is generally kept reasonably well maintained. Most of the main roads are sealed; the unsealed roads have lower use. Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road since 7 September 2009. The Samoan government started the second phase of a major upgrading of arterial routes around the Apia Urban Area in 2012, with incremental widening of major roads around the city. The country has no trains or trams, but is served by an extensive, privatised bus and taxi system. People commonly walk around the town, or even some distances outside it. There are few bicycles and motorcycles, but traffic congestion due to a huge increase in vehicle ownership has necessitated a major upgrade in road infrastructure. The main international airport, Faleolo International Airport, is a 40-minute drive west of the city. Samoa's major domestic airlines, Polynesian Airlines and Talofa Airways, service this airport. Fagali'i Airport, the small airstrip in Fagali'i, was used for internal flights and some international flights to Pago Pago in American Samoa.

Education

[edit] Apia is home to a number of pre-schools, primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions, including Samoa's only university, the National University of Samoa. In addition, the University of the South Pacific School of Agriculture maintains a campus at Alafua, on the outskirts of Apia. Another major school in Apia is Robert Louis Stevenson School which is a private primary and secondary school. Robert Louis Stevenson school is known as Samoa's upper class school, due to many children of Samoa's wealthy classes attending it. Universities[edit] National University of Samoa University of the South Pacific Oceania University of Medicine Colleges in Upolu Island[edit] LDS Church College of Pesega, Pesega Faatuatua Christian College, Vaitele Fou Kolisi o Sagata Maria, also called St Mary's College, Vaimoso Leififi College, Leififi Leulumoega-fou College, Malua Maluafou College, Maluafou Saint Joseph's College, Alafua Samoa College, Vaivase Tai Seventh Day Adventist College, Lalovaea Robert Louis Stevenson College, Tafaigata Wesley College, Faleula Nuuausala College, Nofoalii Paul V1 College, Leulumoega Tuai Chanel College, Moamoa Avele College, Vailima Lepa Lotofaga College Palalaua College, Siumu Aleipata College Anoamaa College Falealili College Safata College Aana No. 1 College Aana No. 2 College Sagaga College Colleges in Savaii Island[edit] Tuasivi College LDS Church College of Vaiola Wesleyan College (Uesiliana) Don Bosco College Itu O Tane College Palauli College Palauli I Sisifo College Amoa College Vaimauga College Papauta Girls College Mataevave College Primary schools[edit] Most of the villages have their own primary schools, but the Churches run most of the primary schools in downtown Apia. Robert Louis Stevenson School, Lotopa Marist Brothers' School, Mulivai Saint Mary's School, Savalalo Peace Chapel School, Vaimea Apia Baptist School, Aai o Niue Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, Lalovaea All Saints Anglican School, Malifa

Sport

[edit] Pacific Games[edit] Apia hosted the Pacific Games in 1983 for the first time in the country's history. The Games returned to Apia for the 2007 Pacific Games, in which Samoa finished third. A crowd of 20,000 attended the 2007 Games closing ceremony at Apia Park. Association football[edit] Apia hosted the Oceania region's qualification matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As such, Apia was the location of the first goal scored in the 2010 qualifiers, by Pierre Wajoka of New Caledonia against Tahiti. The qualification matches commenced on 27 August 2007 and finished on 7 September 2007. All matches were played at the Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Complex, which is named after FIFA president Sepp Blatter. The complex, based in Apia, is also the venue of the Samoa national football team's home matches and has a capacity of 3,500. Judo[edit] The capital also hosted from 2009 to 2012 the IJF Judo World Cup, which was downgraded in 2013 to become a regional tournament called the 'Oceania Open'. Cricket[edit] Apia hosted the 2012 ICC World Cricket League Division Eight tournament at the Faleata Oval's, which consists of four cricket grounds. The national teams of Samoa, Belgium, Japan, Suriname, Ghana, Bhutan, Norway and Vanuatu took part. It was the first time a tournament officially sanctioned by the International Cricket Council had been held in the region. Basketball[edit] Apia hosted the 2018 FIBA Polynesia Basketball Cup where Samoa's national basketball team finished runner-up.

Apia

Getting a feel for the rhythm of the capital

Beyond the tourist brochure: neighbourhoods worth exploring

Practical travel craft for a short stay