The people of Samoa are known for their warmth, generosity, and hospitality. They are sometimes referred to as the happy people, being always ready with a smile or laugh. The traditional culture remains strong today and is a source of pride for many Samoans. This vibrant tradition is manifested in many aspects of day-to-day life, from the widespread use of the Samoan language, and Polynesian colors and patterns in clothing, to the strength of the extended family structure, and frequent observation of traditional ceremonies. Of particular note is the ancient art of tatau from which western cultures derived both the word and the practice of tattooing.

Samoa offers visitors a number of options to explore. Some may prefer to spend time in the capital city of Apia visiting fruit and vegetable markets, investigating shops, or learning about traditional handicraft. Many also choose to spend some of their time in one of the many fales, or traditional open-air cottages that can be found at numerous beaches. In addition to the House of Worship, there are a number of often-visited spots such as the Palolo Deep marine reserve, the Papase’ea sliding rocks, the Piula cave-pool, and the Robert Louis Stevenson museum, to name a few.