Known as the Navigators Islands before the twentieth century due to the Samoans’ incredible skill as seafarers, the Samoan Islands were recognized as the Independent State of Samoa by the United Nations in 1976. The history of Samoa, however, is much, much older than that. These islands were first settled three thousand years ago, and from Samoa, much of the vast Polynesian Triangle of islands were settled. Using only handmade outrigger canoes with small sails, the ancient Samoans traversed thousands of miles of open ocean to unerringly find the wide spread, tiny islands that make up the Polynesian group. Now you can visit the place where it all began, Samoa, the beginning of the Polynesian Islands.

Samoans consider themselves to be highly competitive. In fact, the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent the last four years of his life on Samoa, famously wrote that “war is Samoa’s favourite pastime.” Today, however, Samoans only tend to ‘wage war’ on the sports fields of the world, and they succeed admirably there. Despite its small size, Samoa’s national rugby team is widely considered one of the best in the world, and often gives the teams of far larger nations a difficult opponent to beat. Famous Samoan rugby players such as Pat Lam and Brian Lima are household names in much of the world, and several Samoans play for the All Blacks. The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national team, admit only the very best players during a grueling and competitive draft process. The All Blacks, widely considered the best rugby team in the world today, have won numerous trophies and championships and are the current holders of the Bledisloe Cup.

Samoans also excel at wrestling and are highly visible in the professional wrestling circuit, especially in the United States. One of the most famous professional wrestlers, The Rock, has also gone on to have a successful movie career. Other famous Samoan wrestlers include Umaga, Rosey, Samoa Joe, Rikishi, and Sonny Siaki, as well as the well-known wrestling teams The Wild Samoans and The Headshrinkers. Despite the nation’s small size and population of less than two hundred thousand people, Samoans are truly a force to be reckoned with in the sports arenas of the world!

However, when they are not competing, Samoans are some of the most welcoming and friendly people you will ever meet. Visiting Samoa is an experience you will never forget. Samoans are highly religious, and almost all Samoans identify themselves as Christians. There are many beautiful churches on the island that you must see to experience for yourself. Also, approximately 2% of Samoans are Baha’is, and the island of Samoa hosts one of only seven Baha’i Houses of Worship in the world. The Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, is a Baha’í, and the Baha’i House of Worship in Tiapapata is dedicated to him.

A vacation to Samoa will immerse you in a distinctive culture and open your eyes to a vast history of exploration, competition, and religious faith. Visit at any time of year and enjoy an eye-opening and delightful vacation in this historically and naturally rich island paradise!